Garden Decking
A flat, stable outdoor surface that turns an awkward or unused garden area into a proper seating space.
What Goes Wrong
The failure modes that make a deck feel unsafe or look tired within a season are almost always structural.
A frame set on soft or unlevelled ground flexes under load, causing boards to lift at fixings within one season.
Ground is levelled, compacted, and covered with weed suppression membrane before the bearer structure is set.
Untreated softwood in a shaded Cambridge rear garden holds moisture, softens, and splinters within two or three years.
Pressure-treated softwood, composite, or hardwood is selected based on aspect, maintenance preference, and budget.
Replacing individual boards on a rotten or unstable frame delays the inevitable and costs more over time than a full replacement.
The survey checks frame condition before quoting, board replacement is only recommended where the structure is sound.
Boards laid without adequate joist spacing or slope trap standing water, making the surface slippery and accelerating rot.
Joist spacing and board gap are set to allow water to run clear, reducing pooling and surface wear from the outset.
Scope of Work
From a compact seating area to a raised platform with steps, each element is quoted as a separate line item.
Joist frame and pressure-treated boards with weed membrane, suited to most garden budgets and takes stain well.
Low-maintenance composite boards on a treated frame, resistant to moisture and UV fading with no annual treatment needed.
Dense hardwood boards fixed with correct spacing to allow seasonal movement, giving a durable and long-lasting finish.
Raised deck structure on posts and bearers with integrated steps, suited to gardens where the level drops from the house.
Individual board or fixing replacement where the joist frame is confirmed sound at the survey stage.
Clearing, levelling, and compacting before the frame is set.
Laid under the frame to prevent growth lifting boards.
Fascia boards and edge trim for a clean perimeter finish.
Integrated steps and optional balustrade for raised decks.
Why Choose Us
Accountability, clear costs, and a survey process that catches problems before work starts.
Boards, frame, steps, and ground prep are each quoted as individual line items, so costs are clear before any work begins.
The ground survey checks the existing frame before quoting, so nothing is missed or added later.
Frame condition is assessed at the survey stage, so you only pay for what the structure actually needs.
Every survey accounts for Cambridge’s garden conditions, checked on site before anything is quoted.
Each element is priced separately, so you can adjust scope without renegotiating an all-in figure.
The Process
Tell us the size, ground condition, and how you want to use the space so we can schedule the right survey.
A site visit checks levels and frame condition, then quotes each element as a separate line item.
Ground is prepared, the frame is set, and boards are fitted and finished before the site is cleared and handed over.
Pricing Estimates
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Small deck | £1,200-£2,500 |
| Standard deck | £2,500-£4,500 |
| Large deck | £4,500-£7,000 |
| Raised or bespoke deck | £7,000-£10,000 |
Common Questions
It depends on how much of the structure is affected. Isolated soft or broken boards can usually be replaced without touching the frame. If the joists or posts are rotten, a full replacement is safer and often cheaper long-term than patching a failing frame board by board.
Algae and moss are the usual cause, they colonise the surface when moisture sits on untreated or weathered timber. Shaded decks and those under trees are most prone. A thorough clean and an anti-slip treatment or a grooved composite board will restore grip and slow regrowth.
Timber is a natural material, typically pressure-treated softwood or hardwood such as oak or iroko, and needs periodic oiling or staining. Composite boards are made from wood fibre and recycled plastic, so they resist moisture and fading without annual treatment. Composite costs more upfront; timber costs more in ongoing maintenance.
Composite decking is the lower-maintenance option. It does not need oiling, staining, or sanding, and it resists the algae growth that makes timber slippery over time. A brush down and occasional wash with soapy water is all it normally needs to stay looking presentable.
That is entirely your choice. Decking can cover a small seating area of a few square metres or extend across most of a garden. A measured plan before work starts lets you see the footprint clearly and adjust it before any boards are cut or posts are set.
Scale and board direction make the biggest difference. A deck sized to match the rear elevation of the house, with boards running in a consistent direction, tends to sit naturally in the space. Edging, built-in planters, or a step down to lawn can soften the transition further.
Guide prices run from £1,200-£2,500 (Small deck) to £7,000-£10,000 (Raised or bespoke deck). Composite boards, raised sections, and steps each add to the total. A site visit gives you a fixed quote broken down by element.
Board material is the biggest factor, composite costs more than pressure-treated timber. Size, the complexity of the frame, sloped or uneven ground, and any extras such as steps or built-in edging all affect the final figure. Straightforward ground-level decks on flat sites cost the least.
We cover decking in and around Cambridge, including Trumpington, Great Shelford, Sawston, Fulbourn, Histon, Cottenham, Waterbeach, Cambourne and Northstowe. If your area isn’t listed, send us a quick message to check.
Describe the plot, the ground condition, and how you want to use the space. We schedule a site survey and quote boards, frame, steps, and ground prep as separate line items.