The Client Brief
The homeowners wanted to replace a tired paved terrace and narrow strip of timber decking with one coherent outdoor living space that felt like a natural extension of the kitchen and family room. Their priorities were clean contemporary lines, enough room for a six-to-eight seat dining table, a second informal seating area, and a finish that would stay smart without annual sanding, staining or sealing. They also wanted the finished level to sit comfortably with the large rear doors, while avoiding a bulky structure that would dominate the garden. With two school-age children and regular weekend guests, the space needed to be practical as well as polished: generous circulation routes, safe edges, slip resistance and robust surfaces were all important.
The Design Challenge
The rear garden fell away from the house, so a single flat platform would either have sat too high at the outer edge or required extensive groundworks. Drainage from the house also had to remain clear, and the design needed to preserve planting beds on both sides. The brief therefore called for a stepped, multi-level solution rather than a simple rectangle of decking.
The Fitrite Solution
Fitrite’s representative solution uses ProDeck composite decking in Platinum, a light contemporary finish that complements pale stone and rendered facades. The upper zone forms the principal dining terrace directly outside the kitchen, while a lower social area creates a softer transition into the lawn. Wide steps run across the central section, making the level change feel architectural rather than functional. Low-level integrated step lighting improves evening usability without turning the garden into a brightly lit space. ProDeck’s reclaimed wood-fibre and plastic construction, together with its capped composite shell, makes it well suited to a high-use family terrace where resistance to moisture, impact and UV discolouration matters. The finished layout is intentionally spacious enough for furniture to move without obstructing the route from the house to the garden.
Project Specification
The Project Journey
- Initial consultation – Discuss lifestyle requirements, preferred look and maintenance expectations.
- Site survey – Measure door thresholds, falls, drainage points and the usable footprint.
- Design development – Set the two-level layout, circulation routes, furniture zones and step positions.
- Finish selection – Confirm the Platinum ProDeck finish against the house and hard landscaping.
- Ground preparation – Prepare the supporting substructure while maintaining drainage and ventilation.
- Deck installation – Install the capped composite boards, perimeter detailing and full-width steps.
- Lighting and finishing – Fit low-level lighting, complete edge details and carry out alignment checks.
- Handover – Walk through care guidance, guarantees and the completed layout with the homeowner.
Project Cost
Illustrative project investment: £18,900. This is a representative project value, not a formal quotation. Final pricing would vary according to size, access, ground conditions, specification, finish and any additional works required.
The Finished Result
The finished terrace gives the rear of the property a much more considered, premium feel. Instead of several disconnected surfaces, the family now has one coherent entertaining zone with a clear dining area, space for relaxed seating and a natural route into the lawn. The pale composite finish reflects summer light and visually widens the rear elevation, while the stepped arrangement makes the change in garden level feel intentional. Most importantly, the homeowners gain the appearance of a carefully detailed deck without the maintenance cycle associated with timber. The terrace is designed to work equally well for everyday family meals, larger gatherings and quieter evenings with the integrated lighting switched on.
Key Outcomes
✓ Created a 42 m² premium entertaining terrace
✓ Removed the annual maintenance associated with timber decking
✓ Improved the connection between kitchen, terrace and lawn
✓ Made a sloping garden feel deliberately zoned rather than awkward
✓ Delivered a complete design, supply and installation solution