Whether you are looking to add a beautiful space on which to entertain or design an area that will act as the centrepiece of your garden; decking is the perfect answer.  However, you can’t place your decking project just anywhere in the garden and there are several factors you must take into account before finalising your project designs.  Here are a few design tips that should help you plan the perfect decking project.

Considering planning permission

When deciding on where you will build your decking the first thing that needs to be considered is limitations that may be imposed by planning regulations.  If you want to avoid the bother of applying for planning permission then be sure to place decking no closer than 20 metres from a main road and no higher than 3 metres.  If your decking is going to be higher than 3 metres there is the chance that it can obscure the view of neighbours, so planning permission must be sought.

Weather and household amenities

Most of us that install decking intend to use it to enjoy the warm weather during summer; so be sure to consider which areas of your garden see the Sun for the longest periods.  You should also take into account any items that could provide protection from the wind, such as fences, buildings and trees.  Don’t forget to factor in any amenities that your decking could interfere with, like drains and air-vents.

Getting the size right

In order to get the look of your decking installation correct it is essential to take into consideration its size in relation to your property.  The aim with all decking is to make it look as though it was part of the original house design.  This will not be the case if you add just a small area of decking onto the side or back of a large property.  Likewise a deck that is too big for a property or that is built in a confided outdoor area can also look out of place.

Sloped gardens

Installing decking in sloped gardens is a fantastic way of adding level surfaces.  Not only does this approach add an interesting design feature to the garden, it also makes the space more usable.  For larger gardens or ones with especially steep slopes you even have the option of building multi-level decking.

Designing online

Richard Burbidge provides an innovative online tool which offers an easy way to design your decking project and balustrade system.  For more information on Richard Burbidge’s Deckplanner™ visit the decking section of their website.

For homeowners that are looking to landscape their garden; timber decking remains one of the most popular features to install.  The addition is especially welcome during the summer months and offers a great area to relax and enjoy the sun, whilst having a drink or doing a spot of barbecuing.  However, whilst many consumers are happy to invest in decking; they will quite often do so without spending a little time learning about the materials that it is made from.  There are numerous varieties of wood that can be used to create timber decking, but the most salient choice that you face is whether to go for softwood or hardwood.

Durability

On the whole hardwood trees tend to yield timber that is of higher density than softwood alternatives.  This means that hardwood is typically heavier and also more durable than softwood.  Therefore it is best suited to installations where the decking will be used on a regular basis by many people.  Hardwood decking is also better able to stand up to severe weather; making it a good choice for cooler climates and where the decking will have little or no protection from the elements.

Due to the fact that it is less dense and lighter; softwood timber is more prone to weathering than hardwood options.  In order to protect softwood decking from weather conditions you must treat it more often than you would with hardwood.  However, that isn’t to say that softwood decking doesn’t have a good lifespan and if treated properly it can last in excess of 25 years.

Comparing finish

Most softwood timber decking is manufactured from various evergreen coniferous trees, such as the Western Red Cedar and The Douglas Fir.  These types of tree produce timber that is pale in colour and offer a natural looking finish.  Hardwoods tend to be of darker shades and provide a richness that some prefer.  In both instances stain can be applied to change the colour to one that suits your tastes, although softwood decking lends itself better to this kind of approach due to its paleness.

Considering cost

The hardwood timber that is used to make decking is usually shipped in from other continents and the trees used take a long time to grow.  In comparison softwood timber is usually sourced from Europe and the trees are much faster growing.  Obviously this means that hardwood is more expensive than softwood.

So the decision over which option best suits your needs really depends on your budget in conjunction to how and where the decking will be used.  But don’t labour under the misapprehension that softwood decking is an inferior product; as if maintained properly it can deliver decades of quality performance.

Your outdoor decking is by design exposed to all kinds of weather throughout the year; from the Sun’s scorching rays in the summer, to the seemingly constant drizzle and showers in autumn and spring. However, your decking is at its most vulnerable during the winter months when the biting frost and ice arrives.  Whilst quality decking can withstand extreme weather conditions very well; if left untreated it will eventually begin to deteriorate.  So you are best advised to treat your decking during the autumn months in order to ensure that it lasts for decades.

A bit of preparation

Before you apply any treatment it is essential to spend a little time getting your decking ready.  Take a stiff brush and clean the surface of any dirt and algae that may have formed.  You should also remove any leaves or other bits and pieces that can sometimes become attached to the decking.

For stubborn problems

In some instance you may find that the surface of the decking will not clear up as easily as you had hoped and that the algae or dirt remains even after repeated brushing.  If this is the case then try and get your hands on a pressure washer, which often yields fantastic results.  In addition you can use products such as Cuprinol’s Decking Cleaner, which serves to help remove dirt and prevent the re-growth of algae.

Applying a finish

Finally add your water-repellent finish, which will help to remove the chances of rotting during the wetter months.  The treatment will also help to reduce the appearance of cracks in your decking surface, which can be caused by the weather quickly changing from dry and warm to cold and wet.