Outside Living
Decking Built
to Sit Level for
Years, Not Seasons
Hardwood and composite decking installed on engineered sub-frames with proper ventilation and fall — so the deck looks as straight in five years as it does on day one.
Free design visit and itemised written quote.
Service overview
Decking in Nottinghamshire — what you actually get.
What it is
Design and installation of composite and hardwood decking — including sub-frames, posts, balustrades, steps, screening and pergolas. We handle small terraces through to full-garden multi-level decks.
Who it's for
Homeowners who want usable outdoor living space — for dining, hot tubs, kids' play areas, garden offices or simply a place to sit with morning coffee that isn't a soggy lawn nine months a year.
When you need it
Build season is year-round for composite; hardwood is fine year-round too but acclimatises best in dry conditions. We book heavily March through September.
Why it matters
Most decks fail at the sub-frame. Skimped joist spacing, untreated timber, no airflow underneath, no fall for drainage. The deck looks fine for two summers and starts twisting by the third. We over-engineer the bit you'll never see so the bit you walk on stays right for decades.
What happens if you wait
The real cost of leaving it.
A bowed, springy, slippery deck is a daily reminder of money spent badly. And by the time the boards are warping, the sub-frame has usually been compromised long enough to need ripping out completely.
Risks of leaving it
- Untreated softwood sub-frames rot within 5-7 years and the whole deck has to come up.
- Joists at 600mm centres bounce — boards split, fixings work loose.
- No airflow underneath rots boards from below before the top wears out.
- Wrong fall causes ponding and slip hazards in winter.
- Inadequate handrails fail building regs and become a liability if anyone falls.
Common mistakes we see
- Building a deck directly on grass or soil without a ventilated frame and weed membrane.
- Using B-grade composite that fades, scratches and stains within a season.
- Joists at 600mm centres because 'it's only domestic' — composite needs 400mm max.
- Skipping the ventilation gap at the perimeter — deck rots from the bottom up.
Our process
How we deliver — step by step.
- 1
Free Design Visit
We measure, discuss use, and recommend material (composite vs hardwood) based on budget, maintenance preference and location.
- 2
Itemised Written Quote
A clear, itemised written quote.
- 3
Ground Preparation
Existing surface cleared, weed membrane laid, ground levelled or excavated as needed, drainage addressed if the area sits wet.
- 4
Sub-Frame Construction
We build a strong, treated sub-frame with proper support and a ventilation gap underneath, so the deck sits level and stays level.
- 5
Boards, Trims & Sign-Off
Boards fitted with hidden clips or screwed, trims and fascia dressed, balustrades installed. Walk-around snag with you before sign-off.
What you get
The benefits — in plain English.
20+ year design life
Quality composite boards on a properly engineered frame routinely last 20-30 years with minimal maintenance.
Sits level, stays level
Engineered joist spacing and ventilated sub-frame eliminate the bounce, twist and warp that kill most DIY-spec decks.
Low maintenance
Composite needs an annual wash — no oiling, sanding or staining. Hardwood looks best with an annual oil but lasts decades either way.
Slip-resistant in winter
Modern composites are grooved or embossed for grip. Hardwood (iroko, balau) holds traction well when oiled.
Adds outdoor living square footage
A deck is one of the most affordable ways to add usable outdoor space — it makes the garden a usable room nine months a year.
Balustrades & handrails
Glass, stainless-steel or composite balustrade options with matching handrails — we design the whole assembly, not just the floor.
The detail that matters
Decking: materials, methods & specifications.
Decking is 70% sub-frame and 30% surface. Get the sub-frame right and almost any board lasts. Get it wrong and the best board in the world is sitting on a problem.
Composite decking
Trex, Millboard, Cladco, Liniar, Saige — capped polymer-encased composite boards. Up to 25-year residential warranties, depending on the board. Best for low-maintenance, all-weather decks.
Hardwood decking
Iroko, balau, ipe, oak. Warmer underfoot, more characterful, requires annual oil to keep colour. Lasts 25+ years untreated, 40+ with maintenance.
Softwood decking
Pressure-treated softwood (e.g. ThermoWood) — most affordable, 10-15 year life with annual treatment. Honest budget option.
Sub-frame construction
Treated C24 timber or aluminium frame. Joists at 400mm centres for hardwood, 300mm for many composites. Ventilation gap at perimeter and posts.
Foundations
Concrete pads cast in situ, ground screws, or adjustable pedestal feet for low-rise decks on uneven ground. We choose to suit ground conditions and deck height.
Balustrades & handrails
Glass infill, stainless steel cable, vertical bar, or matching composite balustrade. All to building regs height (1100mm above 600mm drop).
Steps & multi-level decks
Cascading steps, split levels, integrated planters — designed for sloped gardens or to break up larger decks visually.
Integrated features
Built-in seating, hot-tub platforms, pergola integration, screening for privacy.
Whether it's a small composite terrace off the kitchen in Mansfield or a wraparound iroko deck around a hot tub in Edwinstowe — we'll build it once, level, and to last.
We cover Edwinstowe, Mansfield, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottingham, Newark-on-Trent, Worksop, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Hucknall, Retford — see our full service areas or jump back to home.
Recent work
A selection of recent work completed across Nottinghamshire.
FAQ
Honest answers, before you call.
How much does composite decking cost installed?
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Every job is priced individually and quoted in writing after a free inspection — get in touch for a quote.
Composite or hardwood — which is better?
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Composite if you want low maintenance and up to a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Hardwood if you want natural character and don't mind an annual oil. Both last decades when built properly.
How long does a deck take to build?
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It depends on the size and complexity of the deck — we give you a written schedule before starting so you know exactly what to expect.
Do I need planning permission for a deck?
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Decks under 300mm above ground level are permitted development. Higher decks, or decks covering more than 50% of the garden, may need permission. We'd always suggest checking with your local council.
Will the deck be slippery in winter?
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Quality grooved or embossed composites are slip-rated to current standards. Hardwood is fine when kept oiled. We can also add anti-slip strips on steps and high-traffic areas.
What's underneath the deck — does it rot?
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If built properly, no. We use treated C24 timber (or aluminium frames), maintain a ventilation gap, lay weed membrane, and ensure the ground beneath drains. The frame is built to outlast the boards.
Can you build around existing trees and obstacles?
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Yes — cut-outs around trees, services and existing features are routine. We leave room for tree growth.
What product warranties come with the deck?
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The manufacturer's product warranty (typically 25 years on premium composite, 10 years on hardwood).
Ready when you are
Get a written quote for your decking — usually within 48 hours, where possible.
No pressure, no obligation. A senior roofer comes out, looks properly, and gives you an honest written price.
Related services
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