Home design checklist: decking and paving FAQs

The right decking and pavers can elevate your home’s exterior and reduce the amount of maintenance required – here’s what you need to know.

Adding a deck or laying pavers is a great way to increase your home’s usable space. It immediately gives you somewhere to set up a dining table or an alfresco sofa and entertain outdoors (or simply relax and enjoy the sunshine).

In this Home Design Checklist post, we cover the most important things you need to know about installing decking and pavers into your outdoor living space.

Do you need a permit to put in a deck?

It depends on the situation. If you are building a deck over an existing porch or an alfresco concrete slab, you don’t need a permit. But once you exceed their original size by two square metres or more, you will need to get a permit.

It’s also important to note:

• You can’t run a deck over the top of an easement.
• Decks need to be located at least one metre away from your lot’s boundary lines.
• Spacing for decking joists will vary depending on the thickness of the decking boards used. For decking boards up to 19mm thick, joist decking should not exceed 450mm. For decking boards between 19mm and 32mm thick, decking spacing should not exceed 600mm. However, these are general guidelines and specific requirements can vary based on timber used, expected load and local building regulations. 

Do you need a permit to lay pavers?

No, you generally don’t need a permit to add pavers. Unlike decking boards, paving doesn’t have footings. 

It’s also good to know that you can pour a concrete paving slab over an easement and closer than one metre from a boundary without getting a permit. However, be aware that if authorised service providers need access to the easement, they are allowed to rip up your paving to access things such as pipes and underground cables.

How to prepare your ground for decking

To prepare your ground for decking, start by clearing the area of any grass, weeds, and debris. Next, level the ground and ensure it has a slight slope away from any structures to promote proper drainage. Lay down a weed barrier fabric to prevent future weed growth. Mark the perimeter of your deck and install string lines to outline the area. Excavate post holes and set the posts in concrete for a sturdy foundation. Finally, add a layer of gravel for additional drainage and compact it before beginning the deck frame construction. Proper ground preparation ensures a stable, long-lasting deck.

What are the main options in decking materials?

The decking material you choose will affect the aesthetics of your outdoor area and its maintenance costs.

The most common options when upgrading your property and outdoor space are: 

Solid timber: Real timber decking, such as Merbau, Spotted Gum or Cypress Pine, adds warmth and natural appeal to your outdoor area when stained. However, timber decks require twice-yearly oiling to prevent it from discolouring or deteriorating (less so if it’s covered by a roof).

It’s important to keep moisture away from timber by laying decking at least 40-50mm away from a concrete slab it's laid on to provide sufficient airflow underneath it.

Composite: Timber-look composite decking, made from recycled plastic and wood shavings, comes prefinished and doesn’t require the upkeep of the real thing. It does cost more upfront than solid timber deck boards, but savings in regular maintenance can be costly.

Composite decking boards vary in quality and appearance, so do your research before you buy. In particular, assess how the product weathers over time, as some tend to fade and can look quite fake (most manufacturers have images on their websites showing how the product weathers). Also, check if there are sealer coatings available to keep the product looking its best.

Fibre cement: Fibre cement product decking is the most durable option for outdoor areas, plus it’s more cost-effective than composite decks. It is moisture and fade-resistant, can stand up to weather extremes, and requires less resealing than natural timber. It’s also splinter-free, which can be an advantage if you have young children. You can stain or paint fibre cement decking but be aware that it has a somewhat flat appearance at ground level, without the grain of natural timber. 

Tiles: Porcelain, ceramic, concrete and natural stone tiles are all durable and low-maintenance choices for outdoors. But be aware that they will need to be laid over a concrete base to limit movement and cracking over time. At Carlisle Homes, we recommend a concrete base for all our external balcony tiling and paving to limit future movement (although it can still occur) and we ensure that the paving falls away from the home to stop water ponding near footings.