Decking is a good way to provide a modern aesthetic to your yard. You don't need planning permission in most cases. You will need planning permission for decking that is taller than 30cm or covers more than 50% of your property. You can apply at your local planning office

Decks, no matter how costly the construction is, will add value to your home. If your deck is big enough to add the square footage of your house, the increase of its value will be much higher.

THE AVERAGE LIFESPAN OF A WOOD DECK: Typically 10 to 15 years. The actual lifespan of your wood deck will depend on the type of wood you've chosen and how well you keep up with wood's rigorous maintenance schedule.

While many home renovation projects only recoup anywhere from 50% to 80% of their cost, multiple studies have estimated that the ROI for patios and decks can exceed 100% based on the size and materials used.

Clear away plants, rocks and weeds, and dig down to a depth of roughly 50 mm. Clear away the turf so you're working with the bare soil. Check the ground is even. Use a flat surface (a decking board or tamper is perfect for this) and place a spirit level on top to check the ground is even.

Many homeowners opt for natural wood decking, whether it's cedar, redwood, or tropical hardwoods. These durable materials, which have a traditionally beautiful appearance and rich color, resist rot and insects. But such attractive qualities come at a cost—both financial and physical

For decking, the requirement for maintenance is minimal, but nonetheless very important. The most obvious aspect of deck maintenance is regular brushing with a good quality, stiff broom. It is important to keep the deck free from debris such as dead leaves and other build-up such as moss or dirt.