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The exciting thing about decking is its immediacy. You might have to mix a small amount of concrete for the footings, but, that apart, you can simply float the deck over the existing garden – over old concrete, damp areas, rocks, slopes – and have it finished in the space of a long weekend. If you want an area for sitting, but do not have time to create a patio, decking is the perfect solution.

Why should I choose decking?

Things to consider

Decking is fun to build and just as much fun to use, but only if you spend time designing and planning all the details of the project. Answers to the following questions will show you the way.

• How are you going to use the deck? Do you want it for sunbathing or sitting in the shade?

• Do you want to use the deck for barbecues, or for the kids to play on?

• Do you want the deck to be physically linked in some way to the house or set in isolation?

• Do you want the deck to be raised up on legs or set more or less at ground level?

• If you plan to have a raised deck on unstable ground, will you need the advice of, say, a structural engineer?

• Does the deck need to wrap around the corner of the house like a Japanese engawa, or can it run straight out like a pier?

• Do you want a low-cost option, or are you going for the most expensive wood?

• Will your designs in any way affect your neighbors? For example, will a raised deck impinge on their privacy?

• Are there any overhead power lines that are going to be a problem?

• Some areas need planning permission for this kind of work. Will you need planning permission?

• The structure of a deck is dictated by local codes and they vary somewhat depending on where you live. Find out about yours before buying materials.

A small area of decking positioned in a sunny spot right outside the back door provides a relaxing place to unwind with a refreshing drink.

DECKING DESIGNS

This stepped decking has an integral bench and railing, together with handy underseat storage space.

Low-level decking is ideal for a pondside patio, and here the established tree will provide welcome shade in summer.

Raised porch decking with a fancy handrail and trellis – the steps also provide a pleasant way to enter the garden.

This large raised deck with steps and handrail is made more private by the addition of the trellis screens.

HOW TO BUILD A RAISED

Dig holes and set posts to follow your local codes. Take extra care to make sure the posts are plumb. Bolt joists that run around the perimeter to the posts, ensuring the joists are perfectly level. Add the interior joists using joist hangers. Cover the joists with decking and then add decorative railings.

A raised deck like this is good for a wild garden where the ground is uneven.

Plan view showing how the underframe supports the decking boards that are laid over the top.

SPLIT LEVELS

A split-level deck is a good option when you have a slightly sloping site, or when the upper step needs to be raised up above an existing structure – such as an old foundation or underground drain.

MORE OPPORTUNITIES

A deck is just a platform made from wood, so there are lots of interesting options. You could have a decking walkway snaking across the garden, a deck made from railroad ties, decking steps, a bridge made from decking, a decking-type area around a tree, a series of terrace-like decks running up a slope, a raised deck at the water’s edge, and so on.

SLOPES

Overlapping decking is a good solution for a sloping garden. All you do is build a series of decks that raise up and overlap each other like huge steps.

Codes and deck construction

Although some people consider following codes a hassle, you should remember that codes are developed to make sure your deck is up to the task of holding the weight of people and other items. A casual gathering of six friends could easily add a thousand pounds to the deck, and you want it to be sturdy. Also, if one follows the codes, it is much more likely that your deck will last much longer. Depending on the size of your deck, codes dictate the depth you must sink your support posts, the kinds of hardware you should use to hold it together and even the size of posts, beams, joists and decking. Codes dictate things like the size of gaps that are allowable in the railing to ensure a toddler doesn’t topple off the deck. Contact your local building inspector to find out where you can learn about your local codes.

PLANK PATTERNS

Laying the boards in different patterns will add visual interest to the deck.

Angled 45° to the joists

Angle-cut zigzag

Square-cut herringbone

Checkerboard parquet

At right angles to joists

Diamond frame

BALUSTRADE OPTIONS

The design of the balustrade can also transform the appearance of a deck.

Horizontal plain

Vertical traditional

Traditional diamond trellis

Modern square trellis

Modern “Chinese” trellis

1930s sunburst

DECKING STEPS

Simple three-tread steps are good for a low deck and easy to fix.

Open-plane steps with a fancy fretted balustrade are more complicated but can look stunning.