Composite decking – building regulations part one

What building regulations do I have to comply with when constructing a composite decking?

Before carrying out any construction work Teckwood recommend that you speak to your local building officer to clarify what rules and regulations need to be adhered to. This also includes your composite decking.

It may feel a little daunting before the first hole is dug but there are a few things that need to be taken into account. Thankfully, unlike many other aspects of construction, decking, which is classified as a temporary structure, has considerably less regulations than more permanent buildings.

Planning permission isn’t generally required on domestic decking, unless it’s within 20 metres of a road, higher than 30cm or covers more than 50% of the total garden area.

The height is set at 30cm to ensure neighbours gardens are not overlooked. The limit comes from the idea that if an average sized person were to stand on the deck, they wouldn’t be able to see over a standard 6 ft. fence post and into the neighbours garden.

It’s important to bear in mind that if your composite decking is of a considerable height, along with planning permission you will also be required to install a handrail. For safety purposes regulations state that anything built over 60cm will require a handrail. The height of handrails is the most common fault found upon decking inspections.

Regulations are also applied to steps and the regulations mainly specify the pitch of the stairs, the height of each step, the width of tread and also how the step is constructed to ensure a correct finish on the tread.

For any further information please call one of our helpful staff on 0800 799 9082