Decking over an eyesore?

[cragglecat]

Hi all, I have an area in my garden which is a real eyesore. It is approx 1.25 x 2.5 metres. I was wondering whether I could try to build a small decking area over it but i have no idea how to prep the area first. It is full of rubble and also has a drain manhole and the concrete frame around it has broken down. Is decking viable? If so how do I get this surface suitably prepared? Thanks.

 

[motorbiking]

Given the size, it would be easier to lay some coloured gravel or pebbles. Would be a 10 minute job then.

 

[conny]

Go with MB on this one. Whatever you do decide to do, (decking, soil, peddles etc), you will need to remove all that rubble.
Level out whats underneath as best you can then put down 2 layers of weed control matting and spread some pebbles/stones over the whole area. You can then plant out a few pots and put them on there for decoration. Easy to maintain and still have access to the manhole, (obviously because you don't cover with stones but can stand some pots on to disguise it).

 

[dal5band]

Bye the way - is the manhole just for your property or a shared drain. If it is shared then your water company will replace it for free ! The law changed a few years ago so any shared drain is their responsibility - worth checking out.
For the patio, i would suggest sledge hammer the rubble into smaller pieces, lay weed control fabric then sharp sand and slabs to match the level of the rest of the patio. Avoid decking - horrible stuff, slippery when wet and rots away within a few years. In any case it needs joists underneath which means you would have to dig out quite a bit of rubble.

 

[cragglecat]

Thanks all. Gravel sounds like a good option that I hadn't even thought about. Re the drain, it does connect to the row of houses so will perhaps pick that up with water company.