Hi, why don't you have a think about installing composite decking which will allow you to be level with the door sill without the worry of run-off into the house due to the 5mm gap between the boards. Composite doesn't required coating so the maintenance issues are significantly less, just a hose down and sweep or mop with water. You would still need to excavate approx. 250mm below the finished deck level to allow for the sub-frame but if you use treated pine framing with, either H4 stumps in concrete, or galvanised stirrups to anchor the framing into the soil. Check with your local decking pro for further advice and brand options. Generally, the USA made composites like Trex or Timbertech are better quality and the concealed fixing systems are easy to install. Your soil type may be the only issue with water, ie clay which retains water, or sand which tends to drain more quickly. Good luck

Hi plankandtrestle The undertones are tough to pick until it's in the flesh! Monument could be a good contender... if you want a true charcoal you could ask the paint counter to use only pure black and white to get your desired charcoal... I have monument on my gutters, downpipes and trim see below. I've paired it with wallaby which is a brown grey (you could darken) Hope this helps K x

there are so many on the market. I have used a few of them. Where will you be using it? This might be the determining factor. For example Ekodeck is very good in a high moisture area. ( I used this for an internal courtyard with no direct sun and water issues) and it is performing well. Colour and the texture of board will be a factor to consider. Dont be scared to get a few samples and lay them in the area that the deck will be built to see how it looks at different times of the day. Are you looking for top fixing ( where you can see the screws) or concealed fixing? ( boards are layed on a clip track or have a small clip that screws down between the boards and locks into a groove in the edge of the board. Something to remember that all composite decking will need specific gaps to allow for movement. Failing to provide these could void any warranty. The good thing about composite decking is the will usually come in 5.4m lengths meaning you can sometimes get away with no joins which looks fantastic. Another way to avoid joins is by using a breaker board. Can you let me know a little bit more of what you are looking for and where it will be used and I would be happy to let you know my thoughts. Also the cost can vary quite a bit depending on the supplier. I can let you know where to get better prices.

I love Julie's ideas of succulents , especially the pics with several different ones in the same pot . As far as the grey , I wouldn't -- you look like you like colour and excitement , so I'd go yellow on the pots -- a similar or slightly brighter shade then the cushion on the couch or chair to the left . It would tie it all in , and make that lovely mat look more like a feature too IMO . Without knowing 'the bigger picture' ( what else is 'happening' around that wall ) , just what I see I'd be inclined to add a light either side of the door too -- stick to the same shade as the joinery ( personally , I'd go for a 'clean rustic; style with say 15 squares each side ) , or if brave ( and assuming the guttering etc is probably a similar charcoal as your door joinery ? ) , go for the same yellow as your pots -- add a Wow !