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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The post Transforming a Surbiton KT6 Garden: A Custom Composite Decking Installation with Pyramid Steps & Blackened Ballustrades appeared first on Oilcanfinish Outdoor Living.

The brief for this project was the design and installation of a walk out deck which required robust framing to accommodate the severe sloping garden, in some cases the new deck would be nearly 2 mts from the ground level. Decking is the ideal option for Guildford and the Surrey Hills due to the elevation changes in most gardens in the region. Porcelain Paving is always popular however the backfill and retainer walling needed to support the paving is often far too extensive.

There had been an old timber decking wrapping around the house however it was no longer safe so it had been removed prior to our arrival.

The property slopes significantly down from the house.

Composite Decking Boards | Trex Lineage Biscayne WPC

Their are numerous options in the UK for composite decking. It is very important to select your products carefully and choose a brand which has been in business for as long as the warranty they offer, has a significant UK presence in case you ever do need to follow up with them, and manufacture in a way which is ecologically and ethically sound. We always recommend decking manufactured in the USA or Europe to ensure the manufacturing, and not just the product sales and distribution, are protected by policies like the Modern Slavery Act.

Our clients selected Trex Transcend Lineage in Biscayne. This premium decking is made in the USA and is a wood plastic composite which is rot free and will not splinter, warp. It is comes with a Fade and Stain Warranty.

Decking Contractor Substructure | Footings & Bearers

One of the most important aspects for areas like Guildford and the Surrey Hills, where you find sloping gardens like this one, is to ensure the decking is fully supported structurally. This is where employing a professional Decking Contractor becomes more important. Oilcanfinish specialise in this type of extensive structural supports. For this project we installed 15 Concrete footings reinforced with Steel Rebar. Our structural supports sit on top of those footings, lifted off the footing using a Simpson Strong Tie Galvanised Steel Post Shoe. This prevents water from pooling at bottom of the post meaning it doesn’t rot prematurely the way most posts do.

On top of our posts, we notch out an opening for two C24 Structural Bearers bolted together. We have 4 rows of these Bearers supporting the entire structure.

The we built out frame on top of these 3 bearer rows. The frame is also C24 Structurally Rated timber treated to Use Class 4, the strongest rating available for Residential installs. Use Class 4 Timber has the highest rating for Preservative treatment for Residential installs meaning it is highly resistant to Wood Rot and Insect attack.

To further protect the frame we top all of our Joists with Trex Protect Joist Capping Tape. This is a butyl based tape which forms a waterproof seal around the screws, preventing water from travelling down the decking screw into the centre of the timber joist. This is again to prevent wood rot.

Lastly all of our timber cuts are treated with Barretines Cut End Preserver to protect the ends where we have cut the timber to size.

Building a premium deck is expensive and you want it to last as long as possible before having to redo all of the work. A significant amount of planning goes into making sure our decks are both structurally sound, compliant, and will last as long as possible providing the homeowner with the best return on their investment.

Visit our main Balcony & Terrace Decking Page for more case studies.

Visit Trex UK for more decking ideas.

The post Trex Transcend Lineage Biscayne | Composite Decking Contractor in Guildford GU1 appeared first on Oilcanfinish Outdoor Living.