Decking gives a garden a defined, usable outdoor space and works particularly well where ground levels change or where a natural stone or paved patio isn't the look you're after. RW Builders builds decking for homeowners across York and North Yorkshire, from simple ground-level platforms to raised decking connecting to a house at floor level.
Decking is treated under the same permitted development rules as other garden platforms and outbuildings, and the key limits are:
On designated land, such as National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty or World Heritage Sites, decking further than 20 metres from the house is limited to 10 square metres without planning permission, and on Article 2(3) designated land, no decking is permitted to either side of the house without permission.
Height – the decking (or any part of it) must not be raised more than 300mm above the natural ground level at that point. Some councils interpret this as needing to be under 300mm at every point across the deck, not just on average, which matters particularly on sloped gardens
Coverage – decking, combined with any other outbuildings and extensions, must not cover more than 50% of the garden area
Position – decking must not be positioned forward of the principal elevation of the house
Beyond 300mm, raised decking almost always requires planning permission, largely due to the potential for overlooking neighbouring gardens and windows from an elevated platform
Even at ground level, decking needs a properly designed sub-frame supported on suitable footings rather than simply resting on the ground. Ground screws and concrete pad footings are both common approaches, with the right choice depending on ground conditions and the height and span of the deck. A poorly supported deck can develop bounce, uneven settling, or in the worst cases, structural failure over time, so this stage is worth getting right regardless of how low the finished deck sits.
Where decking exceeds 600mm in height, building regulations come into play separately from the planning rules: a proper guarding or balustrade is required, generally at least 1,100mm high with gaps no wider than 100mm between balusters, to prevent falls. Structural adequacy also needs to be considered for anything above this height, since a raised deck is effectively a structure people will be standing and sitting on above ground level.
Timber decking – the traditional choice, giving a warm, natural look, though it needs periodic treatment or staining to keep it in good condition
Composite decking – a mix of wood fibre and recycled plastic, giving a similar appearance to timber with considerably less ongoing maintenance
Setting out and checking ground levels, particularly important on sloped gardens to confirm the height at every point against the 300mm limit
Installing a sub-frame on suitable footings or ground screws
Fitting decking boards to the sub-frame
Fitting balustrade or guarding where the height requires it 5. Finishing edges and steps where ground level changes
We're a family-run team based in York, and we check the planning position on your specific garden before finalising a decking design, rather than assuming a raised deck will be fine everywhere. We work across the city and surrounding villages including Haxby, Strensall, Poppleton and Skelton, and every quote is clear and written with no hidden extras.
Excellent job from Phil and his team. Both external and internal works finished to an excellent quality. Happy to deal with changes and kept us informed on a day-to-day basis. Definitely recommend.
RW Builders directly on 01904 530941, or send your details through our contact form, and we'll arrange a visit to assess your garden. Quotes are free and come with no obligation.