Garden decking
Ground-level and raised decks in softwood, hardwood or composite, with steps, balustrades and built-in seating.
Get a quote about garden deckingPN Landscapes builds garden decking, pergolas, gazebos and other timber structures in Uckfield and East Sussex, using ground-contact treated frames on concrete foundations with softwood, hardwood or composite boards.
Timber brings warmth to a garden that stone alone cannot: a deck stepping out from the kitchen, a pergola over the dining table, or a raised platform that turns a slope into somewhere to sit. We have been building timber structures alongside our paving and walling since 1997.
This page covers what we build, the timber and composite options, and the construction details that decide whether a deck lasts five years or twenty-five.
Timber structures we build
Pergolas, gazebos and arbours
Freestanding or house-mounted structures for shade, shelter and climbing plants.
Get a quote about pergolas, gazebos and arbours
Garden rooms and features
Garden rooms, pool houses, sleeper walls, screens, gates and bespoke joinery.
Read more about garden rooms and features Construction
How we build decking that lasts
Decks rarely fail at the boards. They fail at the frame and the ground underneath, usually because water has been left to sit against timber.
- Ground preparation: vegetation removed, membrane laid and the ground shaped so water drains away.
- Foundations: posts or pads set in concrete, or adjustable pedestals over paving, so the frame never sits on soil.
- Frame: pressure-treated structural joists, Use Class 4 timber in ground contact, and cut ends re-treated.
- Ventilation: gaps between boards and space beneath so the timber dries out.
- Fixings: stainless or coated screws that will not rust or stain.
Timber or composite decking?
| Board type | Upkeep | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Treated softwood | Clean yearly; re-treat every few years | Most affordable and natural-looking. Can be slippery in shade. |
| Hardwood | Oil to keep colour, or leave to silver | Dense and long-lasting, at a higher price. |
| Composite | Wash down | Does not splinter or need staining. Higher upfront cost; quality varies by brand. |
Most garden decks do not need planning permission, but a deck or platform more than 30cm above the ground does, as can decking at listed buildings. We will tell you if your design needs checking.
Why choose PN Landscapes for timber work
- Designed with the garden: Timber structures are planned alongside the paving, walls and planting around them.
- Proper foundations: Frames are kept off the soil and built to drain and breathe.
- Honest advice on materials: We will tell you where softwood is fine and where composite earns its price.
- Established 1997: Family-run from Uckfield, working within about 20 miles.
Questions we are asked
Frequently asked questions
How long does decking last?
A well-built treated softwood deck typically lasts 15 years or more with care. Hardwood and good composite decks can last longer. The frame and the drainage beneath matter most.
Is decking slippery?
Timber can become slippery in shade and wet weather. Regular cleaning, grooved or anti-slip boards, or composite decking all help.
Can you build decking on a slope?
Yes. A raised deck on posts is often the simplest way to create level space on sloping ground, though planning rules apply above 30cm.
Do pergolas need planning permission?
Usually not in a back garden if they stay within the height limits for outbuildings: 2.5 metres within 2 metres of a boundary, and up to 3 metres or 4 metres with a dual-pitched roof elsewhere.
PN Landscapes
Talk to us about your decking or timber project
We will come out to look at the space, talk through materials and send a clear written quote, free and with no obligation.
Phone: 01825 733317
Email: info@pnlandscapes.co.uk
Address: Flitteridge Farm, Daleham Lane, Splaynes Green, Uckfield TN22 3TQ
Hours: Mon–Fri 8am–5pm, Sat 8am–1pm
Paving and stone: visit PN Paving Supplies, our sister company on the same site.