Composite Decking in Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Low-Maintenance Composite Decking Installed Across Gloucestershire
Composite Decking in Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Stylish, Durable Composite Decking for Modern Outdoor Spaces Across Gloucestershire
Composite decking is one of the smartest ways to create a clean, modern outdoor living space that stays looking good year after year — without the ongoing sanding, staining and painting that traditional timber demands. We install high-quality composite decking across Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester and all surrounding areas, building practical seating areas, raised platforms, multi-level designs and integrated garden features that genuinely change how you use your outdoor space.
Composite decking is particularly well-suited to Gloucestershire gardens. In the damper, north-facing gardens common across Gloucester and the Severn Vale, composite resists the moisture, algae and rot that often ruin untreated timber within a few seasons. On the steep hillside plots around Stroud, a raised composite deck can create a flat, usable area without the cost of major earthworks. And for period properties in Cheltenham and Cirencester where the garden needs to look smart with minimal maintenance, composite offers a polished, long-lasting finish in a wide range of colours and textures.
Whether you want a simple deck for relaxing, an outdoor dining area, a hot tub platform, or a full multi-level garden redesign with integrated steps and lighting, we build everything on strong, properly engineered subframes with a neat, professional finish.
Get a Free Composite Decking Quote
If you’re thinking about composite decking in Gloucester or anywhere across Gloucestershire, we’d be happy to help.
Call us on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715 to arrange a free, no-obligation quote.
Our Composite Decking Services
New Composite Deck Installation
We supply and install premium composite decking boards in a wide range of colours, textures and finishes — from contemporary grey and charcoal tones to warm wood-effect boards that suit Cotswold stone properties. Every deck is built on a strong subframe designed to last as long as the boards themselves, with proper ventilation, drainage falls and expansion gaps throughout.
Raised Decking & Platforms
If your garden is uneven, sloped or split across different levels — as many Gloucestershire gardens are, particularly around Stroud, Rodborough and the Cotswold hillsides — we build raised decks and level platforms that create flat, usable outdoor areas without the cost and disruption of excavating and re-grading the whole garden. Raised decks are also a practical option for covering old, uneven patio areas that you'd rather not dig up.
Steps, Balustrades & Handrails
For decks with any height difference — and for safety on raised platforms — we install matching composite steps, glass or composite balustrades and handrails. These are essential on any deck over 600mm above ground level (a building regulation requirement) and add both safety and a polished look to the finished project.
Edging & Finishing Details
The finishing details are what separate a professional deck from a DIY job. We fit fascia boards, corner trims, end caps and concealed fixings to give every edge a clean, seamless appearance. Hidden clip systems keep the deck surface free of visible screws, giving a sleek, modern look throughout.
Replacement of Old Timber Decking
If your existing timber deck has rotted, warped, splintered or become dangerously slippery with algae, we strip it out completely — boards and subframe — and replace it with a modern, low-maintenance composite alternative. We don't just re-board over an old rotten frame; the subframe is the backbone of any deck, so we assess its condition first and replace it where necessary to make sure the new deck performs properly for decades, not just seasons.
Composite vs Timber Decking — Which Is Right for You?
Composite and Timber/Wooden decking each have their place, and the right choice depends on your priorities, budget and garden conditions.
Composite Decking
Composite costs more upfront but requires virtually no maintenance — no annual staining, no sanding, no replacement of rotten boards. It won't splinter, warp or harbour algae the way untreated softwood does, and most boards carry warranties of 15–25 years. This makes it the stronger long-term investment, especially in Gloucestershire's wet climate where untreated timber can deteriorate quickly in shaded or north-facing gardens.
Timber/Wooden Decking
Timber has a lower initial cost and offers a natural warmth and character that many homeowners prefer. High-quality pressure-treated softwood or hardwood like iroko or balau can last well if properly maintained, and it's easier to cut and adapt on site for unusual layouts. However, timber requires annual treatment and is more susceptible to rot, algae and splintering over time.
For most Gloucestershire gardens — especially those that are shaded, damp, or where the homeowner wants a low-maintenance solution — composite is the more practical choice. If you’d like to discuss both options, we’re happy to advise during your free site visit. We also install wooden decking if timber is the better fit for your project.
Why Choose Composite Decking?
Professional Composite Decking Installers in Gloucester
Low Maintenance, High Durability
Composite decking doesn't rot, split or fade like timber. A quick wash with soapy water a couple of times a year is all it needs — no sanding, oiling, staining or painting, ever. In Gloucestershire's wet climate, where timber decks often turn green with algae by autumn, this makes a real difference to how your garden looks and feels year-round.
Great for All Weather Conditions
Good composite boards are slip-resistant even when wet, UV-stable so they don't fade in direct sun, and dimensionally stable so they don't warp, cup or bow through seasonal temperature changes. This makes them reliable and safe to walk on in all conditions — including the damp, cool winters that are typical across the Severn Vale and Cotswold hills.
Modern, Stylish Appearance
Composite boards come in a wide range of colours and textures — from contemporary grey, charcoal and anthracite to warm oak, teak and cedar tones with realistic woodgrain finishes. This means you can match the decking to your property's style, whether it's a modern new-build in Quedgeley, a Victorian villa in Cheltenham or a Cotswold stone cottage near Cirencester.
Built to Last
We build every deck on a properly engineered subframe with the correct joist spacing, ventilation and drainage. Combined with high-quality composite boards that carry manufacturer warranties of 15–25 years, the result is a deck that stays solid, safe and looking good for decades — not just the first couple of seasons.
Perfect for Outdoor Living
Composite decking is strong enough to support hot tubs, outdoor kitchens, garden bars, heavy planters and large dining sets. It's an ideal foundation for outdoor living spaces that see regular use — from weekend BBQs to evening entertaining. If you're planning a multi-use garden, a well-designed composite deck ties the whole space together.
How We Install Composite Decking
Every composite deck we install follows a clear, proven process — because the work underneath the boards matters just as much as the boards themselves. Here’s how a typical project runs from start to finish:
Site Visit & Design
We visit your garden, take measurements, discuss your ideas and assess the ground conditions — including soil type, drainage, slope, access and proximity to the house. We'll recommend the best layout, board colour and finish for your property and provide a clear, itemised quote with no hidden costs.
Ground Preparation
We clear the area of existing turf, paving, old decking or vegetation. A breathable weed membrane is laid to prevent growth underneath, and we level or compact the ground as needed. For ground-level decks, we add a layer of gravel or aggregate to improve drainage. On sloped gardens — common across Stroud and the Cotswold hillsides — we may need to build up with concrete pads or adjustable post supports to create a level base.
Subframe Construction
This is the most critical stage. We build a strong, properly spaced subframe using pressure-treated C24 structural timber or composite joists, with joist centres set at 300–400mm depending on the board profile. Noggins are added for rigidity, and the entire frame is set to a 1:80 drainage gradient falling away from the building. We use joist protection tape on all timber to extend the subframe's lifespan. For raised decks, the framework is built on secure posts with cross-bracing for stability.
Board Installation
Composite boards are fitted using a concealed clip system that creates a clean, screw-free surface. We leave the manufacturer-specified expansion gaps (typically 5–6mm between boards and 20mm from walls) to allow for thermal movement throughout the seasons. Boards are staggered for visual effect and structural performance.
Steps, Edging & Finishing
Matching fascia boards, nosing trims and end caps are fitted to all exposed edges. Where needed, we install steps with non-slip nosings and balustrades or handrails for safety — essential on any deck more than 600mm above ground level. The result is a clean, fully finished deck with no visible fixings or rough edges.
Site Clean-Up & Handover
We remove all waste materials, old decking, soil and packaging. Your garden is left clean and tidy, and we walk you through basic care advice — including how to clean composite boards and what to avoid — before we leave.
Do You Need Planning Permission for Composite Decking?
In most cases, a standard garden deck doesn’t require planning permission — as long as it’s no more than 300mm above ground level at its highest point, doesn’t cover more than 50% of the garden, and is not forward of the principal elevation facing a road.
If your deck is higher than 300mm — which is common on raised decks, multi-level designs and sloping gardens — you may need to apply for planning permission through your local authority. This is particularly relevant across Gloucestershire, where many gardens in Stroud, the Cotswold villages and Cheltenham’s conservation areas have gradients that push deck height above the threshold.
For properties within the Cotswolds National Landscape or a local conservation area, permitted development rights may be more restricted, so it’s always worth checking before work begins. We’ll advise on this during your free site visit and recommend the best approach for your situation.
Any deck over 600mm above ground level at any point must also have balustrades or handrails fitted for safety — we include these as standard where required.
Get a Free Composite Decking Quote in Gloucestershire
Whether you want a simple ground-level deck, a raised platform, a multi-level design with steps and balustrades, or a full garden redesign incorporating composite decking alongside landscaping, fencing and turfing, we’d be happy to visit your garden, talk through the options and provide a clear, no-obligation quote. We cover Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury and all surrounding areas.
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Composite Decking Installed Across Gloucester & Gloucestershire
We install composite decking right across Gloucestershire — from contemporary garden makeovers in Gloucester and Cheltenham to hillside deck platforms in Stroud and period garden upgrades around Cirencester. Our team works across the county daily, so you'll always get a quick response, honest advice and fair, transparent pricing. If you're not sure whether we cover your area, just give us a call.
- Gloucester
- Cheltenham
- Stroud
- Cirencester
- Tewkesbury
- Dursley
- Cinderford
- Cam
- Churchdown
- Stonehouse
- Quedgeley
- Bishops Cleeve
- Winchcombe
- Nailsworth
- Coleford
- Brockworth
- Longlevens
- Abbeydale
Composite Decking FAQs
If you’ve got questions about our services, the process or what to expect, the FAQs below should help – and if you need anything else, just give us a call.
For most homeowners, yes. Composite costs more upfront but lasts significantly longer, requires virtually no maintenance and doesn't rot, warp, splinter or harbour algae. Over 10–15 years, the total cost of ownership is often lower than timber because you avoid annual staining, sanding and periodic board replacement. In Gloucestershire's wet climate, composite is especially practical for shaded and north-facing gardens where untreated timber deteriorates quickly. That said, some homeowners prefer the natural feel of real wood — and we install timber decking too if that's a better fit for your garden and budget.
Quality composite boards are designed with textured, slip-resistant surfaces that perform well even in wet conditions. Unlike untreated softwood — which can become dangerously slippery when damp or covered in algae — composite maintains its grip year-round. We always recommend boards with a tested anti-slip rating for all our installations, which is especially important in Gloucestershire where gardens can stay damp through autumn and winter.
Absolutely — this is one of composite decking's biggest strengths. We build raised subframes and multi-level platforms to create flat, usable deck areas on sloping or uneven gardens. This is something we do regularly across Gloucestershire, particularly in Stroud and the Cotswold hillside villages where steep gradients are common. The subframe is engineered to the specific slope, with adjustable post supports and proper cross-bracing so the deck is level, stable and safe.
High-quality composite boards typically last 25–30 years or more with minimal maintenance. Most come with manufacturer warranties of 15–25 years covering structural integrity, fade resistance and stain resistance. The subframe underneath is just as important to the deck's lifespan — which is why we use pressure-treated C24 structural timber or composite joists with protective tape, and we design proper drainage and ventilation into every build.
Call us on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715, or fill out the contact form on this page. We'll arrange a free site visit at a convenient time, take measurements, discuss your design preferences and provide a clear, itemised quote. All quotes are free with no obligation, and we cover the whole of Gloucestershire.
The cost depends on the size of the deck, the board brand and profile, the complexity of the design (raised, multi-level, steps, balustrades), and the ground preparation needed. As a rough guide, a fully installed composite deck typically costs between £80 and £150 per square metre including the subframe, boards, fixings and finishing. We provide detailed, itemised quotes after a free site visit so you know exactly what you're paying for — no surprises.
A standard ground-level deck for an average-sized garden (around 15–20 sqm) usually takes 2–3 days from ground preparation to completion. Larger, raised or multi-level decks with steps and balustrades may take 4–5 days. We'll confirm the expected timeframe in your quote.
Modern composite boards come in a wide range of colours — from light oak and teak to mid-grey, charcoal, walnut and anthracite. Many ranges also offer dual-sided boards with a different colour or texture on each face, giving you more flexibility. We carry sample boards to your site visit so you can see and feel the options in person against your property's brickwork, fencing and planting.
Yes, but the subframe must be specifically designed to handle the weight. A filled hot tub with occupants can weigh over 1,500kg, so the joist spacing, beam sizing and post foundations all need to be engineered accordingly. We design hot tub deck areas with reinforced subframes to safely distribute the load — just let us know at the planning stage.
Very little is needed. A sweep to remove leaves and debris, plus an occasional wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush, is all it takes to keep composite decking looking good. Avoid pressure washers on high settings (they can damage the surface texture) and clean up any food or drink spills promptly to prevent staining. That's it — no sanding, staining, oiling or painting required.
Usually not, as long as the deck is no more than 300mm above ground level, doesn't cover more than 50% of your garden, and is not forward of the principal elevation. If your deck is higher — common on raised designs and sloping gardens — planning permission may be required. Properties within the Cotswolds National Landscape or a conservation area may face additional restrictions. We'll check and advise during your free site visit.
Yes — composite boards can be installed year-round. In colder weather, the boards are slightly more rigid (which actually makes cutting cleaner), and the concealed clip system works in all temperatures. The main consideration is ground preparation — heavy rain or waterlogged ground can delay excavation work, but we plan around weather conditions and keep you informed throughout.