Outdoor areas
What safety features will you need? Unless your deck is built at grade level, you will need to have a railing. There are a few measurements to keep in mind. You will need to limit the space between banisters, glass panels or horizontal slats, for safety, in line with the building code in your state or territory. Also, look out for the minimum height requirement, as well as railing width. In addition to railings made of wood or composite materials to match your deck, glass panels, stainless-steel cables and welded metal railings are also popular choices. If you decide on a composite railing to go with your composite deck, see if the distributor of your decking sells a railing kit. The components make it easy to put together an attractive railing. No matter which railing you choose, make sure it is tied to the structure below and is strong enough to keep everyone on the deck. Steel brackets that bolt the railing posts to the deck joists and beams are usually the best.
Decking and planters: Only certain species of wood hold up well as a decking material. Use those with a natural resistance to the elements. Pressure-treated decking is a soft wood that has been treated with chemicals to make it weather resistant. The arsenic that was used in the past is no longer used, but if you are looking for a chemical-free deck surface, avoid pressure-treated decking. There are alternatives, but the structure of most decks will be built with pressure-treated timber.
What deck material is best for you? If your deck is to be built at grade or on top of a roof, think about whether you will need access to the space below the deck in the future. The deck in the picture is built from modular panels that can be removed for access to the space below. If building over a roof or patio with a slight pitch, adjustable deck supports can make levelling the deck much easier. Composite decking, made of a wood and plastic blend, has become popular over the last decade. Although it does not require periodic sanding or sealing as wood does, it is not maintenance free. Mould and mildew can form on it depending on the conditions surrounding the deck, so be prepared to scrub your deck several times a year.
1. Flaxes For striking foliage it’s hard to beat these Kiwi natives which are now grown all around the world, particularly in contemporary gardens. Modern cultivars, such as this Phormium ‘Amazing Red’ (above left), look stunning planted with a wide range of plants including the grasses and flowering perennials pictured. Flaxes are not fussy about soil as long as it’s not too boggy or dry. MAINTENANCE: Removing old leaves will keep your flax clumps looking their best. Some varieties are more tolerant of frost than others so talk to your local garden centre before making a selection for your area.
Raised bed arches
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