Ipe is one of the densest and most durable hardwoods used for exterior decking. When it has been correctly specified, installed and maintained, it can provide a particularly attractive and long-lasting deck surface. White blotches on Ipe decking can be particularly alarming, especially where the deck is new, recently restored or has only just been … Read more
A homeowner asks a simple question: “Can you replace just the rotten elements?” It sounds reasonable. However, sometimes a few rotten boards are only the visible part of a much larger failure. That was the starting point for this substantial Deckorators Excursion deck in Capel-le-Ferne, Kent. The existing timber deck had reached the end of its natural … Read more
Before you buy composite decking, it is worth looking beyond the colour, price and headline warranty. Manufacturers and suppliers often make strong claims about British production, low maintenance, fading, durability and long-term protection. These claims may be accurate; they may not be! Homeowners should still ask what published information supports them. Where is the decking … Read more
Placing the deck in the right place is key Most homeowners begin by looking at the area immediately outside the rear doors. That may sit beyond the kitchen, dining room, family room or a set of bi-folds. In many average-sized UK gardens, it remains the most sensible place to start. Where should decking be positioned … Read more
Planning your new deck with confidence Planning a new garden deck can transform how you use your home. It can create an easy route into the garden and a dependable place for dining. It can also give family life somewhere comfortable to move outdoors. However, those benefits do not come from the decking boards alone. … Read more
Decking Day at horticulture House is the first of its kind hosted by The Decking Network. As a professional you are invited to join us on the 3rd of July 2026. From across the landscape, garden design and decking industry we invite you to register your interest in Decking Day at Horticulture House, Didcot, Oxfordshire. … Read more
Why Most Decks Fail Early (and How to Prevent It) Timber decking does not fail by accident. It fails through neglect, poor preparation, or the wrong products applied at the wrong time. That may sound blunt. However, it reflects what experienced contractors see repeatedly across the UK. Homeowners invest thousands in a deck, yet they … Read more
Questions to ask before you deck As the decking season gets going again, it is worth revisiting a few of the rules that still catch people out. The same questions come up every year. Does it need planning permission? Does it need a balustrade? Can a homeowner sign that requirement away? Is the frame timber … Read more
Garden decking can transform a space. It can add function, structure, and style to a garden. However, when it is designed badly or built poorly, it can also become the source of serious decking court disputes. Over the years, I have seen this pattern time and again. Since the mid 2000s, I have consulted on … Read more
A homeowner’s checklist for a safer, stronger deck that looks right from day one A good deck should make your garden easier to use. It mustn’t include any of these 7 decking mistakes. It should feel solid underfoot, look crisp at the edges, and drain well after rain. However, I still see plenty of projects … Read more