Garden decking guide

Decking bases

Before choosing decking, you should consider where and how you’re planning to build it. Is it ground level on a concrete base? Or maybe you want it raised on posts. In this section I’ll explain the various ways to go about doing this.

Ground level decking

Planning to build your decking for just outside the door? Or perhaps you’re planning to use decking to complement a newly built gazebo. The base to your decking will be relatively easy. However what to chose as a base will depend on the ground you’re building it on.

If you’re planning to build your deck on a hard surface, such as a concrete base, 95mm thick framing joists will be suitable. Due to the ground being hard and unlikely to sink. You can be reassured that these timber joists will still create a durable deck.

For decking on softer ground, such as grass, we would recommend that you upgrade your framing joists to 145mm thick timber. This will prevent your deck completely sinking into the ground. This timber is also ideal for more heavy duty uses, such as being built as an addition to a Log Cabin.

It is important to note if you are planning to do a ground level deck, precautions will have to be carried out for the timber. This will increase the longevity of your deck and frame. It’s important to note that your timber shouldn’t directly touch the ground. Using slabs or concrete blocks will help prevent the timber from getting damp. Also using a damp proof membrane or Weed matting will help further protect the base of your deck.

Another step to consider is treating your base josts, you can use a range of timber treatments for this step including our Black Tar Timber Treatment. Treating the joists as well as your decking boards will contribute towards the lifetime of your deck.

Raised garden decking

Raised garden decking is another popular way to build a deck. It’s generally the ideal way to make use of limited space, along with being able to build a deck on uneven ground or on a slope. With a raised deck, more options are then presented to you. Such as building steps and balustrade sides to prevent any accidents from occuring.

The most common way to build a raised deck is using Timber Posts. So long as you are able to keep the post secure in the ground, you will be able to create a deck as high as you wish. If you are planning to use posts, it’s best to use 145mm thick timber for your base joists.

Or, if you are planning to have a slightly raised deck, allow me to introduce you to our Timber Frame Base Pads. These pads make the leveling your timber frame easy.They can be adjusted to heights up to 150mm. They can also hold up to a weight of 1400kg.

For the best results, we recommend you place the pads on a paving slab or something of a similar shape. The 95mm thick framing joists will also be the best choice to pair with the base bads.

Garden decking kits

These kits have been pre-calculated to reduce the hassle of working out how many decking boards, screws and base joists are needed.

They’re often are available in a range of widths from 3m to 6m- These widths increase in 0.5m increments. Along with the widths theres also depths in 20cm increments, ranging from 2m up to 4m- Allowing you to build your deck to the size you need for your garden.

Garden decking boards

Most retailers will offer their decking with a 19mm – 24mm thick boards. Because of this we have decided to offer two thicknesses of our decking boards. 27mm and 31mm thick, both are thicker than standard in order to provide you with decking that will last. To choose which thickness you’d like, take into consideration the purpose for the deck, along with the footload it could have.

Along with our decking boards being thicker than standard- They are also tanalised and kiln dried. The tanalisation treatment may give the decking a green appearance, but this treatment is done to help prevent the timber rotting in damp weather. Although, we also recommend that you further treat the boards with a suitable treatment. A treatments such as decking oil, to help ensure the longevity of your new deck.

As the name suggests, kiln drying is a process of drying out the timber in a kiln to a moisture content that’s suitable for use in construction projects. Perfect for use with decking. Kiln dried timber also results in less cracking and warping in the timber, making these decking boards durable for many years of use.

Framing options

We understand that there’s multiple ways to build a deck, whether it’s on soft ground, a concrete base or raised on posts. This is why we have given you the option of two base joist thicknesses. One of 95mm and the other for 145mm. The option you choose will depend on how you plan to install the decking.

Recommended decking screws

Due to the timber being tanalised- It’s not recommended to use standard decking screws. Because of this our team have selected an alternative screw that feature a wax coating. These allow you to install them quicker and with less effort. The framing screws have been chosen due to their large head- Known to be resistant to breakage.

The screws have been listed as an optional extra,to not pressure you into buying our screws. However, you can find the number of boxes needed by looking at the kit list on each product page if you wish to order your screws with us.

Decking tiles

If you’re like me, a person who wants the cleanest looking result. Then our Garden Decking Tiles may be the solution. A great alternative to traditional boards, these tiles come in a variety of styles and materials to suit your area.

From Hardwood to Composite, these decking tiles will be perfect for our Gazebo’s and Log Cabin Verandas. When used appropriately these will really create a stunning finish to your Garden feature and/or structure.

Composite garden decking

Our Composite Decking range is the ideal solution to wet areas, due to the combination of 60% wood – 40% plastic for the composite material, they will never rot. The composite material is 100% recyclable, it also has some similar features to wood decking such as expansion and contraction- An important thing to consider during installation.