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Step 1: Location & Usage

You can help us by explaining how you intend to use the deck, which areas gets the best sun, and which view is the most important to you. Think about your furniture that you want and how you would prefer it grouped or positioned before we finalise the design. Tell us if you plan to have any barbeque grills or open flamed burners on your deck. Consider your neighbours and whether you want privacy fencing and how the height of the deck or fence might impact them.

Step 3: Regulations & Planning

There are some practical things to consider too. Planning permission may be required for anything over 500mm in height. Building regulations require us to put a railing/balustrade on any section that is higher than 300mm off the ground, however, you could choose a planter instead. Our railings/balustrades come in complimentary or matching colours and you can choose from pickets or glass or just use glass alone, no railing. We will need to consider drains, waterpipes and manholes that may require a hatch in the deck to gain access.

Step 5: Extra Amenities

Consider a kitchen or bar area which also could have slate/granite/quartz/concrete bench tops. Lights require a power source as do hot tubs. We may need an electrician to ensure there is sufficient capacity and that your fuse board is up to code. Drainage can be important, particularly where we are digging out a significant portion of a sloping garden or installing a sunken level.

There is a lot to consider, but we will guide you and make sure we use or experience to ensure you get the best result and get a quality decking solution that lasts for many years. There is no charge for our design services, because we believe it is our responsibility to advise you on what will work and not work, what is required to meet regulations and help you determine what will suit your needs.

Wood Decking

Wood is normally the cheapest option and often is installed by any general contractor or builder. Wood is very versatile, giving you unlimited options of structures you could build on your deck (e.g. planters, benches, pergolas, etc.). Wood, however, is very high maintenance. It normally requires regular scrubbing to remove algae and moss that wood is prone to, especially where there are over-hanging trees or bushes. It is usually necessary to paint, stain or varnish wood decking annually. Wood is also susceptible to become slippery when wet and worse when algae builds up (it may even turn slightly green), so you need to be careful with wood decks in the fall and winter.

Composite Decking

Composite is pricier than wood or PVC but is a popular choice due to its style and durability. Our Ecodek product is made from approximately 60% sustainably-sourced wood flour and 35% recycled HDPE polymer (recycled plastic milk bottles). It comes with a 25-year guarantee and is available in a wide variety of colours, textures and finishes, allowing you to design a bespoke deck that is suited to your taste. You can even use multiple colours and design patterns to finish your deck with a decorative border or to highlight different areas of your deck. It doesn’t fade, warp, splinter or split. It is easy to maintain, requiring no regular staining or treatment, just an occasional wash down to keep it looking like new. Some of our range of Composite product also can be power-washed, but be careful, not all products can. It is just as versatile as wood for making add-on components and structures such as flower beds and benches.