using beam and block as decking

[Tom]

Hi all - now that we're acually in the house, much of the drive to actually complete the landscaping has evaporated, but I really need to knuckle down and get this sorted. We have some wraparound glazing at one corner and want to put some decking here to give as close to level threshold as I can. I'm not keen on composite, wood would be OK, but I've been toying with the idea of using beam and block which I think would fit in with the overall design of the place, see pics. Is there any glaring reason why this wouldn't be possible? As it's not really a loadbearing thing, could I just sketch it out and order the bits, or should it be designed properly by a structural engineer?

Thanks all

[Conor]

Would you not just raise the ground level with stone and pave? Would be a lot simpler and cheaper.

[markc]

As above, B&B would be more work, more concrete, leave a gap underneath and still need screed/bedding for the pavers or stone etc.

P.s. no need for any calcs etc. if you did want to use B@B

Edited March 31 by markc

[JohnMo]

B&B sounds naff.👎

Level decking 👍 finish how you want. 

Patio👍

 

You may need a French drain or similar to keep water out.

[Russell griffiths]

Sounds a hideous idea, you can get reasonable paving for £25 a metre, or if budget is tight prepare the area with type 1 and cover in a gravel of your choice for a year or two until you can afford the paving. 
 

or my neighbour has used 200mm wide oak boards 25mm thick for a very rustic deck. 
 

Edited March 31 by Russell griffiths

[saveasteading]

I like b and b and have used it a lot.  For buildings.

This doesn't need it. In fact it's a bad idea i think, in practice and cost.

 

As above.  Fill and pave with a slope away from the house. Or gravel, or a mixture.

[Tom]

Ok, ok enough already! So the idea's shit, i get it! I agree, building the level up and paving makes more sense... What was I thinking?!😵‍💫

[saveasteading]

32 minutes ago, Tom said:

What was i thinking?

Keep testing us and the norms.

[Russell griffiths]

If you don’t want paving you could use the steel decking system and some rustic boards to match/ contrast with the house. 

[Andehh]

Finish the build!! don't lose momentum, Bite the bullet and do it properly now. We were in the same boat as you 18 months ago, and once your settled into a normal life, with normal none house building problems.... To then think about restarting a large driveway or landscaping project... Shudder the thought!!

 

I also vote for building up and doing a patio!

[DownSouth]

On 31/03/2025 at 14:36, Tom said:

I'm not keen on composite

Have you looked at the Cladco decking? It changed our minds about composite. I reckon the reverse side (slim line side not fake wood pattern side) would look stunning against your cladding. We used it in the last house. Easy maintenance, no slipping and sliding issues like we’d had with the wood decking, looked good as new when we left a few years later.

[Tom]

4 hours ago, DownSouth said:

Have you looked at the Cladco decking? 

 

Thanks, I'll have a look

[Temp]

I think B&B would work well but might be a bit more complicated. You would probably need to build walls for each end of the beams to rest on. The wall near the house could be just blocks. The one furthest from the house probably brick and block or block clad with timber. Once done any paving or tiling on top would be pretty bomb proof.