A. As a rule no planning permission is required unless you are in a Conservation Area or your property is Listed. We advise on  all related issues, including the unlikely need for planning consents when we survey your property for a quotation. Construction details are always to the latest building regulation standards, in fact we prefer to lean towards slightly over-specifying materials if there is any doubt about a particularly challenging site. 

A. Timber decks are highly durable. That's because either naturally durable hard woods or pressure treated softwoods are used for their construction. Having said that the softwood option is the most popular choice especially from the cost point of view. Modern preservative treatments, principally Tanalised (a major preservative brand, widely used) can offer a warranty lifetime of 15 years. While it does not depend on further preservation methods to achieve this long life, weathering over the years does change the  colour of  wood to a soft gray, and stains and colours are useful to maintain a fresh reviving look to the wood and can be used to match the house colours if desired. 

A. Yes, easily. Use coloured stains and preservative paints to produce 1,2 or multi-coloured patterns on the deck, balustrades and railings. Adding pergolas, arches, steps etc. can make your deck even more unique in a very short time. You can change details or add structures to the deck at any time in the future with little trouble. Maybe a new level or a built-in water feature?

As well as balustrades and railings we can also add 1.8 metre high wooden slatted fence sections which are ideal as 'privacy screens' You may not have nosey neighbours but it may make you feel more comfortable if  passing cars do not have to see you in your dressing gown over breakfast on the deck! 

A.   A simple regime of  cleaning will enhance the long term appearance and durability of your deck. Twice a year (gentle) pressure washing will deep clean the surface and  regular brushing with a stiff yard broom helps in-between times. This discourages any attempt of algae to grow in  the grooves. 
 

Unless they are coated with after-market preservatives all timber decks will gradually fade to a  gray colour, and small splits are likely to appear on the surface of the boards. These are a response to intermittant wetting and drying of the timber and will have no structural bearing whatsoever. Regular application (as specified by the manufacturer, so probably only every few years) of surface deck preservative 'paints' will reduce the uptake of moisture and consequent swelling and shrinkage. 

A. Prices can vary enormously depending on size and complexity. Compared to other popular modern home improvements such as a conservatory or new kitchen decking invariably offers excellent value for money. A small deck is perhaps a few hundred pounds, but you can budget from there. Remember that adding to existing decking is easy to do in the future. The most important thing we that like to impress is that  even the  smallest area of decking will change your expectations and use of your garden more than you can ever imagine!