Decking the garden - would you?

[Molotov]

We have an almost 11yo Staffie girl who is the apple of my eye We've lived in this house for 5y and the combination of the way she wees and two bad winters have taken their toll on the grass.

We thought of having decking to replace the grass (the majority of the garden) but are concerned about the practical aspects of when she wees and poos.

Is decking a bad idea as a dog-owner? MolotovDog doesn't enjoy going out and about anymore so all her toilet action takes place in the garden. Are we asking for trouble with decking or is it easy to keep clean?

TIA.

[TheHoundsBitch]

We have some decking in our garden and Dpup has taken to peeing and pooing on it The poo is hard to clear up because of the ridges in the decking, and I think the wee is starting to damage the wood tbh. Unless you are going to pressure wash it every day I don't think it's a great idea, slabs would be better imo.

[tabulahrasa]

I find decking sloppy when it's wet...I'd worry about an older dog.

I've got gravel where the dog goes to the toilet, easy to pick up and I just hoes it down occasionally as well.

[Molotov]

Thanks both. Lots to consider there; considerations which will either lead us to block paving, or re-turfing.

[Evenstar]

I have AstroTurf and find it very easy to clean up and no mud

[SistersofPercy]

We have decking and a dog.
The trick is to lay it smooth side up (as they seem to do everywhere else bar the UK!). Its much easier to clean because you aren't scrubbing the ridges, easier to paint and much less slippy in winter because it's easier to clean so no moss growth etc.

[GandalfsOtherHat]

Part of our garden is decked, part grass. The area under the deck is a HAVEN for rodents. I will never deck again, rather pave.

[desertmum]

we have decking in our (rented) house and despite having another 1/3 acre garden two of my dogs just love to poo on the decking. Drives me mad. It's a pain to clean as the ridges make it hard to sweep in any direction other than ridge direction, it gets slippery when wet, is rotting at one end and although it look lovely in summer is a pain. If this was my house i would take it out and lay nice tiles instead i think.