CRF Services Ltd
Decking installation for modest Rochester gardens
A good deck starts with a level, well supported sub-frame, then boards chosen for how much upkeep you want: timber is lower in cost to buy and needs regular treating, while composite costs more up front and needs very little looking after. Decking suits sloping or uneven gardens especially well, because the frame can be levelled on posts instead of building retaining walls. Danny builds decks sized for modest gardens across Rochester and Medway, as part of his landscaping work: a seating area by the back door, a level platform on a slope, or a deck replacing a worn out patch of lawn.
Timber or composite boards
Treated softwood decking is the traditional choice. It looks natural, is easy to cut and repair, and costs less to buy. It needs cleaning and treating every year or two, and in shaded gardens it can grow algae and become slippery.
Composite decking is made from wood fibre and plastic. It does not need staining or treating, resists rot and splinters, and keeps its colour well. It costs more per board and needs the frame built to the manufacturer's joist spacing, which is often closer than for timber. The decking versus patio guide on this site compares a deck with paving if you are still deciding.
The sub-frame and levels
The frame underneath is the part you never see and the part that decides how long a deck lasts. A typical frame is built in a set order.
- Clear the area and lay a weed membrane with gravel on top
- Set posts or pads at the corners and along the frame
- Fix bearers and joists level, with a slight fall for water
- Space joists to suit the board type, closer for composite
- Leave ventilation gaps so the frame can dry out
- Keep the deck below the house damp proof course
Sloping gardens and steps
On a slope, decking is often simpler than paving, because the frame can be built up on taller posts at the low side instead of digging out and building walls. A deck that sits higher off the ground needs steps, and every step needs a firm base and even risers so it feels safe underfoot.
Raised decks close to a boundary, or above a certain height, can need planning permission, and higher platforms may need balustrades. Those points are checked before any work begins, so the design suits both your garden and the rules.
What affects the cost of decking
Decking prices depend on the size of the deck, the board you choose, how much the ground slopes, and how easy it is to bring materials into the garden. Composite boards and closer joist spacing cost more than a standard timber deck. Steps, edging boards, fascias and any balustrades all add time and material.
Access matters too. If every board and bag of gravel has to be carried through the house, the job takes longer. Clearing an overgrown area first, or removing an old deck or patio, is part of the quotation as well. The patio laying cost guide explains the same price drivers for paving.
Looking after a new deck
Timber decks last much longer with a yearly clean and a fresh coat of decking treatment, particularly on the end grain and cut edges. Keeping the gaps between boards clear of leaves helps water drain and air reach the frame. Composite needs only a wash to remove dirt and algae. Whichever you choose, checking the frame and fixings after the first winter catches any settlement early.
Booking decking with other garden work
Decking often comes as part of a wider garden refresh: new fencing, a small path, tidy borders or a neat lawn edge. Planning those together means one visit to clear the ground and one to finish. Send photos of the area, rough measurements, the slope if any and how the garden is reached, and say whether you prefer timber or composite. The landscaping page explains the wider garden work Danny takes on.
This work is part of our Landscaping service.
Common questions
Decking installation for modest gardens questions answered
Have a job in mind?
Tell Danny what needs doing and get a clear, no-obligation quotation.