In architecture, a deck is a flat surface capable of supporting weight, similar to a floor, but typically constructed outdoors, often elevated from the ground, and usually connected to a building. Wood, or Timber Decking is such a surface that is usually used in gardens, but can be used in a number of ways.

Garden Decking

Garden decking is usually used as a recreation area, typically in the summer, to place a table and chairs and sit out on during the summer. Additions to garden decking can include wooden furniture and ornaments to complete the look.

The decking area is most of what would be the "patio" area of the garden, that is, directly outside the back door for ease of use. However, many people put the decking towards the back of the garden and create a walkway from the house giving more space.

This is dependant on space available and the lay of the land, and can prove quite costly if levelling is required.

Garden Decking can also be used to add the features of a specific garden, for example, a wood-themed garden with wooden furniture might use decking to create the walkways and areas, instead of grass, to stand on, or to place plant pots and such.

Some people with small gardens will completely cover the area in decking because of the ease of maintenance and the fact that it is sturdy, secure and looks very nice.

Decking Materials

Timber decking is a popular choice which is often made from treated lumber, Western red cedar, teak, mahogany. Decking is also commonly made from composite material, Aluminum, ipe and other hardwoods and recycled planks made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene (PS) and PET plastic as well as mixed plastics and wood fibre (often called "composite" lumber).

Historically, the soft woods used for timber decking were logged from old growth forests and include Atlantic white cedar, redwood and Western red cedar.

A decline in the availability of timber decking made from white cedar became a problem because of the rise in popularity following the construction of coastal boardwalks in the United States.

The commercial logging of the tree and the clearing of cedar swamps led to a dramatic decline in the number of trees. Logging companies switched to red cedar but soon found the same problem and over-logging caused prices of timber decking to rise and availability very rare.

Pressure treated pine later became available to distil the demand for wood. However, even with chemical treatments (such as chromated copper arsenate or CCA), pine decking is not as durable as cedars in an outdoor environment. Thus, many municipalities and homeowners are turning to hardwoods.