Design considerations
Design considerations
Prior to undertaking your decking project or engaging the services of a deck installer, you should have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and what practical limitations there may be, for example:
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Safety and position may become an issue depending on whether the deck is primarily intended for adult use or is to be a family area.
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Plan carefully the features you wish to incorporate into the deck such as swings and sandpits or hot tubs, seating, pergolas and ponds, storage and planters. Pretty much anything is possible but it will affect the size and position of the deck.
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Do you want the deck to be in the sun for as much of the day as possible or perhaps you want to build in natural sun and wind shade such as an arbour?
Do you intend to add a heavy structure such as a shed or hot tub at a later date? If so you will need to use the right strength of support timbers at the outset and seek the help of a professional installer.
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Do you want to build in changes of level to add interest?
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Do you want to make the most of a sloping site? Decking is an ideal solution but you may need to seek the help of a professional installer.
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Will the proposed location of the deck interfere with services such as manholes and drains? If so you will need to build a means of access into the deck.
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Select the timber for your frame carefully. A raised deck for example, will require a stronger grade of timber than a level deck. Arbordeck will advise if you are unsure.
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If the frame is in contact with the ground you will need to use properly treated timber. All Arbordeck timbers are appropriately treated for in-ground contact.
Do you prefer smooth or grooved boards? Often a combination of smooth and grooved can provide an interesting finish to the deck.
What type of balustrade are you looking for? Classic or contemporary you will find a full range in our products section and plenty of case study examples. We even offer Arborail, a convenient and economical rail kit in ten distinctive designs.
