Decking Deal

A terrace that connects the doors and garden

Set out the route from the back door before positioning furniture. Allow room around occupied chairs and consider where steps land on the lower surface.

Our completed Deal terrace has grey decking beside the house, black railings and a handrail beside the steps. Another Deal garden combines composite decking beneath a pitched-roof timber pergola with sandstone paving.

These local examples help discuss layout, but the support structure and height must be assessed for your property.

Compare timber and composite products

Timber gives natural grain and requires care appropriate to the selected species, treatment and exposure. Discuss weathering and the intended finish.

Composite products differ in construction, appearance, fixing systems and expansion requirements. View samples and check the actual manufacturer’s care and warranty conditions.

Board price alone leaves out the frame, supports, fixings, cuts and transitions. Neither product removes the need for suitable drainage and safe edge details.

What belongs beneath the boards?

Specify supports and frame spacing for the ground, deck height, loading and board system. Ventilation, water routes and access for maintenance need considering beneath the finished surface.

A fabric or aggregate layer may form part of the ground preparation where appropriate, but a weed barrier is not a substitute for structural support or drainage.

For replacement decking, inspect the existing frame before deciding what can remain. A new board type may require different spacing or connections.

Steps, railings and exposed positions

Plan the height change and landing together with the deck. Railings, handrails and connections need an appropriate design for the arrangement rather than a decorative addition after laying.

In exposed Deal gardens, discuss suitable fixings and the actual product guidance for the environment. Keep the frame and selected boards compatible.

Surface texture and maintenance affect how the deck feels in wet weather. Remove algae and debris using appropriate methods; do not assume every board described as grooved is automatically slip-proof.

The 30cm planning rule has other conditions

Planning Portal describes decking as permitted development for qualifying houses where it is no more than 30cm above ground and meets the other conditions, including garden coverage and location. It is not a blanket permission for every deck.

Listed properties, flats, designated land and removed rights can change the position. Read the full decking guidance and check with Dover District Council where needed before committing to a raised design.

Coordinate any pergola or other building work as its own part of the proposal.

Costs and economical options

The area, board product, frame, height, access, demolition, steps and railings affect the installed total. Compare the same details and VAT treatment across quotations.

A simple lower terrace and a carefully chosen suitable board can help control the budget. Clearance stock needs checking for quantity, compatibility, damage and matching replacement availability.

Softwood may offer a lower initial board cost than some alternatives, but compare full construction and ongoing care. Cutting essential support or using unsuitable fixings is not a useful economy.

Plan the adjoining garden features

Discuss patios in Deal, fencing in Deal, turfing in Deal. Agree levels, access and the order of work together where the project includes several improvements.

See our genuine Deal projects

Deal patio, decking and pergola shows the multi-material garden. Deal decking and railings shows a separate raised terrace. Use the labelled photographs to discuss the layout you have in mind.

Read the complete decking conditions

Planning Portal: decking gives the full conditions, including height, coverage, location and property restrictions.

Questions about decking in Deal