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Garden Decking

Decking in Peterborough

A level, safe outdoor surface, built on a correct subframe with the material and finish that suits your garden.

  • Itemised Quotes
  • Composite & Timber
  • Site Survey First
Decking carried out by a professional landscaping

Done Right

Where cheap or rushed decking jobs go wrong

The most common failures come from skipping the frame, not from the boards themselves.

Boards on a Bad Frame

Fitting new boards over a rotten or uneven subframe means the deck moves, squeaks, and fails within a season.

Frame Inspection First

A site visit checks joist condition and ground levels before any boards are ordered or priced.

Wrong Joist Spacing

Composite boards need 400 mm joist centres; softwood allows 600 mm. Using the wrong spacing causes flex and cracking.

Material-Matched Frame

The subframe specification is set once the board material is confirmed, not built to a generic standard.

Slippery Surface

Smooth-faced boards become hazardous after rain or moss growth, a real concern through wet East Midlands winters.

Grooved or Treated Finish

Composite boards with a grooved surface profile and slip-resistant finishing are specified where grip matters.

Hidden Scope Creep

Quoting boards only, then adding groundwork and frame costs mid-job, leaves customers with an unpredictable final bill.

Single-Scope Quote

Subframe, boards, fixings, fascia, and steps are quoted together as one clear scope before work begins.

Common problems, answered

Scope of Work

What the decking installation covers

From a straightforward board replacement to a raised deck with steps, each element is quoted as a separate line.

Composite Decking Boards

Wood fibre and polymer boards, no annual treatment needed.

Softwood & Hardwood Timber

Traditional timber boards in softwood or hardwood grades.

Subframe & Joist Construction

New joist frame built to the board manufacturer’s spacing spec.

Raised Deck with Steps

Raised platform and integrated steps for step-down gardens.

Fascia Boards & Fixings

Perimeter fascia for a clean, finished edge to the frame.

Decking Frame Replacement

Full subframe removal and rebuild where the existing frame has failed.

Frame First

Decking that stays level starts with the subframe, not the boards

Choosing boards without checking the frame underneath is the most common decking mistake.

Peterborough gardens often have a step-down from the rear of the house, making a raised deck the most practical way to create a level outdoor surface. The subframe, joists, posts, and fixings, carries the load and sets the level. A site visit establishes the height difference, ground condition, and whether an existing frame can be reused or needs replacing. Fitting new boards to a failing frame is a short-term fix.

Composite decking boards are made from wood fibre and polymer. They do not need annual treatment, resist moisture, and are available with a grooved surface that improves grip in wet East Midlands winters. Softwood timber is less expensive upfront but needs regular treatment to prevent splitting and greying. Hardwood sits between the two on cost and durability. Joist spacing differs by material, so the frame specification is set once the board choice is confirmed.

Fascia boards finish the visible edges of the frame and give the deck a clean perimeter line. Steps are built as part of the same job where the deck is raised. Waste timber and packaging are removed from site on completion. The quote covers subframe, boards, fixings, fascia, and steps as a single scope, not boards alone with groundwork and frame quoted separately after the job starts.

Why Us

Why choose our partners for decking in Peterborough?

Local landscapers who survey the ground, confirm the scope, and quote every element before work begins.

Separate Line-Item Quotes

Subframe, boards, fixings, fascia, and steps are each quoted separately, no hidden additions mid-job.

Site Survey Before Pricing

Ground levels and existing frame condition are checked in person before any figure is given.

Material Choice Confirmed First

The frame specification is only finalised once composite or timber has been agreed with you.

Waste Removed on Completion

Old boards, waste timber, and packaging are cleared from site at the end of the job.

Raised Deck Experience

Partners are familiar with step-down Peterborough gardens and the raised frame builds they require.

A completed garden landscaping job at a house
A finished garden landscaping project

The Process

From first enquiry to finished deck

  1. 01

    Describe Your Garden

    Tell us the deck size, ground condition, and whether you want composite or timber boards.

  2. 02

    Survey & Quote

    A local landscaper visits to check levels, inspect the frame, and return an itemised quote.

  3. 03

    Installation & Clearance

    Subframe, boards, fascia, and steps are fitted, then all waste is removed from site.

Pricing Estimates

Typical Decking Prices

JobTypical cost
Softwood decking£80-£120 per m²
Composite decking£90-£250 per m²
Small decking project£1,200-£1,600
Typical decking project£1,500-£15,000
These prices are estimates and often vary with the condition, size and scope of each job. Message or call us for a free, no-obligation quote.
See all prices

Common Questions

Decking questions answered plainly

  • How much does it cost to have decking fitted?

    Most decking installations come in at £1,200-£1,600, depending on the size of the area, the material chosen and the complexity of the frame. Composite boards cost more upfront than treated softwood but need less ongoing maintenance. A larger or raised deck with steps will sit at the higher end of that range.

  • What affects the price of getting decking fitted?

    The main factors are the deck’s footprint, the board material (softwood, hardwood or composite), and how much groundwork the frame needs. Sloping or uneven ground requires more substantial subframe work, which adds to the cost. Steps, balustrades and any drainage work underneath are quoted separately.

  • Is composite decking better than wood decking?

    Composite decking resists rot, fading and splintering without annual oiling or staining, making it lower maintenance than treated softwood. Softwood costs less upfront but needs regular treatment to stay sound. Hardwood sits between the two, durable and attractive, but it still requires periodic oiling to maintain its appearance.

  • Should I get decking fitted professionally, or can I do it myself?

    A flat, small deck on level ground is within reach of a confident DIYer. Anything raised, on sloping ground or over 30cm high needs a properly engineered subframe and secure fixing, errors here create movement, rot and safety risks. Getting it fitted correctly from the start avoids costly remedial work later.

  • Can a deck be fitted on an existing patio or uneven ground?

    Yes, decking can be laid over a solid existing patio using a treated timber or composite subframe to create a level surface. On uneven ground, adjustable feet or deeper posts are used to level the frame before boards go down. The key requirement is that the subframe is stable and properly ventilated underneath.

  • Why is my decking moving, sinking or feeling uneven?

    Movement usually means the subframe posts have shifted, rotted at ground level, or were not set deep enough to begin with. On clay soil, ground heave in winter can also push posts out of position. Leaving it unaddressed worsens the structural problem and increases the risk of boards splitting or fixings failing.

  • Do you guarantee the work if something goes wrong?

    Guarantee terms vary by partner and are confirmed in writing before work starts. Ask for the specific guarantee period and what it covers, workmanship and materials are the two areas to check. Any guarantee should be provided in writing so you have a clear record if a problem arises.

  • Are you insured for decking work?

    The independent partners we connect customers with carry their own public liability insurance. Confirm the level of cover with your partner before work begins, and ask to see their certificate if you want reassurance. Never allow work to start without confirming insurance is in place.

More questions about Decking?

Tell Us About Your Garden

Describe the space, the ground and how you want to use it. We’ll arrange a local landscaper to survey and quote each element separately.

Get a Quote