Build Your Deck with Scottish Larch
- Scottish Wood
- Aug 20
- 4 min read
A well-built deck is more than just an outdoor surface, it’s an extension of your living space, a place to relax, entertain, and enjoy your garden. At Scottish Wood, we provide locally sourced Scottish Larch decking boards along with durable Larch structural timber, giving you everything you need to create a strong, beautiful, and sustainable deck. Whether you’re planning a small patio deck or a larger raised structure, choosing the right timber and following best practices ensures your deck lasts for decades.
Why Choose Scottish Larch for your Deck?
Scottish Larch is an ideal choice for both decking boards and structural elements, offering a combination of natural durability, strength, and aesthetic appeal.
Durability - Larch is naturally dense and resinous, giving it excellent resistance to decay, insects, and weathering without the need for chemical treatment. This makes it ideal for outdoor projects where longevity matters.
Strength - Its toughness allows it to perform well as both decking boards and supporting joists, beams, and posts, ensuring your deck is solid and stable.
Aesthetic Appeal - Freshly cut, Larch has a warm reddish-golden tone that softens over time to a beautiful silvery grey, providing a timeless, natural look that enhances any garden.
Sustainability - Our Scottish Larch is grown and responsibly sourced locally, reducing transport impact and supporting Scottish forestry. Using local timber also helps maintain traditional woodland management practices.
Planning Your Deck
Careful planning before construction is key to a successful, long-lasting deck.
Measure Your Space - Take accurate measurements of your garden area and decide on the overall size, including any steps, seating areas, or raised sections. Consider how the deck will connect to your home and other outdoor features.
Choose Your Style - Decide on the layout and pattern of your boards. Do you want a contemporary linear look, a diagonal layout, or a traditional staggered board style? The right style will enhance your garden and complement your home.
Prepare the Ground - The area where your deck will sit should be level, well-drained, and compacted. Proper preparation prevents movement, water pooling, and premature wear, helping your decking last longer.
Check Planning Regulations - Depending on your deck height or proximity to boundaries, you may need local authority approval. Always verify before starting construction.
Building with Larch Structural Timber
The structural framework is the backbone of your deck. Using Scottish Larch ensures strength, stability, and long-term durability:
Structural Framework
Posts – Vertical supports that carry the load of the deck down to the ground.
Beams - Strong horizontal timber that rests on posts and support the joists.
Joists - Horizontal timber that span across beams (or from ledger to beam), supporting the decking boards.
Ledger board - A board fixed to the house or structure, anchoring one side of the deck joists.
Blocking / Bridging – Short joist pieces installed between joists for lateral strength and to prevent twisting.
Decking Surface
Deck boards - The visible walking surface, laid across the joists.
Fascia boards - Boards covering the deck’s perimeter to hide joist ends and provide a finished look.
Trim - Additional decorative edging for clean finishes.
Tips for Longevity:
Use high-quality fixings such as stainless steel or coated screws to resist corrosion.
Elevate posts slightly above the ground using concrete pads, metal post anchors, or gravel drainage to prevent moisture contact.
Apply a protective treatment to the base of posts in contact with soil for extra protection against decay.
Laying Your Decking Boards
Once the frame is ready, it’s time to lay your boards:
Lay the Boards - Install boards across the joists with a slight gap (5-8mm) to allow water drainage and natural expansion.
Choose Fixings - Use stainless steel screws or hidden fixing systems to prevent staining and maintain a clean surface.
Trim and Finish - Cut edges for a neat appearance and install fascia boards to complete the look.
Tip: Start at the edge of the deck and work your way in to maintain alignment and a consistent gap between boards.
Decking Board Options
Our Scottish Larch decking boards are available in a choice of size to suit your project:
Thickness: 25mm or 33mm
Width: Standard 145mm or narrow 95mm
Edge Profile: Boards are chamfered on the top corners for a smooth, finished look
Grooved Boards: Available on request for hidden fixing systems or added grip.
Choosing the right combination of thickness, width, and edge profile allows you to tailor the deck’s appearance and functionality to your space and design preferences.
Naturally durable Scottish Larch Posts, joists and boarding available to self-select from our Larch sheds onsite or cut-to-order through our Sawmill.
Why Build with Scottish Wood?
By choosing Scottish Larch decking and structural timber from us, you’re investing in a deck that is:
Naturally Durable and Low-Maintenance - With proper care, Larch can last decades with minimal upkeep.
Locally Grown and Sustainably Managed - Support for Scottish forestry practices reduces environmental impact.
Beautiful and Characterful - Rich natural tones that age gracefully, giving your deck a timeless look.
A deck built with Scottish Larch will not only enhance your garden’s appearance but also provide a strong, reliable structure for years of outdoor enjoyment. Visit us onsite to contact us directly online to get your Deck build started.
Learn more about our Scottish Larch decking and structural timber
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