Decking Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Composite & Wooden Decking Designed and Built for Gloucestershire Gardens
Decking Installation in Gloucester & Gloucestershire
Composite & Wooden Decking for Gloucestershire Gardens
A well-built deck can completely change how you use your garden. Whether you want a space for dining, relaxing, entertaining or just somewhere that connects the inside of your home to the outside, decking creates a practical, attractive outdoor area that works all year round. At SJS Landscaping & Gardening, we design and install composite and wooden decking across Gloucester and the wider Gloucestershire area — building every deck on solid foundations with clean, precise finishing and the kind of attention to detail that makes it last.
We have installed decking in all types of Gloucestershire gardens — large and small, flat and sloped, overlooking fields and backing onto terraces. We know what works and what does not in this part of the country, and we always build with the local weather conditions in mind. Every deck we install is properly supported, correctly drained and finished to a standard we are genuinely proud of. If you want a decking team you can trust to get it right first time, you are in the right place.
Get a Free Decking Quote
If you’re thinking about 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 Decking Services in Gloucester
Decking Options Available in Gloucester & Gloucestershire
We offer two types of decking — composite and wooden — and both have their own distinct advantages. The right choice depends on the look you want, how much maintenance you are happy with and your budget. Here is what you need to know about each option.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibre and recycled plastic, giving it a natural wood appearance without any of the maintenance that real timber demands. It does not rot, warp, splinter or fade, and it never needs painting, staining or sanding — making it an excellent long-term choice for busy households or anyone who simply wants a smart outdoor space without the upkeep. We offer a range of colours and board profiles to suit both contemporary and traditional Gloucester homes, and every composite deck we install is built on a strong, stable subframe that will stand up to years of use.
Find out more about Composite Decking →
Wooden Decking
There is something about real timber decking that nothing else quite replicates. The warmth, the natural grain and the way it weathers into a garden over time gives wooden decking a character and charm that composite boards cannot fully match. We use high-quality, pressure-treated timber and build every wooden deck on a solid, well-supported structure so it feels secure underfoot and holds up to the Gloucestershire weather year after year. Whether you want a simple raised platform, a split-level deck with steps or a full wraparound garden layout, wooden decking gives you a timeless finish that blends naturally into any outdoor space.
Find out more about Wooden Decking →
Composite vs Wooden Decking — Which is Right for You?
If low maintenance is your priority, composite decking is the better choice. It requires almost no upkeep beyond an occasional wash and will look the same in ten years as it does on the day it is laid. If you prefer a natural look and are happy to treat and maintain it every couple of years, wooden decking gives you a warmth and authenticity that is hard to beat. Both options are built to the same high standard — the choice really comes down to personal preference and how you want to use the space. We are always happy to talk through both options during a free visit and help you decide what suits your garden and your lifestyle.
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 SJS for Decking in Gloucester?
Professional Decking Installers in Gloucester
Good decking is not just about choosing the right boards — it is about how the whole structure is designed and built. We have installed decking in gardens of all shapes and sizes across Gloucester and Gloucestershire, and every single one is built to the same high standard. Here is what sets us apart.
Built Properly From the Ground Up Body
The subframe is what makes or breaks a deck. We build every one on a properly treated, well-supported structure with the right spacing for drainage and airflow beneath the boards. It takes longer to do it properly — but it is the reason our decks still feel solid and look good years after installation, rather than flexing underfoot or deteriorating after the first winter.
Composite & Wooden — We Know Both Inside Out
We Know Both Inside Out Body: We install both types of decking and have genuine experience with each. You will get an honest recommendation based on your garden, your lifestyle and how much maintenance you want to carry out — not based on which option is quicker or easier for us. Whether you choose composite or timber, the standard of build is exactly the same.
One Team, Full Project — Start to Finish
We handle everything ourselves — removing old decking, preparing the ground, building the subframe, laying the boards, installing steps and balustrades and tidying up when we are done. One point of contact throughout, no handoffs to other contractors and no loose ends when the job is complete.
Built for Gloucestershire Weather
We build with local conditions in mind. Every deck is constructed with proper drainage beneath the boards, using materials rated for outdoor use in the UK climate. Composite boards are selected for anti-slip performance in wet weather. Timber is pressure-treated and graded for exterior use. Your deck will not just look good in summer — it will hold up through everything Gloucestershire winters throw at it.
Friendly, Reliable and Always Tidy
We turn up when we say we will, keep you updated throughout the job and leave your garden clean when we are finished. We treat every property with the same care and respect we would want at our own homes. A lot of our work in Gloucester and across Gloucestershire comes through word of mouth — that tells you everything about the way we operate.
How We Install Decks
Every 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, type of decking, 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 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 Decking Quote in Gloucester
If you are thinking about adding decking to your garden, we would love to help. We cover Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester and all surrounding areas across Gloucestershire. Give us a call on 0800 656 9671, 01452 899 402 or 07593 952 715 for a free, no-obligation chat and quote — or fill in our contact form and we will be in touch.
Freephone
Office
Mobile
All information shared with SJS Landscaping & Gardening is kept safe and secure.
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.
Composite decking typically lasts 25 years or more with minimal maintenance. Pressure-treated wooden decking, when properly maintained, can last 15–20 years. The quality of the subframe and groundwork is just as important as the boards themselves — which is why we always build on a solid, well-supported structure.
In most cases, no. Decking under 30cm in height and covering less than 50% of the garden area is generally permitted development. If your property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, different rules may apply. We can advise you on this during your free visit.
Most decking projects take between two and four days depending on the size and complexity. We will give you a clear timescale as part of your quote so you know what to expect.
Yes — in fact, decking is one of the best solutions for sloped gardens. We can build a raised deck that levels out the space, creating a flat, usable area regardless of the gradient. We work with sloped gardens across Gloucestershire regularly and always design the subframe to suit the specific ground conditions.
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.
Quality composite decking boards include anti-slip properties and are much less slippery than traditional smooth timber when wet. We only use composite boards with a textured or grooved surface to ensure they are safe underfoot in all weather conditions.
Yes — if you have existing decking that needs removing, we handle the full strip out and disposal as part of the job. Everything is cleared and the ground is properly prepared before any new work begins.
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.
We install decking throughout Gloucester and all of Gloucestershire, including Cheltenham, Stroud, Cirencester, Tewkesbury, Quedgeley and all surrounding towns and villages. If you are unsure whether we cover your area, just give us a call.