It’s that time of year when the days are starting to get ever so slightly longer; we know that the clocks will be changing in no time and it won’t be all that long before we’re able to socialise outside. All of this typically leads us to think about tidying up the garden and maybe even making some significant changes to our outside space. One of the most popular and most desired outside features these days is decking, but if you’re venturing into investing into a deck for the first time, it can be a scary journey if you go it alone. It’s for this reason that we’ve put together this guide. Here are the main points we think you need to consider when planning to deck your garden:
Do you need planning permission?
The short answer to this is that the vast majority of decking projects don’t require a building permit, but it is always best to check if you’re in doubt. The circumstances where a deck will require a permit are: Where the deck:
- is situated within 20m of a highway.
- platform is more than 300mm from the ground.
- structure is likely to impact on the amenity value or privacy of any neighbouring properties.
- is attached to a listed building or situated in a conservation area or National Park.
You’ll find a complete article on this subject here.
What material should you use for your deck?
When it comes to which material would work best for your decking project, much depends on your budget and how much maintenance you can tolerate. There are three main options and these are hardwood, composite and PVC. We’ve written a complete article on this already, which you’ll find here. However, in the meantime, here’s a brief overview of the pros and cons of each:
- There’s no getting away from the fact that when most people think of decking, they think of wood, so it is the most traditional and classic of decking materials. That said, it does require a bit more maintenance than the other options to keep it looking great.
- Composite decking is a decking material that is made up of wood and some plastic or recycled materials. A good composite will look convincingly like wood and will require significantly less maintenance.
- PVC decking, no matter how convincing it might look is, at the end of the day, not a natural product but it is low maintenance.
Which option you choose is down to personal preference, but there’s no getting away from the fact that either wood or high quality composite decking will look much better than PVC and will enhance the overall look of your property without needing to cost a fortune.
When’s the best time of year to tackle your project?
Although spring or early summertime are probably the most desirable and easy to justify times of year to fit your deck, there’s no hard and fast reason to choose this time of year. In fact there are often good reasons for not constructing your deck in the spring or early summer. The first is the amount of humidity in the air as well as the direct effects of the strong summer sun. Typically springtime is a time of high humidity, which means that your wood will take longer to cure that it will in the winter months. The other weather factor is that if you fit your deck in early summer, it will take the full force of the summer sun before it has had time to cure, which could lead to the wood drying out too quickly.
The other argument is an economic one. If you can find a time during the winter months when your deck can be fitted, then you’re more likely to be able to find a fitter who’ll be able to carry out your work than during the busy spring period, enabling you to perhaps negotiate a better price?
Should you fit a deck yourself or should you bring in the pros?
If you’re a keen DIY-er, there are few arguments against fitting your deck yourself. However, if you’re in any way fearful of the nature or size of the project, you should definitely leave it to the professionals. Sometimes when people face the DIY vs Professionals dilemma they forget to look at all the different facts when making the comparison. If you’re a DIY-er who’s completely kitted out with all the tools to do the job, as well as having an abundance of free time on your hands, then these are great reasons to fit your deck yourself. However, if you need to hire tools and perhaps even take time off work to do the job, the economies you make on paper might soon be eroded with unseen costs or costs that you simply haven’t taken into account.
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FAQ
When do I need a building permit for my decking project?
While most decking projects do not require a permit, there are a few instances where you may need one. If the deck is within 20m of a highway, the platform is more than 300mm from the ground, the structure might impact the amenity value or privacy of neighbouring properties, or if it’s attached to a listed building or located in a conservation area or National Park, you will likely need a permit.
What are the material options for building a deck and their pros and cons?
There are three main decking material options: hardwood, composite, and PVC. Hardwood, the most traditional material, requires more maintenance to keep it in good condition. Composite decking, a mix of wood and plastic or recycled materials, looks like wood and requires significantly less upkeep. PVC, while not a natural product, is low-maintenance. The choice depends on your personal preference, budget, and tolerance for maintenance.
Is there a best time of year to build a deck?
Though spring or early summer might seem the most convenient times to build a deck, there are no strict rules. The high humidity during spring can delay the curing process for your wood, and the strong summer sun can cause the wood to dry out too quickly. Fitting your deck in the winter months can also be advantageous in terms of availability of professionals and potentially lower costs.
Should I consider professional installation for my deck?
If you’re confident in your DIY abilities and have all the necessary tools and time, installing your deck yourself can be a feasible option. However, if you’re uncertain about the project’s size or complexity, it’s advisable to hire professionals. If you need to rent tools or take time off work to complete the project, the unseen costs might outweigh the savings of doing it yourself.
Does the choice of decking material affect the overall look of my property?
Yes, the choice of decking material can greatly influence the aesthetics of your property. While all decking options can look appealing, wood or high-quality composite decking tend to have a more natural look and can enhance the overall appearance of your property more than PVC decking.