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Kent - Tel 01322-787312
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A well-designed deck can change the way you use your garden. Somewhere to sit in the sun. A dry path across the grass. A place to drag the BBQ when the weather holds. But it only works if the materials are up to the job. We stock solid timber boards and strong joists, all pressure-treated and ready to go.
You don’t need to know everything before you start, as we’ve helped plenty of people who came in with a rough idea and left ready to build their dream decking. If that’s you, give us a call or send us an email.
What You Need To Know About Decking
Before you start building your new deck, it’s worth taking five minutes to think it through. Not just the boards you walk on, but the stuff that keeps it solid. The frame, the fixings, the timber itself. We’ve helped people who were halfway through and realised they’d missed something. If you want to avoid that, read on.
Not All Timber Decking Is the Same
You can find decking boards in all sorts of places, and you might think they all look the same. You will find that there’s a big gap between the decking that lasts and the decking that lets you down after a few years. Decking boards can easily twist out of shape or start to splinter after a bit of bad weather, and this isn’t always easy to notice when you’re just standing in a yard looking at a stack.
We only stock pressure-treated timber, built for life in the British climate. Some boards are smooth all over, while others have grooves on one face for added grip when it’s damp. You can lay them either way, depending on what suits your space. We’ve used Q-Deck plenty of times on our own jobs and rate it because it’s reliable, well-finished, and doesn’t surprise you with hidden knots or rough patches halfway through the build.
In our experience, spending a little more up front saves a lot of trouble later. If you’re unsure what to choose, please call in to one of our depots (or email us) with a photo or a rough plan, and we’ll help you select the best option.
Fixings and Accessories You Actually Need
If the fixings aren’t right, the rest of the job doesn’t stand a chance. We’ve seen people spend good money on boards, only to throw them all together with whatever screws were lying around and the decking fell apart 6 months later.
Decking screws are the ideal choice, as they are specifically designed for the job. They’re sharper, they pull the boards tight, and they won’t shear off when the timber moves with the weather. We also stock brackets and clips to help hold the frame square.
In our experience, the accessories are the part that people forget about. But when something gives way underfoot or starts lifting at the edge, it’s always the fixings that get the blame, so it’s best to get them right the first time.
Planning Your Decking Build
Start with a proper measure-up and don’t just guess it by eye. You’ll want to know the full width and length of the space, as well as how it fits with the rest of the garden. Consider factors such as sunlight or the slope of your garden. A straight rectangle might be easier to build, but it doesn’t always work with the way people actually use the space.
Once you’ve got that sorted, check a few key things:
- Have you left enough room for trim, edging, or a step if needed?
- Is the ground level, or will you need to build it up in parts?
- Will the board lengths fit neatly, or do you plan to cut around awkward corners?
- Will anything underneath cause problems, like a drain or a slope that collects water?
Contact Us
Got any questions? Or need advice on what Decking you need? Don’t worry - we’re here to help. We know Decking inside out.
Chat With Our Team - We’re real people who actually enjoy talking about fencing (yes, really). If you need recommendations, installation tips, or help with an order, then reach out, and we will help.
Delivery Options - We offer fast, reliable delivery straight to your door, We use our own fleet of truck to assure you product gets to you in perfect condition.
Visit us - Based in Northfleet, Kent and Catford in London we’re ideally placed for deliveries across London Kent, Essex and beyond.
Call Us
- Kent - 01322 787 312
- London - 0208 698 4064
Email us - Get in touch via our website contact form.
WhatsApp us - We are only a text message away.
No matter what you need, we’ll make sure you get the right products at the right price.
- FAQ
- DELIVERY AREA
- DECKING FRAME GUIDE
- DECKING CALCULATOR
- Why do decking boards have ridges in them?
Many people think the ridges are there to prevent slipping; however, they’re actually there to make the decking last longer. When installed with the ridges facing down, the airflow around the wood increases, reducing the risk of mould building up.
When the decking is installed with the ridges facing up, moisture gets trapped in the grooves and can make the decking deteriorate faster!
Do I need to get planning permission to install decking?In most situations, no. Decking is typically considered a ‘permitted development,’ so no planning permission is needed.
There are a couple of exceptions though:
· If the decking is over 30cm above the ground
· The decking covers over 50% of the garden area (alongside other extensions and outbuildings)
· The decking is being built past the front wall of your property
There are also further requirements that your decking installation needs to meet if you live in a conservation area or close to a highway.
If in doubt, speak to your local council before you go ahead with installing your decking.
What wood can I use for my decking?There are a wide range of woods you can use, including cedar, redwood, and mahogany.
However, if you’re looking for a sustainable option, we recommend FSC-certified decking boards manufactured from fast-growing woods. All the decking boards we supply are FSC-certified.
Whichever wood you decide on, it’s important that you choose treated timber. Often referred to as pressure-treated timber, this wood has been treated with chemicals that protect against rot, fungi, and termites. This extends the life of your decking by a considerable amount.
How do I look after my decking when it’s installed?High-quality treated timber decking will last a long time when properly installed, but here are some handy tips for extending the life of your wooden decking further.
· Sweep and rinse your decking once a week to get rid of leaves, dirt, pollen, and other debris
· Check regularly for mould and cracks – replacing one board is easier than the entire decking!
· Apply an oil or stain to protect your decking against rain, sun, and snow. We recommend you leave your new decking for six months before you treat it, so the pre-treatment erodes awayIs decking treated?Yes all our decking is pressure treated to uc3
What span should I use between joists?We recommend a maximum width of 400mm centres of timber joistsCan I Collect?Yes we have a warehouse and showroom in Northfleet In Kent and also in Catfort London
Decking Frame Guide
We recommend beams are constructed from two 47 x 100mm deck joists and are placed at maximum centres of 400mm.
Joist and Deck Board Spacing Guidance
G&G Decking Calculator
