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Decking/paving/other alternatives...help?!

Mrs.MMrs.M Posts: 5
edited April 2023 in Problem solving
I moved into my property six years ago and inherited some DIY wooden decking in my back garden. The garden is sloped but the decking has sort of created two tiers. I'm certain there's a decent amount of soil/concrete/ rubble underneath the decking but nothing we could use as is - would need work.

Over the years it has started to rot and warp and split. It's started to get holes in it so I'm pretty sure it's not safe to just cover it with something. It definitely needs replacing but I don't know what with.  It needs a lot of maintenance to keep it clean, free from algae and to stop it being slippy from late autumn to late spring, so I'm not sure if I want to deck it again. I have a three year old who loves to explore outside and another baby on the way so it needs to be child friendly. 

Edit to add: we have had to get under the decking a couple of times to dispose of dead rats so would prefer to get rid really.

I'd love some ideas on what my options could be here.  I don't have a lot of money and I don't mind a DIY project but I'm pregnant and I think I might be out of my depth in terms of keeping it level, support underneath, drainage etc.

It's a north facing garden and the decked area is primarily in the shade except for a couple of months of the year. My thought was that paving with some grip to it might be an option, but I'm also aware that's going to be a costly job and can also be a bit slippy (although I'm sure not as slippy as this decking). I'm just a bit lost. 

Any help and advice is really appreciated! The main purpose of it will be function - safe for children to run around, put some toys and seating on it, not going to rot away or need excessive maintenance. It would be nice if it looked good too but really I just want a safe space for my kids.
Thank you!
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Posts

  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    A cheap and easy method I've seen in many properties with north-facing decking is to cover it with chicken wire and use a staple gun to keep it flat and held in place.

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    edited April 2023
    Wondering what's under the decking, could it be an old paved area? Perhaps having the decking removed and using a paving area (if there is one) would be safer in the short term. It'll give you more time to think what you might want to do with the area. Maybe a neighbour would know what's under the decking?

    For now, you could lay some non-slip tape/strips on the wood?

    https://www.screwfix.com/p/anti-slip-tape-black-18m-x-50mm/57217?tc=EA3&ds_rl=1249416&gclid=Cj0KCQjwocShBhCOARIsAFVYq0inFnACXikazA2UUR2Nt2tCDj3lMrYxADgr5MDIzTnrEoB2GGEGoFQaAgFBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    edited April 2023
    What's under the decking?  Possibly foxes, probably rats.  I would advise anyone to do away with hidded but sheltered areas.  Especially with children.

    For now, I second the chicken netting approach.  But a heavy coat of wood preservative would be a good idea as well.  Whatever they sell in place of creosote.  Plan how you paint it on so that an area is always accessible to your other children whilst the other area is drying.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Mrs.MMrs.M Posts: 5
    bédé said:
    What's under the decking?  Possibly foxes, probably rats.  I would advise anyone to do away with hidded but sheltered areas.  Especially with children.
    Yes we have had rats in the past and had to get under the decking a few times to dispose of dead ones.  Another reason why I would love to get rid of it!
  • Mrs.MMrs.M Posts: 5
    Jenny_Aster said:
    Wondering what's under the decking, could it be an old paved area? Perhaps having the decking removed and using a paving area (if there is one) would be safer in the short term. It'll give you more time to think what you might want to do with the area. Maybe a neighbour would know what's under the decking?

    For now, you could lay some non-slip tape/strips on the wood?

    https://www.screwfix.com/p/anti-slip-tape-black-18m-x-50mm/57217?tc=EA3&ds_rl=1249416&gclid=Cj0KCQjwocShBhCOARIsAFVYq0inFnACXikazA2UUR2Nt2tCDj3lMrYxADgr5MDIzTnrEoB2GGEGoFQaAgFBEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
    Thanks Jenny - there's no paving underneath, just rubble and lumps of concrete :(
  • Mrs.MMrs.M Posts: 5
    Thank you for the comments so far.  I really appreciate it - however I feel we are probably past the chicken wire solution, as the wood is rotting and becoming unsafe.  My three year old jumped on one of the planks last summer and his foot went through. Filled the hole with epoxy as a short term measure but I think it needs to go this year. 
  • PlantmindedPlantminded Posts: 3,580
    Paving is going to be an expensive option, but probably the best.  However, although I'm not a fan of plastic in the garden, you could consider replacing the wooden decking with composite decking which won't rot. I've seen it used effectively, it doesn't look like plastic as it's available in a wood effect with texture, ensuring its not slippy.
    Wirral. Sandy, free draining soil.


  • bédébédé Posts: 3,095
    Get an expert to check out the decking for rot/safety.   Just replacing some bits may be enough.
     location: Surrey Hills, England, ex-woodland acidic sand.
    "Have nothing in your garden that you don't know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."
  • Jenny_AsterJenny_Aster Posts: 945
    Just been browsing through Wickes website and came across these tiles and thought of this post, they are hardwood with plastic backing with clips to lock together, they're for indoors and outdoors use. 33cm square and could 'spread the load' making the decking a bit safer. They could tide you over for a year or so until you're ready to replace your decking. At that time the tiles can be unclipped and used elsewhere so perhaps wouldn't be wasted - at a pinch you could make nice planters with the wood. 

    @£4 a tile might be doable for you. They have plastic spikes underneath to grip, as I've not seen them the spikes might or might not be an issue. 



    https://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Acacia-Garden-Deck-Tile---24-x-300-x-300mm/p/223456?fix&gclid=Cj0KCQjwxMmhBhDJARIsANFGOSubWE5Y2_SoHrX8-rqh1WmksSFcsOp_ZeS5RWQgXM5MHS84uDGNAAYaArc2EALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds


    Trying to be the person my dog thinks I am! 

    Cambridgeshire/Norfolk border.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    The deck area doesn't look like much of a slope, so I'd bite the bullet and rip that out - it's totally the wrong aspect for timber decking anyway. I assume you have someone who can help you though? Not ideal doing it yourself  if you're pregnant, unless you already do a lot of physical work  :)
    If you can get it reasonably level, you could put in a basic edging [anything will do for that - doesn't have to be brick or block etc ] along the edge that meets the steps, add some hardcore or similar to get a secure base, then a layer [or two] of membrane, and a couple of inches of gravel. You'd need two bulk bags for that area.
    That's the cheapest, easiest option- although even a couple of bags of gravel is still pricey if you don't have a lot of money to spend, but gravel is good for a shady site. At a later date, if finances allow, you can add paving, but again - many types can be slippery in shade so it also depends how much you use it winter. You could do the steps at the same time, assuming they're ok just now    :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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