Decking Delivered Locally

Decking Delivered Locally

Decking can transform a garden from simply green space into a functional outdoor living area. A good quality deck offers more than just a flat surface; it creates additional usable space, adds aesthetic appeal, and can increase the value of your home. In this post, we’ll explore how to plan, build, and accessorise a deck that stands up to the elements and stands out in style. We’ll also highlight how Empress Fencing and our decking range can help you achieve a durable, attractive result.

Why invest in decking?

A well-designed deck extends your living area outdoors. It provides a level, stable surface for outdoor dining, lounging, and entertaining. Depending on where you place it, a deck can take advantage of your garden’s sunniest spot, letting you soak up sunlight while staying comfortably outdoors. Decking can be attached to the house to extend indoor floor space, or built as a standalone platform in a sunny corner of the garden. Either approach can dramatically improve usability and enjoyment of your outdoor space.

Key benefits include:

• Increased outdoor living area for meals, relaxation, or play.
• Enhanced curb appeal and home value.
• Flexible design options to match your house and garden geometry.
• The potential for multi-level configurations to define zones.

Planning your deck – materials, design, and durability

A successful deck starts with careful planning. The material choice sets the foundation for durability, maintenance, and aesthetics. For many gardens in the UK, a good-quality softwood decking is a popular and cost-effective option when appropriately treated.

• Material: Redwood softwood, treated with Tanatalith (or similar preservative), provides a durable, attractive deck that can weather British conditions with proper maintenance.
• Species and treatment: Softwood decking is lightweight, easy to work with, and can be finished to look stunning with stains or sealants. Treated decking helps protect against rot, fungi, and insect attack, extending the life of the deck.
• Sizing: Empress Fencing and similar suppliers offer decking in various lengths to minimise wastage and tailor the project to your space. Planning boards, offcuts, and run lengths help manage costs and reduce waste.
• Accessories: Spindles, newel posts, handrails, and edge detailing complete the deck’s look while improving safety and usability.

Design considerations:

• Attachment vs. standalone: An attached deck can seamlessly extend interior space, while a standalone deck can occupy a sun-soaked corner or function as a focal outdoor feature.
• Levelling and transitions: If your garden terrain isn’t flat, consider raised or split-level configurations. Linked levels can define zones for dining, lounging, and planting.
• Access and safety: Steps, railings, and spindles are essential for safe movement. A handrail and appropriately spaced spindles conform to safety guidelines and add a refined finish.

Building a durable, attractive deck

A high-quality deck is a result of precise construction and timely maintenance. Here are practical steps and tips to help you achieve a lasting result:

1. Prepare the site: Clear vegetation, level the ground, and install a solid substructure. The subframe should be square, with support beams positioned to bear the load evenly.
2. Choose the decking boards: Select our softwood decking that has treatment for longevity. Ensure boards are straight, free from major defects, and sized to minimise waste.
3. Install the framing: Create a stable frame with joists and bearers. Use corrosion-resistant fixings suitable for outdoor use.
4. Lay the decking: Arrange boards with a consistent gap for drainage. Ensure a uniform surface and consider a slight slope for water runoff.
5. Add safety and style features: Install handrails and spindles along edges, especially on raised decks. For multi-level decks, add steps and landings to create smooth transitions.
6. Finish and maintain: Apply Cuprinol treatments or other suitable sealants to protect against weathering. Regular re-staining or sealing keeps the deck looking fresh and lasting longer.

Maintenance tips:

• Clean annually to prevent mould, algae, and slip hazards.
• Reapply protective finishes as recommended by the product manufacturer.
• Inspect for loose boards, nails, or screws and address promptly.

Embracing a full decking solution beyond the boards

A great deck isn’t just about the boards. It’s about the entire package that makes the space inviting and practical. Empress Fencing, for example, offers more than just decking boards. You’ll find a complete range of decking accessories to elevate the project:

• Spindles and newel posts: These elements frame the deck’s edges and stairs, adding a polished, professional look.
• Handrails: Safe, stylish, and compliant with safety standards, handrails provide support and help define the deck’s perimeter.
• Edge finishes and trim: These details give a finished appearance and help protect the deck edges from wear.
• Cuprinol treatments: Maintaining the deck with quality finishes ensures longevity and keeps colours vibrant, enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Choosing the right combination of decking boards and accessories helps you realise a cohesive design. A well-chosen mix can transform an ordinary platform into a feature that communicates style and comfort while increasing usability.

Practical design ideas to maximise space and impact

If you’re aiming to make a real statement with your deck, consider these ideas:

• Multi-level design: A split-level deck can separate cooking, dining, and lounging zones, creating defined spaces within a single outdoor area.
• Suntrap corners: Position the deck in the sunniest spot to maximise outdoor enjoyment, especially for morning or late-afternoon light.
• Integrated seating: Benches built into the deck can save space and offer convenient seating without clutter.
• Planter edges: Raised planters along the perimeter can soften the deck’s appearance and bring in greenery.
• Lighting: Subtle deck lighting or embedded features improve safety and extend usability after dark.

A good quality deck can quickly become the centrepiece of your garden, providing an attractive and highly usable outdoor space. Whether you attach it to the house to extend indoor living or create a standalone feature to enjoy the garden’s sunniest spot, a well-planned, well-built deck adds value, charm, and everyday pleasure. By selecting durable softwood decking and complementing it with a complete range of accessories—spindles, newel posts, handrails—and reliable Cuprinol treatments, you create a long-lasting outdoor space worth every effort. Embrace the possibilities with decking solutions that go beyond the basics, and transform your garden into a welcoming, stylish, and functional exterior living area. Empress Fencing offers a comprehensive selection that supports both practicality and design, helping you achieve a deck that stands out and endures.