Suggestions for "deck" and "paved" areas of new build

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lfcjfc

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Now that Christmas is out of the way, just turning our attention to finishing off the exterior of our new house that we recently moved into. What to do as regards ground covering is puzzling us at the moment.
Firstly, we were planning to run a deck full width of the back of the house (south facing). The aim is to run the deck almost at the same level at the internal floor level to get the impression of the deck being an extension of the house. However, this deck will run to about 60sqm and the more I read about suitability of decking for the Irish climate and maintenance requirements the more concerned that I am getting.
Secondly, we have 2 "courtyard" areas measuring about 4m x 5m to the west and east of a hallway corridor. We had left this undone at the time of biuld completion (along with the footpaths around the house) with the intention of completing in a cobble-block style. However, the more I look at examples cobble-block throughout the winter, the more I think that it will always trap dirt and grow weeds no matter how well it is laid.
We have decided to finish the driveway that will take car traffic in a pea shingle to tie in with the rural setting but would be interested in ideas/experience from folks about how to finish the "deck" area at the south-facing rear and the west and east facing "courtyards". Pics would be most welcome.
Thanks.
 
I got 127sqm of "FIBERON" decking its a composite material looks like wood but needs no maintenance at all.You can wash it with a power hose or steam cleaner form time to time but it does not get slippy when wet and does not let moss grow.Its quite expensive about €70.00 per m2.You can see a good example of it in the National garden center in Wicklow.
 
I've seen that fibron decking in Brooks Thomas. Looks great. Dont know the prices but if it aint slippy when wet then it will replace its timber version very soon.

I'm a carpenter and have done many decks in timber. Every timber type needs maintenance every couple of years, and gets quite slippy when wet.
 
Personally I think that composite stuff looks awful.
From a design point of view a deck the full with of the house is the right idea. The secret is to break up the space within it. For instance, you can make two or three 10ft sq areas within where you could plant a small tree. Great for small people to cycle around and for hanging bird feeder and Christmas lights. If the area is quite open consider a small hedge or raised bed around the perimeter of the deck.
If you are on a budget a combination of grey concrete slabs broken up with a pattern of setts (small, usually granite blocks) works really well. The concrete fades into the background very quickly which I think is nice if your in a pleasant country setting.
 
As with any paving ideas etc...in addition to suggestions here, you could head over to http://www.pavingexpert.com/ for more ideas etc, they also have a forum. But mostly it will help with construction issues wrt laying the material, most informative...

S.
 
lfcjfc said:
The aim is to run the deck almost at the same level at the internal floor level to get the impression of the deck being an extension of the house.

Your house may be at risk of flooding if it is to be attached to your house wall.....ensure the decking is laid below the DPC or at least 2 brick courses below DPC if it is an older house.
Click to expand...
 
Well 'flood' may be a bit of an exaggeration but certainly there will be dampness issues if decking is tied into the outer wall above the dpc line.
 
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