Timber or composite decking?

Both timber and composite decking can produce an attractive outdoor space, but they differ in appearance, maintenance and cost.

Timber decking

Timber offers a natural appearance that works particularly well in traditional gardens and planting-led designs.

Depending on the timber specified, it can provide:

• Natural colour and variation

• A warm appearance

• Good integration with planting

• A surface that can be stained or treated

• Flexibility for bespoke construction

Timber requires ongoing maintenance. Cleaning and suitable treatment help protect its appearance and service life.

Composite decking

Composite decking is manufactured using a combination of materials designed to create a consistent, durable surface.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced routine maintenance

• Consistent colour and finish

• No need for regular staining

• A broad choice of contemporary finishes

• Resistance to splitting and splintering

Composite decking is not maintenance-free. It still requires cleaning, and its performance depends on the quality of both the product and the installation.

We can discuss the advantages and limitations of each option in relation to your garden, design preferences and budget.

Ground-level decking

Ground-level decking can create a straightforward seating or dining area with a relatively low transition between the garden and the finished surface.

It is suitable for:

• Small seating areas

• Garden rooms

• Contemporary courtyards

• Level gardens

• Spaces adjoining an existing path or patio

• Areas where a timber finish is preferred to paving

Even a low deck needs suitable foundations, airflow and drainage beneath the structure. Boards should never simply be installed over unsuitable or unstable ground.

Raised decking for sloping gardens

Raised decking can provide a practical solution where the garden slopes away from the house or contains significant changes in level.

Rather than carrying out extensive ground reshaping, a structural deck can create a level usable area above the slope.

A raised deck may require:

• Substantial foundations

• Structural posts and framing

• Balustrades

• Steps

• Handrails

• Screening beneath the deck

• Drainage provision

• Access for future maintenance

The design should take account of the view from the deck and the effect on neighbouring privacy.

Depending on its height, position and relationship with the property, raised decking may require planning permission. This should be checked before work begins.

Replacing an old garden deck

Older decking can deteriorate because of inadequate support, poor ventilation, unsuitable fixings or prolonged moisture beneath the boards.

Visible surface damage may only be part of the problem. The supporting frame should also be inspected before replacement boards are considered.

Signs that a deck may need replacing include:

• Soft or decaying boards

• Movement beneath the surface

• Loose steps or balustrades

• Rusted or failed fixings

• Standing water

• Significant algae growth

• Unstable supporting posts

• Boards that have split or lifted

• An unsuitable layout for current use

Where necessary, the old deck can be removed before the supporting ground and replacement structure are prepared.

Decking foundations and supporting structure

The finished surface is only as reliable as the structure underneath it.

A properly installed deck requires:

• Suitable foundations

• Correctly spaced supports

• Appropriate structural timber or framework

• Adequate ventilation

• Drainage beneath the deck

• Correct board spacing

• Suitable exterior-grade fixings

• Secure steps and balustrades

• Separation from damp soil where necessary

The exact construction method depends on the size, height, location and loading requirements of the deck.

A deck intended to support a hot tub, outdoor kitchen or other heavy feature needs to be designed for the additional load from the outset.

Decking steps, edges and balustrades

Changes in level must be designed safely and comfortably.

Steps should have consistent dimensions and a clear relationship with surrounding paths, lawns and patios. Raised edges may require a balustrade or barrier, depending on the height and location.

Finishing details can include:

• Matching deck-board fascias

• Contrasting border boards

• Timber or metal balustrades

• Integrated steps

• Wide informal seating steps

• Handrails

• Slatted screening

• Planting beside the deck

These details help the deck feel like an intentional part of the garden rather than a platform added afterwards.

Incorporating garden lighting

Decking can include subtle lighting to improve visibility and create atmosphere after dark.

Lighting may be installed:

• Along step risers

• Beneath seating

• Around the deck perimeter

• Within nearby planting

• On walls or screens

• To highlight a specimen tree or sculpture

Lighting should guide movement without producing uncomfortable glare.

Explore our professionally installed garden-lighting options.

Creating privacy around a deck

A raised or exposed deck can sometimes feel overlooked. Privacy should therefore be considered during the initial design.

Options include:

• Slatted timber screens

• Decorative metal panels

• Hedging

• Pleached trees

• Specimen trees

• Pergolas

• Climbers trained onto trellis

• Layered shrub planting

Screens can be positioned selectively around seating areas rather than surrounding the entire deck.

Read our guide to creating privacy in a garden for a comparison of trees, hedging and structural screening.

Planting around garden decking

Planting helps integrate a deck into the surrounding garden and softens the edges of the structure.

Suitable planting might include:

• Evergreen shrubs for year-round structure

• Ornamental grasses for movement

• Perennials for seasonal colour

• Climbers for screens and pergolas

• Multi-stem trees

• Low planting beside steps

• Fragrant plants close to seating areas

The planting scheme should take account of shade created by the deck, available soil depth and access for future maintenance.

Avoid positioning thorny, vigorous or easily damaged plants where they will obstruct steps and circulation routes.