DECKING STEP BY STEP - Tapa dura

Decking is divided into four main sections. Part 1, 'The Basics' begins with an overview of what's involved (including the benefits of suing pre-fabricated decking sections), then describes what's needed before you start: there's full information about materials; planning; tools and safety; preparing the site and building foundations; installing posts, railings and so on; constructing stairs; laying the decking, and building covers and overheads. Part II - 'Decking Styles & Designs: The Projects' - features no less than 15 decking projects to choose from, from a simple low-level deck using prefabricated sections to a deck with a simple water feature. City-dwellers without gardens aren't left out: there are plans for a Patio deck in a small space and for a rooftop deck. Throughout, the reader is shown exactly how to complete each stage of the project in detailed step-by-step photographs, all with easy to follow text and captions. Part III - 'Help!' - Provides information on basic deck maintenance and on how to repair different parts of your deck. Part IV - 'Completing Your Outdoor Room - shows how to transform your deck into an 'outdoor room', with information on decorating with plants, on selecting furniture, installing water features and, finally, on special lighting schemes. With its emphasis on simple, achievable projects for average-sized gardens, this book truly offers everybody the chance to create their own 'outdoor room'.

Graham Quick is a decking builder and landscape gardener who has produced or contributed to books on both subjects. Graham was a pioneer in introducing decking to the British garden centre trade, working with the firm Forest Fencing. He has built many decks of different designs and styles and sells decking materials through his landscape supply centre. Recent books include a pond and decking construction title for Interpet.