The Dos and Don'ts of Building a Raised Deck

Thinking about building a raised deck? Do not even think about lifting a hammer until you have read our dos and don’ts!

With decades of experience in the timber decking industry, we have seen it all – and some of it has not been pretty! Now we are passing on our knowledge to you. Get your decking right the first time with our advice, all of which comes from years of hands-on experience.

Do Create a Solid Foundation

The foundations you build should hold your decking in place for decades, so it is worth spending a little extra time to get yours just right. Make sure you start with level ground and remove any debris from the area. It is also smart to add a layer of weed control fabric if you are working on soil, preventing any pesky weeds from taking over the underside of your deck.

Take a look at our guide to preparing your site for timber decking to learn more.

Do not Forget to Consider Planning Permission

Adding a deck to your garden is a permitted development, meaning that you do not always need planning permission to get started. But before you get comfy with that idea, it does come with a few rules you will need to follow. These include:

Ensuring your decking does not reach more than 30cm above ground level

Your decking (along with other extensions and outbuildings) takes up less than 50% of your total garden

Your decking is not attached to land in front of a wall forming part of your principal elevation

It is all too common for DIY enthusiasts to get carried away with the idea of a deck and forget to look into these rules, so do not make the same mistake.

Do Choose the Right Timber Species

At EcoChoice, we are always talking about how important it is to choose the right timber species for your project, but it is worth saying again. The right species ensures your decking will last for years to come, will need less maintenance and will perfectly suit the style of your garden.

Need some inspiration? Our top choices for durable decking include:

Cumaru

Ipe

Balau

Jatoba

Thermowood

Take a peek at our guide to choosing the best timber species for your decking for more helpful tips.

Don’t Skip Anti-Water Steps

Even an incredibly durable timber species needs a little bit of support to stay looking its best for years to come. It is crucial to remember, therefore, that every deck needs adequate measures in place to prevent water build-up. Skip these steps and you could end up with rotten decking boards.

Some of the best ways to prevent water from damaging your decking (aside from choosing a suitable species) include creating a slope of 1% and adding chamfered or pencil-rounded edges to aid water run-off. You can also coat your timber with a water-repellant oil or stain, giving it some extra oomph against the rain.

Do Work With Professionals

At EcoChoice, we know the value of high-quality timber when building a deck. Good timber is easier to work with, looks better and lasts longer, ticking all the boxes for a longer-lasting structure. That is why we only supply the very best quality, FSC and PEFC-certified timber to our happy customers.

Ready to find the perfect timber species for your decking? Get in touch today for a free timber match.

Tags: Decking, planning permission

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