Survey the slope
We take levels across the garden with a laser level, from the back door to the far boundary. We look at the soil, where water runs, existing walls, trees and access. The result is a plan of the slope that we design from.
Terraces, not towers
On a very steep plot, one high deck can feel exposed and need tall guarding everywhere. Terracing breaks the slope into steps, each level close to the ground on its downhill side. It feels calmer, needs less guarding and often looks better.
Steps and landings
Steps are the backbone of a steep garden. We keep every riser equal, add landings on longer flights and fit continuous handrails. Turning the steps to follow the contour can make the climb gentler.
Retaining walls
Many steep Durham gardens already have walls holding back soil. We inspect them for leaning, cracking and drainage. A deck can sometimes replace an unstable bank with a structure that spans across it, but a failing wall must be dealt with properly.
Posts, bracing and footings
Posts on steep ground can be tall and must resist sideways movement. We set them on concrete pads dug for the ground, add diagonal bracing and tie levels together where it helps.
Drainage
Water runs downhill, under the deck and towards the house or neighbours. We use membrane and gravel, drainage channels and sometimes a soakaway to keep ground dry and water heading the right way.
Planning
Decking is permitted development only if no part is more than 30cm above the ground. Raised and terraced decks on steep sites usually need planning permission. Parts of Durham are in a conservation area. We'll advise and help with drawings.
Steep garden FAQ
Is there a limit to how steep a garden can be for a deck?
Practically, very steep sites need more levels, more structure and more care, but most can be made usable. We'll tell you honestly what's sensible.
Do we need an engineer?
For unusually tall structures or where retaining walls are involved, a structural engineer's input may be wise. We'll say if we think it's needed.