20/09/2026
This job almost killed me but god do I love the finish!!
2yrs ago I was at this property to clean and treat the old pine decking to try to give it a few more years of life, it helped and served its purpose but the time had come to finally give it an upgrade!
This old listed building in Earls Colne had been converted from a pub to 3 flats, my customer being on the 2nd floor, whos garden is the split level roof of the flats below.
Being listed meant any replacement decking had to be wooden, but with the frames sat in puddles on the roof meant an upgrade for the frames was number one priority. Secondly, the wooden boards needed an upgrade to the beautiful Yellow Ballau smooth hardwood decking boards. These boards offer a far superior finish and life span, without the uncomfortable castleations of normal decking and the option of leaving them to 'grey out' over time or to treat them each year to keep the beautiful 'new' finish, but they do come with a hefty price tag!
Lower level.
4x2inch frames were used and then levelled and glued to the roof. This meant a perfect level from the kitchen exterior door but the bedroom door was 2inches lower, so a shallow step was added to facilitate the doors opening onto the decking area.
Steps made upto the upper level with hidden storage.
Box made for a new water feature, polestyrene and adhesive added to hold the feature in place, decorated with plants and white stones.
Upper area.
Originally two levels but after removing the old decking and with the original plan of a pergola now cancelled, it was decided on just 1 level throught and encorporate the steps from the lower area later on.
Wooden 4x2 and 3x2 timbers on feet, bitumin paint and decking tape added before boards laid. With 4 large planters (bitumin painted and plastic lined inside) and a bench with hidden storage made and 3 yellow ballau posts added for a large sail as the finishing touch.
In itself a lot of work, but being 4metres up on a roof came with some challenges, so before work commenced, SAC Scaffolding were contacted for a 4m tower and walkway for access. And yes everything went up and down this!
140 4m yellow ballau smooth hardwood decking boards
24 4.8m 4x2 timbers
18 4.8m 3x2 timbers
15 4x2 4m frames
2500 Spax decking screws
Not to mention all the old decking/frames, tools etc!!
Its not very often a customer gives you full cart blanche to do whatever is needed to give it that superior, perfect look, this was not a cheap job! But the results speak for themselves and they are truely delighted with the finished piece!
What do you think?
