FAQs - Decking

The team at Farmac have many years experience giving our customers expert advice on their fencing, decking and landscaping projects. When customers visit our shop in Pudsey, West Yorkshire, we are frequently asked questions which we feel would be of use to others. We hope the questions below will be helpful to you. If you have a particular question which is not answered, please contact us and we will do our best to help.

  • Q. Can I build my own decking, or do I need professional help?

    Of course it is possible for the DIY-er to tackle decking, although a fair degree of competence is required. If you are at all unsure it would be worth speaking to a decking contractor. There are a number of our customers that build decking and if you would like their contact details they are on our website or give us a call and we’ll put you in touch. (Farmac Building Supplies doesn’t take responsibility for any contracts entered into between yourself and any of our customers. We only supply customer telephone numbers as a courtesy to them and yourself. No guarantee is implied or given)

  • Q. Could I change the look of my decking?

    Of course you can. Timber decks can be customised to your own decorative or stylistic tastes.

    You could stain your deck to practically any colour you want and we keep a range of decking stains in stock. Whether you choose one of a range of natural wood colours - or in a bright fashion shades, there’s a colour to suit your tastes.

    There is also a large choice of additional design features for example various balustrades, pergolas, fencing, trellises, steps etc. The design options are almost infinite and the nice thing about timber decking is that it can be extended, or another level or feature added in the future to enhance your enjoyment.

  • Q. Does decking need planning permission?

    Timber decking differs from a conventional patio, most significantly due to elevation and general height of construction. For all but the most simple, low level deck, it would be worth checking with your local planning department that permission isn’t required.

    As well as contacting your local planning authority, it would be worth having a chat with your neighbours about your plans. Neighbour objections are the most common reason for planning being refused or for enforcement notices after completion. Local authorities can insist that structures are dismantled and removed where consent should have been obtained.

    This is a guide to when planning would be required (but is not a definitive list):

    • Where the deck is situated within 20 metres of a highway
    • Where the deck platform is more than 300mm (1ft) from the ground
    • If the structure would affect the amenity value or privacy of neighbouring properties
    • If the deck is attached to a listed building or situated in a conservation area or National Park

    Building regulations

    Building regulations should be assumed to apply to every structure that requires planning permission.

    In addition to the situations set out above, other restrictions have been known to apply, including limitations to the overall deck area in relation to the existing property or garden area and the constraints of established building lines. For example, in England (after 1 October 2008), surfaces, including decking, are not permitted to cover more than 50% of a property's garden.

  • Q. How long should my decking last?

    Timber decking is highly durable because our slow grown softwood timber is pressure-treated for outdoor use. Modern preservative treatments mean that the timber, if maintained, should be structurally sound for around 25 years. However, to keep it looking good over such a time, it will need periodic cleaning and any finishes will need to be occasionally refreshed.

  • Q. How much should I expect to pay for a deck?

    The price of a timber deck can vary enormously depending on the size and design etc. Give us a call and we'll try to give you an idea on cost.

  • Q. Is timber decking slippery when wet?

    Timber, like other flat surfaces can be slippery when wet, but there are things you can do to reduce the chance of anyone slipping and hurting themselves.

    Using our decking with the grooved side facing upwards will help with slip prevention. Plan the position of your deck because if you place it in the shade or under trees and bushes it is likely to develop mildew, algae and moss. These natural growths will make your decking surface slippery and will develop more quickly near to trees. You should also carry out regular cleaning and maintenance.

  • Q. Should treated timber vary in colour from one piece to another?

    Freshly treated timber will have variations in colour. This is due to the relative proportions of heartwood and sapwood in a pack. Sapwood is more permeable and so takes up more preservative. This results in an initial variation of colour from green (sapwood) to beige (heartwood). Once built and exposed to the elements, the initial strength of colour fades to a warm, honey brown and in the long term will become a natural silver/grey.

    Timber is a natural product and variations in character should be expected. Occasionally timber containing high or mobile resin levels can give a blue colouration at the time of treatment. This will fade to rapidly into the overall natural green/beige colour.

  • Q. What maintenance does my timber decking need?

    A simple programme of routine care and maintenance will really enhance the long-term appearance and durability of your deck. All decks will benefit from a regular sweep with a good stiff broom and it would be a good idea to wash your deck down with a pressure washer a couple of times a year.  The aim of this is to remove dirt, dead leaves and any surface growths. This will also help to reduce slipperiness.

    Unless they are stained, timber decks will gradually fade to a pleasant silver/grey colour although the preservatives used to pre-treat deck timbers and protect them slows this process down. As the timbers weather, small splits are likely to appear on the surface of the boards. These are due to the wetting and drying process of the timber and will have no structural effect whatsoever.

    Application of surface coatings and specialist deck finishes will reduce the uptake of moisture and slow the process of swelling and shrinkage. Any product should be used strictly in accordance with the manufacturers instructions.

  • Q. Where should I site my decking?

    Timber decks are very flexible structures and can be located to suit you, your family and the property you live in.  

    Whether you want to place your deck in a sunny open space, have it as a separate garden island, combined balcony and veranda, or in an intimate, shady spot - it's up to you but to get the most from your deck, give plenty of thought to where you want to build it.  

    Things to worth considering include: Will the deck get the sun at the time of day when I want to be using it? Do I want to be shaded from the sun at the height of summer? Will trees or buildings block the sun. Will the trees drop leaves on my decking? Will I be protected from the prevailing wind?  

    Whether to be used for relaxing, entertaining, dining or as a play space for kids, decking  is a superbly versatile and aesthetic extensions to your home.

  • Q. Will I damage the environment by having timber decking?

    Not at all! The redwood timber used in our decking comes from responsible producers who insist on proper management of their resources. This involves the conservation of forests through the use of sustainable forest management techniques and renewal through re-planting schemes.

    Timber is the only mainstream construction material that originates from a renewable resource and, as a result of the policies mentioned above the amount of productive forest in Europe (from where most decking timber comes) is increasing every year.