Decking Installation in Richmond | Bespoke Decking Specialists
Richmond Professional Landscaping handles decking installation across Richmond upon Thames for restaurants, rental properties and family homes. The work covers new decks in pressure-treated softwood, hardwood or composite, bespoke shapes, raised and multi-level platforms, and the replacement or refurbishment of tired old decks.
A deck lasts only as long as the frame beneath it. Treated C24 joists at 400 millimetre centres, concrete-set posts and a weed membrane with good airflow underneath stop boards from sagging, rotting or bouncing underfoot. Boards are spaced for expansion and fixed with stainless screws or hidden clips, and the whole deck is kept below the damp-proof course of the house.
Backed by 29 years in landscaping, 2 BALI National Landscape Awards and a 97% customer satisfaction rating, the company plans each deck around the garden's levels, sunlight and how the space will be used. Every quote is itemised, covering boards, subframe, fixings, labour and waste removal.
Decking Installation Services in Richmond
New Garden Decking Installation
A deck turns an unused corner or sloping patch into somewhere to eat, read or catch the evening sun. New garden decking installation starts with the ground, so the frame sits level and drains freely.
Many decks form part of complete garden landscaping, with joists, fixings and board gaps matched to the material. Close to the house, we keep it below the damp-proof course so moisture never sits against the walls.
Timber Decking Installation
Pressure-treated softwood is the budget-friendly choice, while hardwoods like iroko bring richer colour and a longer life. Timber decking installation leaves small gaps between boards, as the wood swells and shrinks with the weather.
Board ends are sealed after cutting, and stainless steel screws stop black staining around the fixings. Our installers also keep air moving beneath the deck, which slows rot and keeps the frame sound.
Composite Decking Installation
Composite boards blend wood fibres and recycled plastic, so they never need sanding, staining or oiling. Composite decking installation follows each manufacturer's rules on joist spacing, expansion gaps and fixings.
Hidden clips give a clean, screw-free surface, with matching fascia boards on the edges. A wash a few times a year is all the upkeep needed, which we explain at handover.
Bespoke Garden Decking Installation
Curves, angled corners and decks wrapped around a tree make the most of awkward gardens. Bespoke garden decking installation plans every board around boundaries, planting and existing features.
Cut boards need extra support, so Richmond Professional Landscaping sets out the frame carefully before any boards go down. Picture-frame borders and changes in board direction then give a polished, made-to-measure finish.
Raised and Multi-Level Decking Installation
Sloping gardens are where decking really earns its keep, creating level platforms without heavy excavation. Raised and multi-level decking installation uses concrete-set posts or adjustable supports to hold each level firm.
Decks more than 30 centimetres above the ground usually need planning permission, and drops of 600 millimetres or more call for balustrades. We check both before the design is finalised, along with steps between levels.
Decking Replacement and Refurbishment
Soft, slippery or rotting boards show a deck needs attention, but the frame tells the real story. Decking replacement and refurbishment starts by checking every joist, post and fixing for rot or movement.
Where the frame is sound, new boards go straight on top. If joists have rotted, our crew replaces them first, then cleans and treats any timber worth keeping.
Create a Deck You Will Use Every Day, Built on a Frame That Lasts
Why Choose Us for Your Decking Installation in Richmond?
Materials matched to the garden: Softwood, hardwood and composite boards are compared side by side, with honest advice on cost, looks and upkeep. The final choice reflects the space and how it gets used.
Designs built around the plot: Each deck is shaped to the garden's levels, sunlight and access rather than squeezed into a standard rectangle. That makes even narrow or sloping gardens far more usable.
Frames that last: Treated C24 joists, solid post footings and good ventilation underneath keep the structure sound for years. Boards stay flat and firm underfoot instead of sagging.
Careful fit around the house: Every deck sits below the damp-proof course and clear of air bricks, so the home stays dry. Richmond Professional Landscaping also checks door thresholds and drainage before the frame goes in.
Decking Installation Process in Richmond
Step 1: Site Assessment and Requirements
We start by talking through how the deck will be used, preferred materials and any access limits. Ground levels, drainage and the support the frame will need are checked at the same visit.
Step 2: Deck Layout and Material Selection
Position, size, finish and board material are then confirmed in a written plan. Our designers also set the joist spacing and fixing method to match the chosen product and deck height.
Step 3: Ground Preparation and Subframe Construction
The area is cleared, levelled and covered with a weed membrane before footings go in. We then build the subframe, checking levels and leaving space for air to circulate underneath.
Step 4: Decking Board Installation
Boards are fixed with stainless screws or hidden clips, spaced for expansion and laid to the manufacturer's guidance. Our installers trim and seal cut ends as they go.
Step 5: Final Inspection and Handover
We check every board, fixing and edge before handover. Simple care advice for timber or composite is shared, so the deck stays looking good for years.
How Much Does Decking Installation Cost in Richmond?
Decking is priced per square metre, and a typical 15 square metre deck in London lands somewhere between £1,500 and £3,000 fully fitted. Softwood sits at the lower end, while hardwood and premium composite cost the most. Raised frames, steps and balustrades add to the total.
Service Type
| Fitted Cost | What's Included
|
|---|---|---|
Softwood decking, supply and installation
| £70 to £145 per m² | Treated softwood boards on a treated timber subframe, fully fitted. |
Hardwood decking, supply and installation
| £100 to £200 per m² | Hardwood boards such as iroko, with a heavier-duty frame. |
Composite decking, supply and installation
| £90 to £185 per m² | Composite boards with hidden clips and matching fascia boards. |
Typical London deck, fully fitted | £120 to £220 per m² | Boards, subframe, footings, fixings and labour for a typical London deck. |
Removing an old deck, extra steps and balustrades are priced as separate items where needed. Richmond Professional Landscaping lists boards, subframe, fixings, labour and waste removal line by line in every written quote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Decking Installation in Richmond
What decking does Richmond Professional Landscaping install?
We install pressure-treated softwood, hardwood and composite decking, including raised, multi-level and bespoke designs. Fitted prices typically run from £70 to £200 per square metre depending on the board. Raised and bespoke decks cost more, as they need extra posts and cutting.
Is composite decking better than timber?
Composite resists rot, never needs staining and holds its colour for longer, though it costs more upfront. Timber feels more natural underfoot and costs less, but needs oiling or treating every year or 2. Composite is often the better choice in shady gardens where timber stays damp.
How long does decking last?
Treated softwood usually lasts 10 to 15 years, hardwood 25 years or more and good composite 25 to 30 years with basic care. The frame underneath decides much of that lifespan, which is why joists and footings get so much attention.
Does the price include ground preparation and the subframe?
Yes, every quote covers site clearance, levelling, a weed membrane, footings and a ventilated subframe before any boards go down. Removing an old deck and taking away waste are listed as separate items, so nothing turns up as a hidden extra.
Do I need planning permission for a garden deck in Richmond?
Usually not, as long as the deck sits no more than 30 centimetres above the ground and, with other outbuildings, covers no more than half the garden. Raised platforms, listed properties and some conservation area sites need approval, which is checked before work starts.
Why does decking get slippery?
Algae and moss build up on shaded or damp boards, especially under trees. Grooved or anti-slip boards, good airflow beneath the deck and a wash each spring and autumn keep it safe underfoot. Pressure washing on a low setting clears the worst without damaging the boards.
How much maintenance does new decking need?
Timber needs a sweep, a wash and a fresh coat of oil or treatment once a year. Composite only needs washing a few times a year to clear grime and keep the gaps between boards open. Both last far longer when leaves are swept off before they rot.
Why We Are a Trusted Landscaping Company in Richmond upon Thames & Surrounding Areas
- 29 years of experience in residential and commercial landscaping.
- Over 930 landscaping projects completed across Richmond and surrounding areas.
- 97% customer satisfaction rating.
- BALI and APL accredited, TrustMark registered, with an RHS Level 3 horticultural qualification.
- Winner of 2 BALI National Landscape Awards.
- Specialists in garden design, patios, driveways, fencing, decking, turfing and planting.
- Site assessments, measured surveys and bespoke garden design plans.
- Written workmanship terms, clear pricing and practical aftercare guidance.