Garden notes
Practical answers to the questions people ask before they build a deck.
Non-slip decking: what actually keeps a deck safe in the wet
Most slippery decks are slippery because of algae and wet leaves, not the board itself. Textured, capped composite boards resist algae and keep their grip better than timber, anti-slip inserts help on timber, and the biggest single difference comes from sun, airflow and cleaning the deck twice a year.
Read itTerraced garden ideas for steep and sloping plots
Split the slope into two or three flat levels, each with a job: somewhere to eat by the house, a lawn or play area in the middle, planting or a seat…
30 October 2026
Decking steps: sizes, layouts and what to get right
Comfortable outdoor decking steps rise about 150 to 180 mm each, with treads at least 280 mm deep and ideally wider than the door they lead from…
29 October 2026
Does decking need planning permission?
Not usually. A deck in the garden of a house in England is permitted development if no part of it is more than 30 cm above the ground, it is not…
29 October 2026
Hot tub decking: weight, layout and electrics
A filled hot tub with people in it can weigh two to three tonnes, so it should sit on a concrete or slab base, not on ordinary deck joists. The usual…
29 October 2026
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