Garden Decking London

Garden decking costs in London vary depending on the material you choose, the size of the deck and the complexity of the installation. As a guide, timber decking typically runs from £80 to £180 per m² installed; composite garden decking from £100 to £300+ per m². A typical London garden deck of 20–30m² comes to between £2,500 and £7,500 fully installed. We provide detailed, itemised quotes — not rough estimates — after a site visit.

For small gardens, we typically recommend keeping the colour palette simple — light-toned timber or grey composite both work well, as they make the space feel larger rather than closing it in. Board direction also matters: boards running away from the house lengthen the visual perspective. Composite is often a good choice for small garden decking because it requires very little maintenance, which is a practical advantage in a tight urban space. We will advise on the right approach for your specific garden at the site visit.

Yes — decking on a sloped garden is one of our most common requests. We build a raised sub-frame that levels the deck surface regardless of the gradient beneath, with posts of varying heights to accommodate the slope. A sloped garden that seems like a problem is often an opportunity — a properly designed deck on a slope can create a genuinely interesting multi-level outdoor space rather than just a flat platform.

In most cases, no. Standard garden decking falls within permitted development rights in England, provided it is no higher than 300mm above ground level and does not cover more than half the total garden area. However, if you live in a listed building, conservation area or national park, different rules may apply. Decking above 300mm also requires permitted development approval. We advise on this during our site visit so you know your position before any work begins.

Both are excellent choices and the right one depends on your priorities. Composite garden decking has very low maintenance requirements — no annual oiling or staining — and holds its colour well over time. Timber brings natural warmth and character that composite cannot fully replicate, and is typically more accessible in upfront cost, but needs regular maintenance to stay looking good. We install both and will give you an honest recommendation for your garden after we have seen it.

Yes, and this is one of the most effective garden decking installations you can do. The key considerations are the finished deck level relative to the door threshold — ideally flush or very close to flush — and any drainage requirements to prevent water tracking back into the house. We handle both carefully as a matter of course. A deck outside bi-fold or patio doors genuinely extends the indoor living space into the garden and is one of those changes that makes an immediate difference to how you use your home.

As a general principle, a deck that is in proportion with the garden works better than one that either dominates it or disappears in it. For most London gardens, a deck of 15–25m² is practical and liveable. The position matters as much as the size — a well-positioned smaller deck that catches the evening sun is worth more than a larger deck that sits in permanent shade. We help you think through this during the site visit, not from a desk.

London gardens vary enormously — from Victorian terraced back gardens to modern new-build plots, from roof terraces to generous suburban spaces. In our experience, a clean, unfussy design tends to serve London gardens well. Grey composite or weathered-tone timber both sit comfortably with the brick and render of most London homes. Where the garden has strong existing character — established planting, period features — we try to complement rather than compete with that character. We will talk you through what we think would work best for your specific garden.