A deck in your garden can serve many purposes, providing the household with an ideal open-air space to hang out, have dinner or enjoy a barbecue.
Having built many decks in Christchurch, we know what steps you need to take if you are seriously considering putting together a deck of your own in this heartland of the Canterbury Region.
Decide on the Right Decking Material
We specialise in making decks out of timber, and for good reasons: this particular material looks endearingly traditional, not to mention is easy to source in an eco-friendly manner.
There are various types of timber to choose from. Pine is on the affordable side, but you might be willing to pay extra for a hardwood, such as beautiful Kwila, Garapa or Purpleheart.
Research the Safety Features You Need
The deck — especially if it is set to be elevated above the ground — will need secure railings. You should also make sure all of the deck’s materials are suitably treated to resist humid weather that could otherwise lead the deck to either rot or become structurally unstable.
Apply for a Building Permit (If You Need One)
How can you tell whether you need one? Of course, you could directly contact the local council for clarification — but as a general rule, if the finished deck will be higher than 1.5 metres above the ground, you are likely to indeed require a building permit.
You would need to apply to the council for this permit — and any application you do make for it will likely have to contain detailed drawings of the proposed deck.
Seek Professional Expertise
To you, building a deck might initially seem like a DIY job. In practice, however, actually approaching the task in this way can throw up safety risks as well as leave the completed deck less than durable.
So, if you’re thinking about putting a deck in your outdoor space in the South Island’s largest city, you should reach out to a professional who has in-depth industry experience in putting together attractive, resilient decks in Christchurch. You can give Stone Landscapes Ltd a call on 022 639 3473.