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Can decking look good with old VIctorian houses?

10 replies

Pannacotta · 31/05/2009 21:37

We are wondering how to add a seatibg/eating area to our garden which is quite sloped (sloping away from the house).

We'd really like to use York stone, but don't think we can afford it and as the garden is sloped we'd need to add some kind of retaining wall or steps which would add to the cost.

DH suggested we look at decking instead, as it's soft underfoot and child friendly (have two young DSs) and easy to install on a slope.
But while I think it looks great in the US or with modern houses (60s onwards) I'm not sure it sits well with old, period style houses.

Any thoughts/good/bad experiences?

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mrsmaidamess · 31/05/2009 21:38

I don't see why not. But dark in colour I would say.

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janeite · 31/05/2009 21:43

We've got dark coloured decking in the garden of our long, narrow Victorian house and it looks fine. We have a big cast alluminium table and chairs on it though, which covers most of it and gives it a bit of a 'tea on the terrace' sort of feel I guess.

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Pannacotta · 31/05/2009 21:46

Thanks, I agree it would have to be dark, probably hardwood, decking. We'd also have a table and chairs plus sunbeds so it wouldnt be too on show.

Bit worried now though as I just did a search in the archives and many of the decking threads mention rats nesting under it!!

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janeite · 31/05/2009 21:48

Well we've been here three years now and have never seen any rats!

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noddyholder · 31/05/2009 22:10

I have decking but its a small garden and is done in terraces with in built planters and seating etc,the walls are lovely old brick which stops it looking woody.I think it looks fine in old houses Ours is light coloured and is lovely.

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Pannacotta · 31/05/2009 22:13

noddy did you take any "anti-rat" measures?
I have just googled rats and decking and am definitely worried now...

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noddyholder · 31/05/2009 22:17

No!I have only ever had period houses bar one flat and have always had decking and no rats ever.

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noddyholder · 31/05/2009 22:18

I have 2 big cats though

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Doobydoo · 31/05/2009 22:20

I looathe decking.Slippery in rain and golf balls get stuck under ours

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Pannacotta · 31/05/2009 22:20

Thanks, feel a bit reassured...

We have two cats too but I think they'd probably pass out if they came face to face with a large rat, they are old and a bit soft!

Did you use soft or hard wood?