Old decking replaced with a new timber deck
A clean, spacious and inviting outdoor area, built as a raised deck with steps and a balustrade.
The project in short
We removed the old, tired decking in a back garden and replaced it with a fresh new timber deck. The photos show the timber frame and boards going down, then the finished raised deck with a balustrade, steps and planters. We posted it on our Facebook page on 22 August 2026. This is an example job: we do not publish customers' names or addresses.
From frame to finished deck
Building it
The frame and the first boards.
Finished
The deck, its steps and balustrade.
Replacing old decking: look at the frame first
The boards are what you see, but the frame underneath decides how long a deck lasts. If old joists are rotten, new boards laid over them will not last. That is why replacing a deck starts with taking the old one up and checking what is under it.
We also build other garden timber, which you can see on our carpentry page and our landscaping page.
Is planning permission needed for a raised deck?
The Planning Portal says decking up to 30cm above the ground is permitted development for houses, subject to conditions. Higher platforms, flats and some designated areas are treated differently, and a local Article 4 Direction can remove the allowance. Read the Planning Portal guidance on decking before you build.
This deck has a balustrade and steps. This page does not give its height.
What to check
| Question to ask | Why it matters | What this job shows |
|---|---|---|
| How high will the deck sit above the ground? | Over 30cm above the ground, a house generally needs planning permission. | A raised deck with steps and a balustrade. This page gives no height. |
| Is it a house or a flat? | The 30cm allowance applies to houses, not flats. | The photos show a garden behind a row of houses. We do not state the property type. |
| Is the home listed, or in an Article 4 area? | Listed buildings and Article 4 Directions can remove the allowance. | The photos do not show this. Check with the council. |
Questions we get asked
Do you build and replace decking?
Yes. We removed old decking and built a new timber deck, as shown above.
Do you take the old decking away?
On this job we removed the old, tired decking and replaced it with a new timber deck, as we posted at the time.
Where do you work?
Brighton and Hove, and the wider Sussex area.
What are you planning?
Tell us about the job in a few quick taps. It goes straight to us, not a call centre.