This guide covers the homes and gardens of Thornaby, the sandy ground, the conservation area around the green and the factors that decide what a deck costs.
Thornaby's homes and gardens
Thornaby's wards differ a lot. In the 2021 Census, the Village ward in the south of the town was 55.6% semi-detached, 17.5% terraced and 13.1% detached, with 65.2% of households owning their home. Closer to the river, Mandale and Victoria ward was 40.0% terraced and 35.0% semi-detached, with 16.0% in flats; 38.8% of households there own their home and 30.7% rent from a council or housing association.
Look at the street names around the town centre and you'll spot the airfield's legacy: Trenchard Avenue, Mitchell Avenue and Bader Primary School recall aviation, and the Thornaby Aerodrome Memorial and a Spitfire monument stand nearby. On the Dales Estate the roads are named after dales instead: Wheeldale Crescent, Westdale Road, Lingdale Road and Staindale Road. Parks include Allison Trainer Park and The Common.
That variety means gardens vary too. Behind a terrace, there may be a small yard where a deck can level uneven ground and make a usable seating area. Behind a semi on the Dales Estate or near Thorntree Vale, there's often room for a deck the width of the house with a step down to the lawn.
Sandy ground under Thornaby
The British Geological Survey's 1:50,000 map shows glaciolacustrine sand, laid down in a glacial lake, over Sherwood Sandstone under central Thornaby. Sand drains freely, so water is less likely to sit under a deck than on heavy clay.
The catch is stability. Loose sand needs deeper post holes and concrete set around each post to hold firm. In some gardens there may be clay lenses or old fill, so we always dig a test hole before deciding how deep to go. A weed membrane and a layer of gravel under the deck keep the ground clean and stop weeds coming up between the boards.
The Environment Agency's Flood Map for Planning shows no land in Flood Zones 2 or 3 within 300 metres of the town centre. Mandale Beck and Stainsby Beck run through parts of the town, so if your garden backs onto one, check your postcode on the map.
Thornaby Green and planning
The Thornaby Green Conservation Area was designated in 1971, according to planning.data.gov.uk. Listed buildings near the green include the Old Church of St Peter (Grade II*), Green Farm House, Glebe House and Ivy Holme Sundial Cottage (Grade II).
The national rules on the Planning Portal say a deck is normally permitted development if it's no more than 30cm above the ground and covers no more than half the garden together with other extensions and outbuildings. In a conservation area, side decks aren't permitted development, and listed buildings have no permitted development allowance for decking. Flats and maisonettes need planning permission for a deck.
If you rent from a housing association or a private landlord, you'll need written permission before work starts. We can give you a plan and description to send.
Designs that suit Thornaby
For a small yard, a low deck with boards laid lengthways and a gap at the walls for drainage is practical and tidy. For a larger semi garden, a deck with a picture-frame edge, a bench along the fence and lights in the step works well. If the garden is shaded, a grooved or textured board helps with grip in wet weather.
Composite is easy to look after, while treated softwood keeps costs lower; hardwood is the longest-lasting natural choice. See our composite decking and timber decking pages, or ask us about balustrades, steps and lighting.
Pricing your deck in Thornaby
We quote after a visit. Size, height, board choice, steps, guarding and lighting all affect the price, along with access and whether an old patio or deck has to be taken up. On sand, deeper footings can add a little time. Our decking costs guide explains each factor.
Neighbouring areas
- Ingleby Barwick: to the south-west, a large area of modern detached homes.
- Billingham: across the Tees to the north, with its post-war town centre.
- Yarm: further south-west, with its Georgian High Street.
See all our areas on the areas page.
Questions we get asked about Thornaby
Do I need permission for a deck near Thornaby Green?
If you're in the conservation area, a side deck needs planning permission, and a listed building needs extra checks. A low rear deck is often fine. We'll check your address at the visit.
Can you build a deck in a small yard?
Yes. A low deck can level an uneven yard and make it more usable. We plan around drains, gates and bins.
Is sandy ground a problem?
No. It drains well, but posts need to go deeper and be set in concrete so the frame stays solid.
I rent my home. What do I need?
Written permission from your landlord. We can give you a simple drawing and description of the deck to send them.
Sources: ONS Census 2021 TS044, TS045 and TS054, Village and Mandale and Victoria wards (2022 boundaries, Nomis); planning.data.gov.uk: Thornaby Green Conservation Area and listed buildings; BGS Geology Viewer 1:50,000; Environment Agency Flood Map for Planning; OpenStreetMap; Planning Portal: decking.