If you are thinking about adding garden decking to your property it's important to ensure that it's the correct, size, colour, and material for you. Adding a deck is a time-consuming and costly job, the final product however can add a lot to your quality of life and property.
Extending your living space into the garden has never been easier. Adding a decking area is a brilliant way to make the most of your outdoor space, whether it’s for relaxing in the sunshine, entertaining friends, or enjoying al fresco meals with the family. A well-designed deck can turn any garden into a practical and inviting extension of your home.
No matter the size, space, or budget of your decking project, the following decking planner will help you design and plan your new outside deck.
Article Contents
- What's your decking's purpose?
- Where do you want to lay your decking?
- Choosing your decking structure
- Choosing your decking board design
- How to work out how many deck boards you need?
- Next steps: Where to buy & how to lay your deck
Decking Planner, What's your decking's purpose?
DECKING USES AND PICKING THE RIGHT MATERIAL
Adding a deck to your outdoor space is one of the most versatile ways to expand your home. This multipurpose area can be used for dining, entertaining, or relaxing, and can easily evolve with your needs. Decking can be extended or reduced over time, refreshed with new features, and is a project that suits both planned installations and DIY approaches.
Before you can start buying and building your deck, you must first know where it will be installed and what its sole purpose is going to be. This plan will help determine what board material and look you want to go for, and how it will serve the purpose for your decking.
WHERE IS YOUR DECKING GOING?
Whether you're installing decking at ground level in the garden, on a balcony, or around a swimming pool, it's important to think about how the space will be used before you start building. Will the deck be in a domestic or commercial setting? Does it need to support heavy loads like hot tubs, planters, or ornamental statues? Considering these factors early on will help you choose the right materials and structure for your project.
Having this information early on makes planning easier, helping you narrow down materials with the right strength, durability, UV resistance and insect protection for your project. It also helps you choose low-maintenance alternatives to traditional timber decking.
For more information on the benefits of adding decking to your garden, see here.
WHAT SIZE WILL YOUR DECK AREA BE
'How much decking do I need?' and 'How many decking boards do I need?' are questions that can be determined by completing a decking plan. Knowing the size, shape, and space that the new deck and support structure will take up in your garden is a crucial step in your decking plans.
If you're planning to use your decking area for socialising and entertaining, start by mapping out where your garden furniture will go within the proposed space. This rough layout will help guide the overall size and shape of your deck. Remember to allow extra room for movement, additional seating, and accommodating more people when needed.
Another important question to ask yourself during the planning stage is 'How much of your outside area would you want to be covered in decking?' Remember that if more than 50% of your lawn is to be covered in decking, then you will have to seek out permission. You can find your local planning authority by clicking here.
Once you've settled on the design, size, and layout of your deck, use our helpful Cladco decking boards calculator to estimate the number of boards you'll need and get a price quote emailed directly to you. We recommend ordering all the boards at the same time to avoid any potential colour variations between batches.
Where do you want to lay your decking?
DO YOU NEED PLANNING PERMISSION?
It is always best to seek professional confirmation regarding planning permission.
However, as a general rule of thumb, planning permission will not be necessary for your new deck if:
Your decking is no more than 30cm off the ground.
You don't live in a conservation or listed area.
Your decking boards cover less than 50% of your outside space.
See more about planning permission and decking here. It is recommended to contact a planner or registered architect before constructing your deck to ensure planning regulations are met.
WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING A DECK AREA
When you are in the process of planning and designing your decking layout it is important to know ahead of ordering your boards where you are installing. As well as the main point of the deck, will it be used as an area to dine, socialise and relax, or as a balcony, veranda or entrance into the house?
Cladco offers a range of composite decking options to suit different needs, styles, and budgets, each available in a selection of colours to complement your outdoor space. Our Signature composite decking board range is a great choice for standard domestic installations, offering a durable solution that requires only minimal maintenance and works well in gardens and outdoor living spaces with lighter foot traffic.
The ProDeck composite decking range features a polymer-capped surface, which provides enhanced resistance to fading, UV rays, stains and mould. It’s ideal for homeowners looking for long-term performance with extra protection in busier areas.
If you require even greater durability, our Nordeck composite decking is a luxurious, heavy-duty option, designed for maximum resistance against wear, scratches, and moisture. Suitable for installations directly on the ground or near hot tubs and pools, it’s perfect for spaces with heavier garden furniture or high footfall.
Cladco Signature composite decking comes with a 15-year warranty (terms and conditions apply), when installed using our recycled plastic joists and in line with the official installation guide. Our ProDeck range offers even greater peace of mind, with a 20-year warranty provided the same installation criteria are met. Cladco Nordeck decking boards come with a 20-year warranty, making it the perfect board for your forever home.
KEY POINTS TO NOTE
- How long will you be living in the house? If you are building decking in your 'forever' you may want to purchase boards of higher, longer-lasting quality, such as Cladco ProDeck composite decking or Cladco Nordeck decking.
- How will your decking be used? Will it need to be able to withstand heavy loads or increased moisture?
- Is the ground level? As decks have to have a support structure of joists and battens, it is important that before installing your decking, the area is as flat and level as possible, allowing the boards to be installed properly.
- How close is your decking to your home? Adding decking to your outdoor space creates a seamless transition between indoors and out.
- How much sun/shade will the area get? Will you want a deck that will be covered in sunshine most of the day or one that is slightly more shaded?
Once you know the width, design, and location of your decking, you can start answering the all-important question: How many deck boards do I need? To help you work this out, use our handy decking calculator, which will guide you through the process and provide a clear estimate based on your measurements.
Choosing your decking structure
GROUND-LEVEL DECKS
Before building your deck, it’s important to research the type of support structure required. This will vary depending on the deck’s height, overall size, and the materials you plan to use.
A ground-level deck sits flush with the ground floor of your home or garden and offers several key benefits:
- Planning permission is often not required (though we recommend confirming with a professional).
- It is safer for children, with no raised edges or steps to worry about.
- It creates a seamless flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces.
- It is easier to install, as the supporting substructure tends to be less complex than elevated decks.
RAISED DECKS WITH STEPS
A raised deck can add depth and dimension to your outdoor space, transforming the overall look and design of your property. Before starting a raised decking project, check whether planning permission is required, as this can vary depending on the height and location.
Raised decking is a great way to make the most of your garden, offering elevated views of the surrounding area and creating new, usable spaces that might otherwise go unnoticed.
KEY POINTS TO NOTE WHEN BUILDING A DECK WITH STEPS
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Planning permission may be required, depending on the height and position of the deck. Always check local regulations before beginning your project.
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Structural planning is essential. You’ll need to consider elements like weed control membranes, varying joist and batten lengths, and appropriate ground preparation.
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Health and safety regulations may apply when installing steps, particularly for raised decks. Ensure your build meets the relevant standards – find out more here.
Choosing your decking board design
Cladco composite decking boards can be laid in a range of designs to suit your personal style and outdoor layout. Available in a variety of colours across different ranges, you’ll find a finish to suit everything from modern gardens to more traditional spaces. Both our Signature and ProDeck ranges feature dual-sided boards, offering the flexibility of a narrow-grooved finish on one side or an authentic woodgrain effect on the other.
Each decking layout, whether horizontal, vertical, diagonal, or chevron, may require a different support structure. It’s important to factor this into your plans before construction begins.
The number of boards and materials you’ll need will depend on your decking design, the available space, and the overall dimensions of your deck. Different board patterns may require more materials than a simple horizontal layout, so choosing your design early is an important part of the planning process.
HORIZONTAL BOARDS
Decking boards are usually placed horizontally, which is often perpendicular to the adjacent wall, making the installation process simpler, however, this is down to personal preference.
Installing the boards horizontally is the simplest pattern available and will need no extra cutting or fitting.
DIAGONAL BOARDS
Installing your decking project so the boards build up in a diagonal pattern gives your deck a unique and sophisticated look.
To do this, you should start by measuring and installing the longest span of the deck, which reaches from one corner to the other. Then, begin by building out from the centre until all boards are installed. Boards may need to be cut to achieve this installation.
PICTURE FRAME
Picture framing is a popular decking design that involves using contrasting or complementary coloured boards to create a defined border around the edges of your deck. It’s particularly effective on decking areas with steps, adding an attractive finish while improving visibility and safety.
Cladco Signature solid bullnose composite decking boards are often used in picture framing, thanks to their curved edging and are an ideal board for completing your decking.
How to work out how many deck boards you need?
Before building your new outdoor decking area, it's important to calculate exactly how many decking boards you'll need. Our easy-to-use decking calculator takes the guesswork out of planning by working out the number of boards, joists, screws, trims, and any additional recommended products required for your project. It also factors in wastage, so you can order with confidence and avoid unnecessary delays.
To get started, simply enter the shape and size of your decking area, then choose your preferred board type and colour. The calculator will take care of the rest, providing a full breakdown of what you need. You will receive a quote by email, or you can go ahead and place your order online in just a few easy steps, saving you both time and effort during the planning stage.
Next steps: Where to buy & how to lay your deck
WHERE TO BUY
Adding a deck to your property not only extends your living space outdoors but it can also increase your home's value and provide a lower-maintenance alternative to traditional garden landscaping.
Cladco Profiles, founded in 1972, is a Devon-based family-run company and one of the UK's leading suppliers of composite decking. Cladco offers a range of composite products and roofing sheets nationwide. Including a range of decking boards perfectly suited for any-sized project.
Cladco composite decking is made of an amalgamation of 60% FSC®-certified recycled wood fibres and 40% recycled plastic. Both our Signature and ProDeck ranges are environmentally friendly, lower-maintenance alternatives to traditional timber, with a range of properties, allowing you to relax and enjoy your new deck without the hassle.
Cladco's Nordeck decking boards are one of the strongest decking materials available on the market, made from polyethene plastic core with an ASA resin exterior. The boards have the appearance of natural wood grain and are available in a range of seven colours. They have a 20-year warranty, can withstand heavy loads, and are ideal for any deck installed in areas with high levels of moisture.
Cladco offers Signature and ProDeck composite boards and Nordeck PVC boards. You can compare the two types and their properties here.
- Shop Cladco Signature solid composite decking boards in 4m lengths.
- Shop Cladco Signature composite decking board (hollow) in 2.4m and 4m lengths.
- Shop Cladco Nordeck decking board in 3.6m lengths.
- Shop the Cladco decking sample packs to get a feel for the colour and quality of the boards.
HOW TO LAY YOUR DECK
When it comes to installing your outdoor living area, your decking can be fitted as a DIY project or by a professional installer. Both our composite decking boards and Nordeck boards are easy to work with and can be cut using standard woodworking tools, meaning no specialist equipment is required.
Cladco supplies everything you need to complete your decking project, including timber and composite joists, screws, fixings, trims, and weed mats. Our weed mat is designed to be installed beneath your decking to prevent weeds and unwanted vegetation from growing between the boards. Made from a breathable, fibrous material, it allows water and nutrients to pass through to the soil while blocking plant growth from reaching the surface.
View our easy-to-follow installation guides for Signature composite decking, ProDeck composite decking and Cladco Nordeck decking to help you get started with your project.
Find out more about our range of low-maintenance and no-paint composite decking boards via our website, or by calling one of our friendly Sales Team on 01837 659901.
PLEASE NOTE: In January 2024 we discontinued the 'wide groove' side of our Composite Decking Boards and the 'plain' side of our Bullnose Composite Decking Boards. Some of the boards shown in this blog post may no longer be available.
