Building a large raised timber decking project at Warlingham Nr Croydon Surrey.

The large raised timber decking patio will be constructed over old patio - reaching out over steep bank to give a substantial recreation area for family. Building the raised timber deck will also afford stunning views towards Caterham, and is situated on the North Downs.

On steep slopes like this - and of course with any other raised decking project - considerable expertise in construction details and load bearing qualities of deck timbers is very important. This type of decking work should NOT be placed with t6he local gardener or landscaper. It is a very specialised subject. Ultimately, your safety could be at risk.

All images may be clicked for enlargement.

Day 1 Before the deck can get underway, the decking Builders prepare for the treated timber sub-frame. As the deck is to be built on a very steep bank, extra care had to be taken with the siting and strength of the sub deck frame.

The first stage undertaken her with the large raised deck, was to get the upright support posts concreted into the ground to a suitable depth to allow for any 'made up' ground on the bank. This bank has been well consolidated over many years, so was able to take the posts for the large deck, without huge holes being dug out.

The decking system to be used called for the installation of a double bearer, positioned so that it allowed for the maximum 900m overhang for the raised deck front edge. Just three posts were inserted in the first instance to allow the fixing of the bearer joists at the correct level for the joists of the deck that would rest upon it. Additional posts were then added once the double joist bearer had been levelled and fixed. The dimensions of the bearer timbers being 150x50mm (6x2in)

Day 2

Once the bearer was fixed and additional support posts inserted, the placing of the decking joists was much the same as for any raised deck. Again. 150x50mm joists were used at 600 spacing. At the house end of things, the joists simply slotted into joist hangers on the wall plate that had been fixed. If there seems to be lack of detail on the finer points, it is simply because this is not meant to be a DIY manual on how to build a large raised deck. If you have the experience, then you should be able to see the procedure for this raised deck quite easily.

Once the decking sub frame was completed, the upright newels for the balustrades were fixed.

A 90cm overhang was incorporated into this deck. the standard of the joists and position relating to joist centres allowed for this. As can be seen, with this type of structure, a double bearer was incorporated - bolted to each side of the supporting posts. The post holes were of sufficient depth to endure no slippage of the structure.

Day3

A substantial sub deck frame fully completed and fixed before any aspect of deck laying was undertaken. raised or cantilevered decks over steep slopes require a much greater degree of expertise than is normally available with the non-specialist decking outfit. Employ professionals for this type of project. It needn't be any more expensive - either at cost stage or remedial works in the future!

Steep slopes such as this, are difficult to work on, and required staff to be 'roped' on occasions.

Day 5 & 6 (Rained off on Day 4)

The overall weight of decking structures such as this (Several tonnes) calls for the highest standards of decking construction. This applies to the basic supporting capabilities of the deck sub frame and also the structure's stability on a steep slope.

Day 7 - Job done!

Additional balustrade railings were installed along from the end of the deck - at the top of the bank through top the adjoining boundary. This ensured complete safety for youngsters - and elders - who are to use the deck area.