A Garden Decking Patio - split level decks constructed from softwood decking timber.

This garden deck has one deck at ground level and the other deck slightly raised with balustrade surrounds - giving a slightly more intimate feel.

(There is a real feeling of having 2 separate rooms with this split level garden deck)

Two timber decks were constructed, with a split level to 'isolate' the upper level room. the before and after pictures of the decks show how well a deck compliments both the house and the garden.

Two distinct styles of decking side by side for you to compare. The basic deck platform, and the slightly raised deck with balustrade surrounds. The balustrades were made by using the top and bottom rail method in this case. In this event, where there is no issue of safety regulations as for a raised deck, it is a good idea to ensure that the bottom rail of the balustrade is sufficiently raised from the deck, to enable ease of sweeping. Only a small point, but one that is normally appreciated by those who have to sweep the deck!

Slightly splayed lower deck moved away from the normal regular rectangular shape of the standard patio deck.

Both decks in these split level decks were constructed using 6x2 (160x50mm) joist timbers. All timber decking and joisting were tanalised treated, giving the decking timber a 15 year guarantee against all forms of decay. The decking boards were Scandinavian softwood, which is guaranteed for 15 years against rot. It is important to use proper treated deck boards and materials for ground level garden decking schemes - or indeed with any decking project.