Decking - level or slope?

Pennywise

We've just had some decking fitted. To my OH's surprise (I never gave it a thought!!), they have laid it completely level. When it rains, the water stays in the grooves on the decking. My OH says that they should have sloped it slightly so that the rain water would run off the decking, away from the house to the garden to drain away. I have mentioned this to the decking people who say it is "standard practice" to lay decking level and that as it is pressure treated timber, it won't rot. I tend to favour my OH's opinion as it is already looking discoloured after just a few days. Has anyone got a definitive answer, or a reference to any "respected handbook" etc so that I can go back to the decking people to have it corrected? Thanks in advance.

dougk_2

All these TV shows recommending decking! Its not "maintenance Free" like they would have you believe. You need to keep the protection up to date so you need to treat it every year or so (unlike fencing you walk on decking so it wears the protection out).

What people fail to realise is the decking looks nice to start with but soon discolours and deteriorates and starts to look scruffy (certainly after a few years).True, the wood may not root for a while but it does not stay in A1 like new condition.

Anyway - I had a look at the B&Q information - it doesn't answer the question but says the site should be level. Personally I would favour a slight slope as I wouldn't want to have to paddle across the decking boards when it was wet.

John_M_Business

I have decking in the garden... perfectly level, of course! The grooves aren't a problem, and all water evaporates reasonably quickly (in most seasons).

The main problem is that most people leave outdoor decking and furniture to the elements and then, surprise, surprise, they lose colour, crack and finally break / degrade.

If you put Decking Oil on decking ONCE A YEAR (preferably Spring), then it will degrade, but much more slowly than at other times. Oil is much better for the deck than varnish or similar, because it is absorbed by the decking, retaining a natural feel, whilst protecting. Ronseal do a very nice Natural Matt Oil for decking. Oil Garden Furniture too - what's the point of having beautiful hardwood only to let it 'go grey'?