A timber deck can give your garden a comfortable place to eat outside, spend time with family or sit with a morning coffee. It can also connect your home with a garden room or help make better use of a change in level.
At Colt Carpentry Devon, we build and repair timber decking across Devon and Cornwall. A successful deck starts with understanding your garden and how you want to use it. These are some of the things to consider before starting your project.
Plan the space around everyday use
Start with what you want to put on the deck. A dining table needs enough room for chairs to pull out comfortably, with space for people to walk past. A seating area might work best where it catches the evening sun, while decking beside a shed needs to leave the doorway clear.
Think about the route from your house into the garden, too. The position of steps and handrails can make a real difference to how the space works. On sloping ground, the height of the deck and the design of its supports and edge protection need particular attention.
Choose suitable timber and a properly designed frame
Timber brings natural colour and grain to an outdoor space. Pressure-treated softwood is a common decking choice, but the treatment must suit its intended use. The boards and the supporting frame both need materials appropriate for outdoor exposure. The Timber Decking and Cladding Association explains the options in its guidance on timber decking.
The frame beneath the boards is just as important as the finished surface. Joists, beams, posts and fixings need to be selected for the deck's size, height and intended use. Drainage and ventilation also deserve attention from the outset. Each garden needs its own assessment, especially where the ground slopes or the deck is raised.
Check existing decking before replacing the boards
If your decking has seen better days, start by finding out what needs attention. Localised damage may be repairable when the supporting structure remains sound. Loose boards, movement in the deck or deteriorating timber are reasons to arrange a closer inspection.
New boards need a sound frame beneath them. Some problems only become visible when old decking is lifted, so the condition of hidden supports can affect the scope of the work. An inspection helps establish whether repairs, replacement boards or a full rebuild make sense.
Understand what affects the cost
The size of the deck is only one part of the quotation. Materials, ground conditions, access, the supporting structure and any steps or balustrades all influence the work involved. Removing an existing deck can add to the job. Sharing your approximate dimensions, a few photographs and an idea of your budget is a useful starting point for discussing the options.
Keep your decking in good condition
Regular sweeping helps prevent leaves and dirt from building up. Clean away algae and other surface deposits, which can make decking slippery in wet conditions. Use products suitable for your boards and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Take care with pressure washers, as excessive pressure can damage the timber surface. Allow cleaned decking to dry before applying a suitable finish.
Discuss your decking project with Colt Carpentry Devon
Based near Tavistock, Colt Carpentry Devon provides decking installation and repairs across Devon and Cornwall, including Plymouth, Okehampton and Exeter. Our work includes bespoke timber decking, replacement boards, decking steps and handrails.
A caravan deck and its balustrade from the side. 
Deck steps with lighting set into the treads. 
Chunky timber steps and a platform behind a cottage.
With over 30 years of carpentry experience, we bring practical knowledge and care to each project. We are fully insured and offer free, no-obligation quotations.
If you are planning new garden decking or need help with an existing deck, call Kevin on 07970 054412 to discuss your ideas.