Decking an interesting way of paving

Press, 17 July 1979, Page 12

Decking an interesting way of paving

Home & People ■■■i—■■»—

Decking must provide one of the most exciting means of paving an area in any home landscape. The materials available for decking are much wider than most people realise — for example, we have concrete, concrete block, asbestos sheeting systems, and the more commonly used timber decking.

Whatever material is chosen, look carefully at all of them to determine which one is the best suited to your requirements.

Decks are in no way new’ and were, in fact, used by the Persians many centuries ago. They built decks of timber and placed them amongst the trees or used them as base for a pavilion with accompanying views extending out over the garden. Today the deck offers an opportunity to design a paving structure which is ideally suited to a hill site on the Port Hills or it can be used equally well on the flat of the Canterbury Plains.

Certainly with a steep site a deck means that the

outdoor living space can be extended from the house at far less cost; than if extensive grading! and retaining walls are used.

By using a deck structure there is little or no need to change the natural landform or to upset the natural drainage flow as the structure can be supported on metal, concrete or timber poles. With all decking at> tached to the house it means that the floor level of the house can be extended out at the same level. If an asbestos decking system or concrete type deck is used it could be covered with quarry tile or pebble-based material.

Decks can be easily combined with other structures such as fences, screens, seats planter units, steps,, pergolas, rails or space frames. Whatever the deck is to be combined with, it should be in harmony with the other form or material and be designed to suit the needs of your family’s life style.

If timber is chosen for decking there is litle which can match its natural qualities of colour and texture. Timber is ideal as it reflects very little heat or glare, making it an ideal choice for out of doors. The boards for a timber deck can be laid firmly together (not cramped) or with a slight gap between.

The timber will tend to move, whatever method you use, and consequently it needs to be securely nailed with galvanised nails which can be punched below the surface.

Timber is quick to dry after rain and easy to brush clean when it becomes dirty. Rough sawn

or dressed timber can be used for decking and stainedito the desired col-, out '

Staining, however, does have a slight disadvantage in that it tends to show footprints from dusty shoes, and, this particularly becomes noticeable when dark stains are used. A deck can be built to almost any shape. Trees can be allowed to grow through a deck but ensure that a reasonable space (but not too large) is left for truck movement. Often the opening can be enlarged later, particularly if the deck is constructed of timber. A deck is also ideally suited for use arcund a swimming pool as the boards are non-slip and quick-drying.

A change of levels, direction and size can make a deck area visually exciting. In certain circumstances it is possible to use the flat roof space of a garage or workshop as a deck area. It isn’t always necessary to have the deck attached to the house. Sometimes it is possible and desirable to place the deck area well out in the garden. Pathways can also be constructed from timber decking, set either at ground-level or slightly above.

All but simple low-level decking should be designed by an architect, landscape architect or engineer, who will be able to give you the correct sizes for posts or piles, bearers, joists and decking materials.

When considering the design of your deck work out what your requirements will be.

Do you want to be able to relax in the sun or the shade, or both? Is the view from the deck area important?

At the same time protection may be required from the wind, so plan your deck accordingly. Allow plenty of surface area on the deck. Don’t skimp; give yourself the luxury of a feeling of spaciousness.

LANDSCAPING AT HOME By Gilbert Brakey