Which decking?

[MagicalTrevor]

Well, it's sort of a decking question. We had a set of French doors fitted a while back and we've not got round to putting proper steps down to the block-paved patio area. It's probably a '2-stepper' and I was thinking of building something using decking boards which would then become a raised planter for my Wife to put whatever plants she's going to kill this year

We've looked at the more exotic 'Balau' wood decking but that looks a bit too red as we'd idea like it to match the wood floor that I've just finished laying (first time ever and I've done a pretty good job!). Should I just buy a load of the stuff from B&Q/Wickes or is there a better place. I'll probably use 3 of 4 two-tread stringers to for the base of the steps or I can probably get away with making a frame?

Any thoughts and advice? Cheers

I'm aware that type of thing has been discussed... but guess what, search isn't available

[MagicalTrevor]

Ah, good idea, cheers Podie.

[MagicalTrevor]

sherman said:

I wouldnt use decking for the steps as they will just get slimy and need constant attention to keep clean.

Please can you make a suggestion as to what I should use? I'm not sure of what I need to look for.

[MagicalTrevor]

Thanks for the advice (so far). I'm now in a quandary as I want to use the same material to build the planter.

How about, building the frame out of 'sleepers' and then some sort of stone on the steps? I could have the steps, maybe, 20-30cm deep. How does that sound?

[MagicalTrevor]

Thanks guys, we love the idea of that composite decking and hadn't thought of that. Much better idea than normal decking.. however, how much? What's the cost like compared to normal decking? I'd like to do a much larger area as decking but we don't have the budget right now to do it (assuming that I'd be £500+ for the small area we'd do)