Building a deck in your garden can have many benefits. These structures can provide a hard, mud-free surface for furniture, they can make your garden look more attractive, and they can potentially boost the value of your home. But just what type of deck is best suited for your garden? This post delves into five factors worth considering when building a deck.
LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
Firstly, where in your garden will you put your decking? Connecting a deck to the rear of your home could allow you to walk straight out onto it. However, it’s possible that the end of your garden may be better suited – it might get more sun in the evening or it may be more sheltered from the wind. Work out which location is most practical, so that you don’t build your deck in the wrong place.
SIZE MATTERS
Next, consider how big you want your deck to be. Is it going to be a small deck with room for a couple of sun loungers? Or is it going to be a large deck with space for multiple tables? This will likely depend on how much space you have to work with and what your budget is. It’s possible to deck over an entire garden, but most people want some leftover space for a lawn or plant beds. Determine exactly how much of your garden you want to cover in deck and carefully measure this space out so that you know how many materials to order and how much this will cost.
CONSIDER HEIGHT
You should then consider whether you want a low deck or a raised deck. A ground-level deck may only need to be supported by a few sleepers and could be much cheaper to build. However, a raised deck may be necessary if you have a sloped garden. Raised decks can also have advantages like allowing you to access better views. The downside of these decks is that they cost more to build (you’ll need to put them on legs and you’ll need to install stairs) and they will likely require planning permission, which could be hard to get if they cast a shadow on other properties.
THINK ABOUT MATERIALS
Garden decks are typically constructed out of wood. However, there are various different types of timber that you can use. Natural hardwoods like oak and iroko can cost a lot of money, but can look very beautiful. Pressure-treated woods are likely to be cheaper, but may not last as long. Composite wood can be more expensive, but is very durable and can require less maintenance than both natural wood or pressure-treated wood.
STYLE IT OUT
Decks come in many different styles. Start by considering the decking pattern – you could settle for straightforward horizontal planks, or you could consider diagonal planks or a herringbone pattern. You may also want to add other features like steps, railings or even a pergola over the top. On top of this, you should consider whether you want to paint the wood a certain colour or whether you want to leave it natural-looking. Take your time to look at different deck designs to help you get inspired.
