Sometimes, a deck is absolutely the right solution.
And sometimes, it really isn’t.
Today I visited a client who wanted to replace their deteriorated deck. At first, it seemed like a fairly straightforward replacement.
But once I started looking properly, the problems became much clearer.
The existing deck boards were actually still in reasonably good condition. The real problem was underneath.
There simply wasn’t enough airflow around the subframe.
This had caused the frame to deteriorate and start rotting.
But there was another issue that was even more concerning.
The existing deck was breaching the damp-proof course of the house by around 30mm.
That’s a significant amount — effectively putting the deck around a full brick course above where it should be.
So, what would it take to build the deck properly?
The existing deck and frame would need to be completely removed. The ground would then need to be excavated sufficiently to allow a correctly designed replacement subframe.
At that point, I’d be looking at something like a recycled plastic or aluminium subframe, correctly designed to deal with the ground conditions and provide the necessary airflow, finished with a good-quality decking product.
Technically, it can absolutely be done.
But here’s the problem.
It would be expensive.
When I compared the likely cost of doing all of that properly against excavating the area and installing a patio, the difference was considerable.
Even a high-end porcelain patio could be substantially cheaper.
And as much as I’d love to win the job — especially after giving up my Sunday morning to visit — I didn’t feel that decking was the best solution for this particular client.
So I told them.
They appreciated the honesty.
They hadn’t realised there was an issue with the damp-proof course, and apparently another contractor hadn’t raised it either. They also hadn’t been made aware of the different subframe options available.
That’s why I think good advice is just as important as good workmanship.
When does decking make sense?
There are areas where a well-built deck simply isn’t worth the additional expense.
If you’re working at ground level and a patio can be installed properly, with good drainage and suitable materials, paving can be an excellent solution.
Depending on the specification, you could be looking at roughly £200–£400 per m² for a quality installation using high-end materials such as porcelain, with sandstone potentially offering a more cost-effective option.
But things change when you start raising the level.
Now you’re potentially looking at:
- Foundations
- Retaining walls
- Excavation
- Removing spoil
- Building up levels
- Additional drainage considerations
- A lot more labour
And suddenly, that patio isn’t looking quite so inexpensive.
This is where decking can become a very attractive option.
A correctly designed and constructed raised deck can often achieve the required level without all of the excavation and masonry involved in creating a raised patio.
There isn’t one answer for every garden
A well-built deck can last.
A well-built patio can last.
The right choice comes down to the individual property, the ground conditions, the levels, how the space will be used — and, of course, the budget.
If you have the budget, there are usually several ways of achieving the result you want.
But most homeowners have a budget they need to work within.
And that’s where honest advice matters.
I’d rather tell a client that decking isn’t the best option for them than take their money to build something I don’t believe will genuinely benefit them.
Because ultimately, getting the job isn’t the most important thing.
Getting the right job done properly is