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We want to sort our patio out, ideally I'd probably get a load of sleepers to build a wall and back fill behind with slabs/paving on but access is a problem. We only have a small sideway, with steps down so everything will have to be carried in, no chance of tipping a lorry load.
This is a bit of our current patio, I'd like to extend it at the same level to maybe 5m deep and it's about 25m long (which sounds huge now I've typed it).
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It's currently 50cm ish from grass level but the garden slopes away.
Decking seems the obvious choice but will I really regret it due to maintenance? What's the composite stuff like, most of what I've seen looks very fake and a bit static caravan park-esque.
And can anyone give me a ball park cost per m^2 to have a deck built before I start getting people around to quote? The patio is pretty solid so can presumably just sit on what's there and then the extension will have to sit on raised posts.
Cheers
I built our 2.5x5m deck myself.
Deck is about 30 cm off patio level, with a bearer bolted to the house, underframe built with 47x150mm joists resting on some fancy jouplast supports.
I reckon (this is a massive guess) it cost about £500-600 in materials, took me ( a non-professional) about 2-3 days work.
Couldn't justify composite cost at the time - and also couldn't find a colour we liked.
Needs oiling every couple of years, google schaffers deck oil on you tube for how to apply.
I had a deck (6mx3m) in my old gaff that got jetwashed once or twice when new, then never again. It died (rotted through) @ 10 years old, after some soil was backfilled against part of it. I replaced the 2 rotten joists, plus every deckboard in under a day, and a large portion of that was cutting around little areas. 25mx5m sounds silly-large, I suspect you'll write off composite an patio purely on cost
If you're getting bulk materials, you can hire small loaders that should fit within alleyways. Wish I'd known about them when we had to moves many tonnes of sand, aggregate & soil for our garden.
25mx5m sounds silly-large,
I've just gone and measured, and it's actually 20 x 5. Possibly slightly smaller if we decide one end doesn't need to be as big, but it won't be far off. The largest part of it currently is 5m deep and the plan is to square it off straight across the back of the house.
10 years life doesn't sound too bad, I wouldn't object to replacing the boards myself. I'm considering getting someone to frame it and me board it out. If I try and do the frame as well I can see me never getting around to it.
For the composite option then from some research I did the Millboard stuff is one of the best options - very expensive though.
That's a mutha humpin huge deck, would justify buying a table saw, even if you buy 2nd hand and then sell when done.
You're in Troon IIRC? Welcome to borrow my dewalt impact driver, Gimme a shout.
MGM timber and Rembrand were about the best local deck suppliers in terms of cost and quality the last couple I've done.
Don't do it with decking, there is massive appeal right now for you as it seems easier but, if you build a retaining wall, infill it and lay a nice patio it will be done forever. Decking will always be the cheaper/easier alternative and will look it.
@nobeerinthefridge Yes in Troon, thanks a lot for the offer but drills & impact drivers I’m good for. Table saw better than a chop saw? I’ve got a mitre saw but I think a big deck might finish it off pretty quickly.
Will check out the suppliers cheers.
Don’t do it with decking, there is massive appeal right now for you as it seems easier but, if you build a retaining wall, infill it and lay a nice patio it will be done forever. Decking will always be the cheaper/easier alternative and will look it.
I’ll try and get a quote to see if it’s feasible but I doubt it’ll be in budget. A proper patio would be ideal but I’d rather have the second best option now than have to wait 5 years for the best option.
I’ll check out the small machines that @FB-ATB mentions.
If that is the case then stay clear of Millboard, very random quality of finish. Use the best quality timber for your bearers and treat them before fitting. Oh and always use an end grain treatment on cuts. Enjoy 🙂