Stunning decking & pergolas for outdoor living

Your complete guide to decking & pergolas

Composite vs timber decking

The choice between composite and timber decking is the first decision most homeowners face, and it comes down to a balance of budget, aesthetics, and maintenance appetite. Composite decking — made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and polymer resins — has become the dominant choice across Berkshire and Surrey in recent years, driven by its exceptional low-maintenance properties and long lifespan.

Premium composite boards from manufacturers like Trex (Transcend and Enhance ranges), Millboard (which uses a mineral-based polymer core for supreme durability), and Cladco (offering excellent value for money) are virtually immune to rot, warping, splintering, and insect attack. They resist staining, fading, and mould growth, and can be cleaned with a simple wash once or twice a year. Most come with 25-year structural warranties and retain their colour far better than natural timber.

Timber decking retains a loyal following, and for good reason. Nothing quite matches the natural warmth, grain variation, and underfoot feel of real wood. Pressure-treated softwood (typically Scandinavian redwood or pine graded to C16/C24) is the most affordable option, while Western Red Cedar offers a beautiful reddish-brown colour, natural rot resistance, and a lighter weight that suits elevated structures. However, timber requires annual treatment with a decking oil or stain to maintain its appearance and prevent premature decay — a commitment that composite eliminates entirely.

Cost-wise, composite decking typically runs 30-50% more expensive than treated softwood on a fully-installed basis. Over a 20-year lifespan, however, the total cost of ownership is often comparable once you factor in annual timber treatment, occasional board replacement, and the time spent on maintenance. We present both options with honest comparisons during our consultation so you can make the right choice for your household.

• Composite — No annual treatment, rot-proof, splinter-free, 25-year warranty, higher initial cost
• Treated softwood — Natural appearance, lowest cost, needs annual oiling/staining, 10-15 year lifespan
• Western Red Cedar — Natural rot resistance, beautiful colour, lighter weight, premium price
• Millboard — Mineral polymer core, most realistic wood look, supreme durability, premium cost
• Cladco — Good quality composite at a mid-range price, wide colour range, reliable performance

Frame construction and ventilation

The subframe is the most important part of any deck — it determines the structural integrity, lifespan, and safety of the finished installation. We construct all subframes from pressure-treated softwood, using C16 or C24 graded timber for joists and bearers. Joists are spaced at a maximum of 400mm centres for composite boards and 500mm centres for standard timber boards, with additional support under board joints and heavy-traffic areas.

The frame sits on concrete pad foundations or adjustable pedestals, keeping the timber clear of the ground and ensuring stability. All structural connections use stainless steel or hot-dip galvanised coach bolts, joist hangers, and angle brackets — never ordinary zinc-plated screws that corrode within a few years. Decking boards are fixed with concealed clip systems (for composite) or stainless steel screws (for timber), providing a clean finish and allowing board replacement without disturbing adjacent boards.

Ventilation beneath the deck is critical and often overlooked by less experienced installers. We maintain a minimum 150mm clear airflow gap between the ground and the underside of the joists. This allows air to circulate freely, preventing moisture buildup, reducing algae and mould growth, and significantly extending the life of both the subframe and the boards. Where the deck is close to the ground, we install ventilation gaps in the fascia boards and use a weed membrane underneath to keep the area clear.

• C16/C24 graded pressure-treated softwood subframe
• Joists at 400mm centres (composite) or 500mm (timber)
• Concrete pad foundations or adjustable pedestals
• Stainless steel or galvanised fixings throughout
• Concealed clip fixing systems for composite boards
• Minimum 150mm ventilation gap beneath the deck

Pergola design options

A pergola adds vertical interest, shade, and architectural character to any garden. We build pergolas in a variety of styles to suit every property — from rustic oak frames to sleek powder-coated aluminium structures with motorised louvred roofs. The right pergola extends the usable season of your garden, provides shelter from light rain and harsh sun, and creates a defined outdoor room that feels distinct from the open garden.

Freestanding pergolas can be positioned anywhere in the garden — over a dining area, beside a hot tub, or as a focal point at the end of a path. Wall-attached lean-to pergolas extend from the house, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. We secure lean-to structures with heavy-duty masonry fixings and install proper flashing at the wall junction to prevent water ingress.

Roofing options range from open rafters (ideal for climbing plants like wisteria, jasmine, or grapevine) to polycarbonate sheets, glazed panels, louvred aluminium blades, and retractable fabric canopies. Louvred roofs — where angled aluminium blades can be tilted open or closed — are the premium option, offering full weather protection when closed and open-sky dining when the sun shines. We integrate drainage channels into covered pergola designs to handle rainwater cleanly.

We can incorporate LED strip lighting beneath the rafters, pendant lights, festoon cables, and even ceiling-mounted infrared heaters to make your pergola comfortable on cool evenings. Integrated planter boxes, privacy screens, and climbing plant wires complete the package, turning a simple frame into a genuine outdoor living room.

• Freestanding or wall-attached lean-to designs
• Timber (softwood, cedar, oak) or powder-coated aluminium frames
• Open rafters, polycarbonate, glass, louvred, or retractable canopy roofing
• Integrated LED lighting, heating, and privacy screens
• Climbing plant supports for wisteria, jasmine, and grape vines

Planning permission for decking and pergolas

Under current permitted development rules, garden decking that is no more than 300mm above the existing ground level does not require planning permission in most cases. However, raised deck platforms — common on sloping sites — that exceed 300mm in height, or that are positioned within two metres of a boundary, may require a planning application. Decking that would result in more than 50% of the garden being covered by impermeable surfaces also falls outside permitted development.

Pergolas are generally treated as garden structures and fall under permitted development provided they do not exceed four metres in height (three metres if within two metres of a boundary), are not positioned forward of the principal elevation, and the total area of outbuildings does not exceed 50% of the garden area. Properties in conservation areas and listed buildings have more restrictive rules, and we always check the specific requirements for your site.

Raised decks over 600mm above ground level may also need to comply with Building Regulations for structural safety, particularly regarding balustrade heights (minimum 1100mm), loading capacity, and accessibility. We design all raised decks and balustrades to meet these requirements as standard, whether formal approval is needed or not, because safety is non-negotiable.

• Decking up to 300mm above ground level — generally permitted development
• Raised decking over 300mm — may need planning permission
• Pergolas under 4m height — usually permitted development
• Conservation areas and listed buildings — additional restrictions apply
• Balustrades to Building Regs — 1100mm minimum height, 100mm infill spacing

Maintaining your decking

Composite decking requires minimal maintenance — a sweep to remove leaves and debris, and an occasional wash with soapy water and a soft brush is usually all that is needed. For stubborn marks, most composite manufacturers recommend a specialist composite deck cleaner. Avoid using a pressure washer on a narrow jet setting, as this can damage the surface texture. A fan spray at moderate pressure is safe and effective for annual deep cleaning.

Timber decking requires more regular attention to maintain its appearance and longevity. We recommend a thorough clean in spring using a proprietary deck cleaner to remove algae, dirt, and grey weathering, followed by an application of a quality decking oil or stain once the timber is fully dry. Products from Osmo, Ronseal, and Cuprinol are all effective. Oiling not only restores the colour but nourishes the wood, preventing it from drying out, cracking, and splintering during hot weather.

Regardless of the deck type, keep the ventilation gap beneath the structure clear of debris, soil buildup, and vegetation. Restricted airflow under a deck promotes moisture retention, accelerates timber decay, and encourages mould growth on the underside of the boards. We install the subframe at a height that allows easy inspection and occasional clearing of the space beneath — a small design detail that significantly extends the deck's working life.

Inspect fixings, brackets, and structural connections annually. Look for any boards that have become loose, any corrosion on metal fixings, and any signs of timber softening in the subframe. Catching a single rotten joist early costs a fraction of rebuilding an entire deck that has been compromised by undetected decay spreading through the subframe. We offer annual deck inspection and maintenance packages for clients who prefer professional oversight of their investment.

Creating multi-functional outdoor spaces

The modern garden deck is far more than a simple platform. Across Berkshire and Surrey, our clients are increasingly requesting multi-functional outdoor spaces that combine dining, cooking, lounging, and entertaining in a single cohesive design. A well-planned deck can accommodate a full outdoor kitchen with a built-in gas grill, sink, and preparation surfaces, alongside a separate lounge zone with comfortable furniture, a fire pit, and ambient lighting.

Level changes add interest and naturally define different zones. A stepped deck with a raised dining platform and a lower lounging area creates visual drama and a sense of progression through the space. Built-in bench seating around the perimeter saves space and provides a clean, integrated look. Under-seat storage compartments make use of otherwise wasted space beneath the benches — ideal for cushions, barbecue accessories, and garden games.

Hot tubs are another popular addition to deck projects. We engineer the subframe beneath the hot tub to accommodate the considerable filled weight — typically 1,500 to 2,000 kilograms for a four-to-six-person tub — with closer joist spacings, doubled bearers, and reinforced foundations. Access panels and drainage connections are discreetly integrated into the deck design, and privacy screening ensures you can relax in comfort without overlooking concerns.