The Client Brief
The property had a generous rear garden but very little of it functioned as comfortable social space. The first section fell away quickly from the house, leaving the family with a small patio at the top and a lawn that felt visually disconnected. The homeowners wanted a premium deck that could provide a level seating area without a large amount of concrete landscaping. Their ideal result was modern rather than rustic, with enough space for outdoor sofas and a coffee table, but with simple materials that would not need regular refinishing. They were particularly attracted to a cooler grey palette to tie in with dark aluminium doors and contemporary garden furniture.
The Design Challenge
The principal challenge was the gradient. The new deck needed to create a genuinely level social platform while resolving the drop to the lawn safely and elegantly. Because the area was relatively sheltered and could hold moisture during wet weather, the specified decking also needed strong weather resistance and suitability for a lower-to-ground installation.
The Fitrite Solution
The representative design uses Nordeck in Ash Grey. Nordeck’s dense PVC core and ASA resin shell are aligned with the kind of damp-prone, low-to-ground setting encountered here, while its timber-free construction removes concerns about rot. A wide central stair replaces the previous narrow garden steps and makes the transition to the lawn feel generous. The main platform is kept visually simple, with integrated planters at the edges to soften the structure and retain mature planting. Furniture zones are set back from the circulation route so the deck remains easy to use when the family are moving between house and garden. The result is a strong architectural platform rather than a ‘decking add-on’.
The Project Journey
- Briefing visit – Understand how the garden is used and identify the practical problems caused by the slope.
- Level survey – Record height differences from the rear doors to the lawn.
- Concept layout – Create a level social platform with broad access to the garden.
- Material choice – Select Ash Grey Nordeck for the contemporary palette and weather resistance.
- Substructure build – Form the level supporting structure and allow appropriate drainage.
- Board installation – Lay boards with consistent alignment and neat perimeter detailing.
- Steps and planters – Complete the central steps and integrate retained planting.
- Final inspection – Check finish, stability, drainage routes and handover requirements.
Project Cost
Illustrative project investment: £17,250. 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 family now has a genuinely usable outdoor room immediately outside the house. The previous gradient is still present, but it is handled through the architecture of the deck rather than experienced as a problem. The Ash Grey finish gives the rear elevation a contemporary character and provides a neutral backdrop for planting and furniture. The broad stairs make the lawn feel connected to the house, while the durable, low-maintenance surface means the family can use the space without planning yearly refinishing work.
Key Outcomes
✓ Converted an awkward gradient into practical living space
✓ Created a safe, generous connection to the lawn
✓ Used a timber-free system suited to demanding weather exposure
✓ Established a contemporary grey design language
✓ Reduced long-term maintenance compared with traditional timber