Landscaping, Lawns and Features

The British summer (and the rest of the year) makes timber expand and contract. Water gets in and rotting begins. If you don’t address these issues decking and structures will become unstable and rot.

This section describes the various structures and decking you can purchase. How you install and maintain your purchase is more important.

We’ve outlined various sheds and summerhouses and the pros and cons of each. We’ve also included some considerations for selecting timber for your decking and the base it is built on. We have included how often you should treat your decking and the considerations for the side that is exposed to the elements.

Decking and Terraces

One way to even out a sloping garden is to build decking. Decking is also one of the harder DIY projects, and it has a high failure rate. The frame should be made from treated timber. The spacing of the joists should be the same spacing as the decking boards. Make sure to check manufacturer guidelines if you are using composite decking. Like timber decking, composite decking also retains water and freezes and thaws throughout the year. A weed barrier should be placed between the decking and the ground. There should also be spaces between the boards to allow water to drain.

For code compliance and good neighbours, keep your deck as close to the ground as possible. A deck that is more than 30 cm off the ground requires planning permission. A deck that is that close to the ground also prevents you from being able to look over your neighbours’ fences. The guides below will help you learn how to build a deck, as well as construct a sun terrace or a garden building.