Decking

There’s no doubt that installing a timber decking extension on your house can increase the value of your property, increase the amount of space you have for relaxing and entertaining, and generally add to you and your family’s quality of life.

A successful deck depends on selecting the right timber to blend with your existing home and seamlessly merges with the architecture.

Decks are ideal for uneven or sloping blocks allowing you to increase your living space, and they provide a cheaper (and often better-looking) solution than concrete or brick structures. Folding doors that open on to the deck allow you to extend your internal entertaining area – great for summer barbeques or basking in that precious sun on winter days.

It is even possible, for the more ambitious, to include a spa if the structure is reinforced and can support the weight of the water. Large trees can provide shade and a natural feel, but when incorporating them into the design ensure that they have plenty of room to grow.

The best position for a deck is north facing, to maximise shade in summer and sunlight in winter. If this is not possible there are many options including outdoor heaters, covered areas and latticework with climbing plants. 

It is important to note local council regulations before you build. Unauthorised extensions can cause all sorts of hassles if you ever sell your home.