Replacement of old Paved Patio and Step

The paving edges projecting into the lawn were rounded which minimised the usable space on the upper level and left awkward and unusable space on the lower level where not only did the space not get used but also it was almost impossible to get the lawn to grow in.Like all of our decking projects, the main goal was to increase the usable space, make it as low maintainence as possible, and improve the appearance.

The paving was difficult to keep clean, grout constantly needed to be repaired, and it was not very user friendly for a premium garden where a smooth, flat surface which is easy to keep clean surface was required. Maintenance for patios is very different from a Trex Deck, where only a mop and a hose is required. When this is combined with a long life warranty it means decades of low maintenance living which is one of the primary attractions of our decking installations.

Planning the Decking and Step Layout and Design

To increase the usable space, you have to be ruthless in your planning. If you have awkward corners and edges in your terrace this forces you to position rectangular furniture into the middle of the terrace, this reduces your usable space. The edging has to be planned with the end-use in mind. Rounded edges work very well when part of the intended walkways, so leading to or from steps, or with built in or custom furniture.

For a terrace this size, it is large enough to have at least 2 room sized areas as well as access to the lower garden. The 2 most popular room areas would be a dining area and a lounge area with sofas, coffee table, and chairs. For access to the lower garden, you need to make the stairs as flexible as possible for any combination of future furniture positioning. The easiest way to do this is with wide stairs as it gives you as much flexibility as possible for furniture positioning without limiting access to the lawn area.

Trex Lineage Biscayne Composite Decking

The decking specified for this project was Trex Lineage Biscayne.

Trex Lineage decking comes with a 50 Year Warranty. It is a Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking board which is Capped. The Trex capping has their proprietary Sun Comfortable technology making it cooler under bare feet than other WPC and PVC Decking boards.

Biscayne has been one of our most popular products since it became available in the UK. The colouring of Biscayne is an almost identical match to wood which has silvered from prolonged UV light. This means the colour of Biscayne is almost always already in most garden colour schemes across the Fencing and any other timber products in the garden, including existing Hardwood Furniture. Biscayne is a non-risk colour as it does not alter the colour scheme of most properties and it is the perfect blended background for the more vibrant colours of planting, feature walls, or furniture. If your budget doesn’t allow for Lineage Biscayne, take a look at Rocky Harbor in the Trex Enhance Naturals range as the colours are very similar.

Explore the Trex Decking and Railing Range at https://uk.trex.com/

Outdure Aluminium Decking Frame

We had between 50-70mm clearance for our decking frame. This limits options to timber, composite, or alumimium. We could have used 50 x 50mm timber, however this would certainly rot swiftly due to a lack of air circulation under this deck. 50 x 50mm composite (HDPE Plastic) would have also worked, however this material expands and contracts significantly as well as being highly flexible, meaning it would require far more support pedastals. The best option for these types of projects is Aluminium Framing.

We specified 45 x 45 Outdure Aluminium Framing for this project, with 45 x 135mm Framing for the Steps. Aluminium has the same advantages HDPE Plastic framing does, it is immune to wood rot and insect attack. Aluminium deck framing also has almost no expansion and contraction meaning the frame will stay where it is without movement over time.

Aluminium Deck Framing is also far more rigid meaning less pedestal supports are required. The Outdure Aluminium Frame also comes with its own system of corner and fascia brackets meaning and the joists are 5.8mt length, meaning assembly is far faster than HDPE Plastic Frames.

Outdure Aluminium Framing comes with a 30 Year Guarantee, the longest Guarantee available in the UK for any decking frame options.

Explore the Outdure Aluminium Decking Frame system at https://www.outdure.com/uk/

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Decking Design

The clients knew what they wanted from day one. The client had done initial drawings of the decking plan and sent them to us prior to our initial site meeting.

The design posed a unique challenge: with two main entry points and corner walls on either side, we had to ensure that the decking was installed perfectly level to align with the drip trays of both sets of doors. Any slope could have resulted in water pooling, which we wanted to avoid.

This resulted in us recommended a decking board which drains water very well versus one which requires a significantly sloping frame to drain off water. Decking with deep grooves or etched wood grain finishes hold water unless installed at an angle. 

The main upper deck features decking boards running perpindicular to the rear of the house providing visual depth leading a person to view beyond the decking to the garden. The longer length of Trex Decking boards means we do not have any butt joints, where two boards bump up against eachother to cover a longer distance, on the main upper deck. We added a perimiter edging border to the upper deck to give it a modern polished finish, trimming the boards around the door drip trays.

Pyramid Step Design

The custom-designed pyramid step creates a striking visual feature while softening the sharp corner of the extension. By extending the deck past the building, we were able to maximize usable space, moving away from the previous, standard rectangular design.

The pyramid steps also opens up and connects the deck to one of the lower level areas for future lower level lawn area plans. Subtle changes to design elements like incorporating a pyramid step design make the transition from lower lawn area to the upper deck a feature which stands out and personalises the project. 

Decking Ballustrades with Blackened Cable Wires

For the balustrades, the clients requested a sleek design featuring black posts with black wire balustrades. This modern look would provide safety and security while complementing the contemporary feel of the deck. After discussing their needs, we recommended Trex Posts and Signature Handrails for their durability and clean aesthetic, as well as S3i Group’s blackened stainless steel wires, which provide a striking contrast against the decking. We recommended Trex posts and signature handrails for their long-term durability, they come in Black, White, and Dark Brown.

They also wanted a Ballustrade at the other side of the deck, however we proposed a wall mounted Handrail on that side which worked better than taking up valuable space on their decking. Posts for Ballustrades would have pushed the handrail out over the pyramid steps taking away from the overall look.

Deck Lighting

The lighting plan was streamlined to a single row of LED lights along the top edge of the decking, providing subtle mood lighting that enhances the ambiance. Combined with the wall-mounted lights on the house, this offers the perfect amount of illumination for evening gatherings.

Fencing Panels

To complete the project, we replaced the old fencing with Jacksons Fencing Tongue & Groove Panels, installed vertically to add vertical lines that complement the horizontal design of the decking. These panels offer a refined finish and will gradually silver over time, beautifully matching the Trex Lineage Biscayne decking. With two rendered walls giving a strong meditterean feel, timber fencing provides a more natural colour finish to assist in softening the overall appearance.

The final result was a beautifully integrated outdoor space that blends seamlessly with the modern home, offering both form and function. The clients were thrilled with the outcome, from the carefully crafted decking design to the stunning pyramid steps and the sleek, low-maintenance finishes. This project not only elevated the aesthetic of the property but also created a durable, long-lasting area for entertaining and relaxation.

Products & Manufacturers used in this decking installation:

Decking, Ballustrades, Posts & Handrails:

• Trex Lineage Biscayne Decking Dimensions 4.8mt x 140mm x 24mm | 50 Year Manufacturers Guarantee
• Trex Siganture Railing in Black | 25 Year Manufacturers Guarantee
• Trex Signature Ballustrade Posts in Black | 25 Year Manufacturers Guarantee
• Visit trex.co.uk for more information or to request samples

Fencing

• Jacksons Fencing Vertical Tongue & Groove Fence Panels 1.83mt x 1.83mt
• Visit Jacksons Fencing for more ideas a fencing styles

Wire Ballustrade:

• S3I Blackened Stainless Steel Wire Rope Ballustrade Kits
• S3i Anthracite Black Stainless Steel Handrail Kit with Angled Stem Plate Bracket
• Visit s3i.co.uk for Ironmongery and Ballustrade options

About Oilcanfinish Outdoor Living

Oilcanfinish Outdoor Living are custom decking builders working with only the best materials for the project. We work with clients to create their dream deck, whether it is the transition from the back of your house to the garden, a balcony, a rooftop terrace, or an oasis at the back of the garden. We will make your dream garden a reality.

We are part of several Approved Installer programs from premium manufacturers of Garden Decking and Fencing products including TrexPro Platinum level installers, Inlite Partners, and we are the 2024 Jacksons Fencing Approved Installers of the Year.

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Millboard Enhanced Grain Decking

The clients selected Millboard Enhanced Grain Antique Oak decking.

The edging detail by the end of the deck and step was done with Millboard Bullnose boards to provide the professional finish.

Millboard Feature Wall

Once completed, rather than replace the Trellis beside the doors, the clients agreed to a Millboard Feature Wall. This was a combination of Millboard Envello Cladding, Bullnose Board for the top, and Fascia Board for the side to hide the framing.

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This garden project was nearly complete redo. The old garden had been designed well, with Decking coming out from the kitchen extention, 2 brick planter beds Framing the Decking steps, and then paving going to the back area where there was a shed on a concrete slab. The main issue was the Bamboo had taken over significant parts of the garden making most of the space unusable, the Decking frame was rotted out and unsafe, and the rendering on the brick Planters was cracked and broken off in sections.

The first part of the project was to remove the old decking, and install their new fencing and rear gate. For the Fencing the clients selected Jacksons Fencing in Featheredge Panels with a matching Jacksons Fencing Gate.

During the fencing build the clients decided to have all of the Bamboo removed, This is a significant task so a specialist company came in to dig this out. The Bamboo had grown under the concrete pad of the shed so the shed and concrete was also removed.Once this was done they also replaced their rear doors with new bi-fold doors, then a rendering specialist came back and did the rear wall and re-rendered the 2 raised beds.Then it was back to us to build the new decking frame.

For the Decking Frame we used Jacksons Fencing Decking Joists with their 25 Year Service Life Guarantee. The frame was supported by 3 rows of Bearers set onto notched composite Posts cemented into the ground. All Joists were taped using Walther Strong Joist Tape to protect the tops of the Joists from excess water damage. Finally we added our Landscaping Fabric and Gravel to prevent weed growth under the deck.

For the Decking the clients chose the always stylish Millboard Enhanced Grain Decking boards with Bullnose Boards for the exterior border and leading edge of the steps. They selected Ashwood, one of Millboard new colours introduced in 2024.

Explore the Jacksons Fencing Range here: www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk

Explore the Millboard Enhanced Grain Decking Range here: https://www.millboard.com/en-gb/composite-decking-collections/enhanced-grain/antique-oak

Oilcanfinish Outdoor Living are premium decking and fencing contractors based in Wimbledon SW19. We are Jacksons Fencing Approved Installers and Millboard Approved Installers. Get in touch to plan your next project at enquiry@oilcanfinish.com

Want to see some of our other projects? Click here.

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The back of this garden was largely unusable. Healthy lawn struggled to grow due to a lack of daylight, the side fencing had collapsed. The clients decided to turn the rear of their property into a highlight of their garden with a beautiful multi-use garden work out room with heating and air-conditioning, wrapped with beautiful composite decking, with a multi-use exercise ladder frame projecting through the decking, and new premium fencing to complete the transformation.

Fencing

Jacksons Fencing Tongue & Groove. Our most popular Fencing products.

For the fencing the clients selected Jacksons Fencing Tongue & Groove Panels with Jacksons Planed Smooth Posts and Capping Rails. While these can be stained in any colour you would like (once the Preservative has fully dried) they will naturally silver from exposure to UV light. No staining, painting, or treatment of any kind is required for Jacksons Fencing Jakcure 25 Year Service Life Guarantee. Learn more about Jacksons Fencing Jakcure Guarantee by clicking here: Jacksons Fencing 25 Year Guarantee

Decking

Trex Transcend Tropicals Island Mist.

For the Decking, the clients selected Trex Transcend composite decking in Island Mist. This decking is one of our favourites due to its colour tones and for it’s durability. All of our clients love it as it is so straightforward to clean. A Mop and soapy water, a quick rinse afterwards with the garden hose and it’s ready for company. Learn more about Trex Transcend Decking by clicking here: Trex Transcend Decking

This decking comes in Grooved Edge boards, Square edge boards, with matching Fascia Boards for the front of the deck. One of the key advantages of Trex Transcend Decking is that it is a 24mm thick solid decking board which also has a compatible Screw and Plug system as well as the Trex Hidden Clip system. The Screw and Plugs mean you can secure the boards to your decking frame, covering the screw holes with the plugs which blend perfectly with the rest of the deck. No visible fixings with the strength of face fixed decking screws.

Visit our Jacksons Fencing Main Page

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For this project we were removing the fencing on both sides of the garden, trimming back extensive growth over one of the fence lines, and installing new Jacksons Fencing. The client selected Jacksons Fencing Hit & Miss Fencing with a Diamond Trellis on top.

We also excavated, lifted, and reassembled and reinstalled the climbing frame into a position more suited to the garden.

Oilcanfinish Outdoor Living exclusively install fencing products from Jacksons Fencing. Their unparalleded 25 Year Jakcure Guarantee is the only one like it available in the UK for softwood fencing. This is combined with an extensive range of products and styles. All Jacksons Fencing timber is treated in Ashford, Kent, at their factory where their products are hand assembled by their team of Carpenters.

Visit Oilcanfinish Outdoor Livings main Fencing Page for more details on our fencing options.

Visit Jacksons Fencing to view their product lines in more detail at https://www.jacksons-fencing.co.uk/

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