Decking · Reading, Berkshire
Decking in Reading - long-plot platforms, properly proportioned.
Decking planned with the house in mind, built by the same team from first visit to final clean-down. Locally based, 10+ years across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire.
Workshop in GU15 - close to Reading
Same team on site every day
10+ years across Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire
Typical book-in is four to six weeks; build one to three weeks on site.
What we mean by decking
The bit beneath the surface.
Decking lives or dies on the sub-frame. Most failed decks didn't fail on the surface - they failed on joist spacings, bearer support and ventilation that were quietly cut to save a day.
Sub-frames built to spec
Joists at the right centres for the board, bearers supported off independent posts where the ground demands it, full ventilation beneath every panel.
Material chosen for use
Hardwood for warmth and grain, composite for low maintenance and stability - each with trade-offs we'll explain rather than gloss over.
Detailed properly
Hidden fixings where the deck will be looked at; recessed LED runs laid in at sub-frame stage; integrated planters and step nosings finished cleanly.
Why this works in Reading
Locally tuned, not location-swapped.
Most Reading decking projects sit on long suburban or Victorian gardens where the deck defines a zone - a raised dining platform near the house, a low platform halfway down to mark a transition, or a deck at the back working with a studio.
Older Reading suburbs often have long, narrow gardens with original boundary walls. We design with the proportions in mind - wider terraces close to the house, planted zones, and a quiet end-of-garden destination.
- Long narrow proportions - Zoned layouts with planting screens make a long garden feel larger and more interesting than a single open run.
- Limited rear access - Barrowed materials, careful route protection through the house when needed, and a tidy site throughout.
- Mixed Victorian boundary walls - Protected during dig, repaired where they need it; the existing fabric is usually worth keeping.
Recent decking
A few from in and around Reading.
Hand-picked from recent projects across Berkshire. Same approach, different gardens.
Lower Earley · RG6
Raised composite deck off a kitchen extension.
A Lower Earley family wanted a low-maintenance deck large enough for family dining off a new kitchen extension. Composite boards on a fully ventilated treated sub-frame, integrated step lights and planted screening along the boundary.
More decking →How we build it
The detail, in plain numbers.
Joists
C24 treated, 400mm centres or tighter per board
Ventilation
150mm clearance, perimeter airflow detailed
Fixings
Stainless or galvanised; hidden where visible
Lighting
12V recessed LED on optional sub-circuit
BudgetMost decks sit between £5,000 and £18,000 depending on size, material and complexity.
TimingTypical book-in is four to six weeks; build one to three weeks on site.
Common questions
What Reading clients usually ask about decking.
Will composite get hot in summer here?+
Darker composite in full sun warms up more than hardwood. We advise on board colour and aspect during design so the deck suits how you'll actually use it.
Can you build over an existing patio or concrete?+
Often, yes - adjustable supports let us level a new deck over old paving without a full break-out. We assess the slab condition first.
Do you handle balustrades, steps and integrated planters?+
Yes. All built into the same sub-frame, finished in matching timber or composite. We prefer to design the whole platform as one piece rather than bolting extras on later.
Hardwood or composite - what do you usually recommend?+
Depends on use. Hardwood (iroko, balau) is warmer, more characterful and rewards a bit of seasonal oiling. Composite is virtually maintenance-free and dimensionally stable but gets warmer in direct sun. We'll talk through both against the aspect and your appetite for upkeep.
Other work in Reading
Same team, different parts of the garden.
Nearby
Decking in nearby areas.
Reading · Berkshire
Discuss a decking for your Reading home.
A short WhatsApp with a photo or two is the easiest way to start. Same-day reply, often within the hour.