Does Decking Need To Conform to Building Regulations?

Decking is fast becoming a really popular addition to any home.  Allowing for a true indoor, outdoor living experience for many months of the year a deck can add considerable socializing and relaxing space to your home.  When planning your deck there are several things you’ll need to consider:

1. What type of wood you want to use (for example pine, ipe or teak)
2. Exactly where you want to position the deck
3. What size the deck needs to be and of course
4. The purpose of the deck will all be high on your list

But one question people often forget is whether or not decking needs to conform to building regulations.

The short answer to this question is that if your decking falls into the category of requiring planning permission, then “yes”, will more than likely need to conform to building regulations.  In most instances decking falls under what’s called permitted development (this applies to England and may well be different in Scotland and Wales – so do check if you are in doubt).  Permitted development rules assume that decking will be no more than a foot (30cm) above the original ground level and that the deck takes up less than or equal to 50% of the whole garden area.  By implication, anything falling within this assumption should not need to confirm to building regulations, but anything outside may well need planning permission and may therefore be required to conform.

To check whether your deck project requires building consent before you go ahead, here’s a checklist:

• Will the deck be situated within 20m of a highway?
• Will the deck be more than 30cm (1ft) from the ground?
• Will the deck take up more than 50% of your garden area?
• Will the deck impact on the amenity value or privacy of neighbouring properties?
• Will the deck be attached to a listed building, situated in a conservation area or in a National Park?

If the answer is “yes” to any one of these questions, or indeed if you’re in any doubt, it is well with checking your position with your local planning office.  At the end of the day, there’s no point in investing in a new deck only to find you have to remove it or alter it because you haven’t obtained the right permissions beforehand.

When it comes to building regulations, if your decking project falls into the category of requiring permission, the likelihood is that it’ll need to conform.  Such things as the height of the deck will affect the need for appropriately proportioned steps and balustrades.  Once you get into this situation, it is always best to be safe, rather than sorry and to contact your local Building Control office at your local authority.  Alternatively, a clued-up decking supplier should be able to guide you at the initial stage, but it’s always worth double-checking the detail you’re given by any supplier because the onus is on you as the owner to respect the rules.

There is now a planning portal online that you can use in England to help you ascertain your obligations, as well as applying for a permit if you need one.  You’ll find it here: planningportal.gov.uk