Timber decking

It is becoming increasingly popular for people to extend their living areas outdoors, into the garden. The commercial use of decking and walkways is also growing, with restaurants extending their dining areas and pubs providing smoking areas.

Timber decking represents one of the best ways to create 'a room in the garden' and decking can be attached to a property or freestanding.

This Choose and Use sheet covers the four basic deck types - Ground level, Floating (raised less than 60cms), High level (raised more than 60cms) and roof top.

This sheet will also guide anyone looking at the prospect of installing decking to understand the importance of specifying the correct timber, the need for and the types of preservative treatments available and also whether or not planning permission is likely to be required.

Contents:

• Timber
• Timber strength class
• Metal fixings
• Site preparation
• Construction principles
• Laying deck boards
• Deck parapets of balustrades