Timber Decking | Boards, Balustrades & Kits

Build the full timber deck, not just the boards

A timber deck normally needs more than the surface boards. You may also need a suitable treated timber subframe, exterior decking screws and, where a balustrade is required, matching newel posts, handrail, baserail and spindles. This collection keeps the main decking components and complete kit options together so you can plan the full job before ordering.

Use the decking kit builder first

If you are planning a complete garden deck rather than replacing a few boards, start with the Online Decking Kit Builder. It gives you a quicker route to the main timber and fixing quantities based on the size of deck you want to build.

Ready-planned kits are also available in 3.6m x 3.6m, 4.2m x 4.2m and 4.8m x 4.8m sizes.

What do you need for timber decking?

Choose your decking board profile

The two decking-board products provide different face options. Grooved & Reeded Treated Softwood Decking Boards offer a traditional textured finish on both sides. Grooved & Smooth Treated Softwood Decking Boards provide a grooved face and a smooth alternative.

Choose the profile before working out quantities so that the same board type is used across the visible deck area. Allow for the board width, the gap between boards, cuts around posts and edges, and a sensible amount for waste.

Handrail, spindles and newel posts

For a traditional timber balustrade, use the three matching components together:

• Smooth Planed Pyramid Top Newel Post – 83 × 83mm for the upright supports.
• Treated Decking Handrail / Baserail & Infill – 42 x 65mm x 3.6m for the top and bottom rails.
• Treated Stop Chamfer Decking Spindles – 41mm x 895mm for the vertical infill.

The handrail and spindle product pages include a simple “How many spindles do I need?” calculator. Enter the clear distance between the installed newel posts and the number of equal bays. It returns the minimum spindle quantity and the equal finished gap.

Where the 100mm sphere rule applies, the calculator uses a maximum target gap of 99mm rather than relying on a perfect 100mm site measurement. It calculates spindle quantity and spacing only; the complete balustrade still needs to be properly designed, fixed and suitable for the particular deck.

Decking screws and fixings

Use fixings intended for exterior timber and compatible with treated wood. The screw should secure the board firmly without being driven so deeply that it damages the surface. Keep fixing lines consistent and take care near board ends, where pre-drilling may help reduce splitting.

The boxed Decking Screws suit smaller projects and repairs, while the Decking Screws – Bulk Pack is the more practical route for larger deck areas.

Complete decking kits

A complete kit can be easier when you want the main materials planned together rather than selecting each component separately. Use the Online Decking Kit Builder for a made-to-size route, or choose one of the ready-planned kits:

• 3.6m x 3.6m Decking Kit – Treated Timber Garden Decking Kit
• 4.2m x 4.2m Decking Kit – Treated Timber Garden Decking Kit
• 4.8m x 4.8m Decking Kit – Large Treated Timber Garden Decking Kit

Check exactly what is included on the individual kit page and add any balustrade, steps, membrane or additional fixings needed for your layout.

Things to check before ordering

• Overall deck size: Measure the full length and width rather than estimating from the garden area.
• Board direction: Decide which way the decking boards will run before planning the supporting frame and board lengths.
• Board profile: Choose grooved and reeded or grooved and smooth before calculating quantities.
• Subframe: Plan suitable treated supporting timber, support spacing and ventilation below the boards.
• Edges and steps: Allow for trims, fascia boards, changes in level and any step construction.
• Balustrade: Measure the clear distance between newel posts and use the spindle calculator for each bay.
• Fixings: Order the decking screws and any structural fixings needed for the frame at the same time.
• Waste: Allow for cuts, damaged ends and boards that need to be selected around visible areas.
• Cut ends: Re-treat freshly cut treated timber where appropriate after cutting.

FAQs

How many decking boards do I need?

The quantity depends on the deck dimensions, actual board width, the gap between boards and the direction in which the boards run. Start with the Online Decking Kit Builder when planning a complete deck.

How many decking spindles do I need?

Measure the clear distance between the finished newel posts and use the calculator on the Treated Stop Chamfer Decking Spindles or Treated Decking Handrail / Baserail & Infill page. The calculator returns the minimum spindle quantity and equal gap for each bay.

What parts make up a timber decking balustrade?

The matching system uses newel posts as the upright supports, handrail and baserail between the posts, and stop-chamfer spindles fitted vertically between the rails.

Should I use the boxed or bulk-pack decking screws?

Choose around the size of the job. A box is useful for repairs and small areas, while the bulk pack is normally more convenient for a complete deck.

Do complete decking kits include the balustrade?

Check the individual kit page before ordering. Balustrade components, steps and layout-specific extras may need to be added separately depending on the kit and your project.