Raised or terraced?
Where the garden drops away from the house, a raised deck at door level gives a big level space, often with a view. Where the garden rises behind the house, or falls a long way, terraced decks in several smaller stages usually work better: each level stays closer to the ground, needs less guarding and feels more comfortable.
Survey and design
We take levels across the garden and plot the slope, then design levels to suit how you'll use the space: dining near the house, a sunny seat higher up, steps that are easy to climb.
Strength
On a hillside, posts can be tall. We use deeper beams, brace posts diagonally and set each one on a concrete pad dug for the ground. Retaining walls near the deck are checked before we build.
Drainage
Water runs down slopes and under decks. We add gravel, membrane and, where needed, drainage channels so the ground under the deck doesn't stay wet.
Planning
Decking is usually permitted development only if no part is more than 30cm above the ground. Raised and terraced decks on steep sites usually need planning permission, and parts of the city are in a conservation area. We'll advise and help with drawings.
Steep garden FAQ
Can a deck be built in stages up a hillside?
Yes. Terraced decks can be built in stages over time, with the design planned so later levels join neatly.
What happens with old retaining walls?
We inspect them. If a wall is leaning or cracked, it may need repair before building nearby. We'll explain what we find.