Timber decking guide - Design considerations

Decks look good anywhere and can be either contemporary or traditional in design.

Some of the factors that need to be considered at the design stage include:

• Is the site flat, sloping or difficult terrain - can changes of level be built in to add interest?
• Is the deck to be wholly in the sun or a shaded area or need to combine elements of both; either naturally or by including features like an arbor or screening for protection against a prevailing wind?
• Is the deck intended to be a private space or on public view. Will trees, shrubs, boundaries and buildings provide privacy?
• Will the deck's location interfere with services, like drains and manholes - access to these may need to be built in to the design.
• Is the deck primarily for adults, for entertaining or for family use with a children's play area - swing/sandpit included?
• What features will be incorporated into the deck design eg planter boxes, seats, trellis, arbors, pergolas, storage boxes, sandpits, ponds - almost anything is possible.
• Is a hot-tub spa, out of ground swimming pool, garden pavilion, shed, conservatory or other heavy structures going to be added at a later date? If so you will need to make sure that the structural specification of your deck is beefed-up significantly to take the loads that may be placed upon it.
• What style of handrail and balustrades will I need to build in?
• What type of timber do I need to use for the frame. Timber comes in various strength grades and for raised level decks you will need to use the appropriate structural grade eg (C24 grade).
• If your frame is in contact with the ground then the timber needs to be properly treated - click here for details about preservation.
• What type of board will be used for the surface of the deck? There are a wide range of species and styles available providing variations in grain pattern and colour. There is also a choice of plain, grooved or ribbed finishes to enable different effects to be created.
• Is planning or building regulation approval required?

The basic principles of deck construction: