Question 1

What's the difference between composite and wood decking?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking is made from recycled wood fibres and plastic, requiring minimal maintenance and lasting 25+ years. Traditional wood decking (like pressure-treated pine or hardwood) offers natural beauty but requires annual treatment, staining, and more frequent replacement (10-15 years). Composite costs more upfront (£150-200/m² vs £80-120/m² for wood) but saves money long-term through lower maintenance.

Question 2

How much does composite decking cost in Edinburgh?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking installation in Edinburgh typically costs £150-200 per square metre including materials, labour, and subframe. A standard 4m x 3m (12m²) deck costs £1,800-2,400. Premium brands like Trex or TimberTech may reach £220-250/m². This includes composite boards, aluminium or treated timber subframe, fixings, and professional installation. Additional costs apply for steps, balustrades, or multi-level designs.

Question 3

Does composite decking get hot in summer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, composite decking can get warmer than wood in direct sunlight, typically reaching 30-40°C on hot Scottish summer days (though rarely unbearable). Lighter colours stay cooler than dark browns or greys. Modern composite brands now offer 'cool deck' technology that reflects more heat. Solutions include choosing lighter shades, adding shade structures (pergolas), or using deck tiles in high-traffic areas. In Scotland's climate, overheating is rarely a major concern compared to southern England.

Question 4

How long does composite decking last in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Quality composite decking lasts 25-30 years in Scotland with minimal maintenance, often outlasting the property ownership period. Premium brands like Trex offer 25-year residential warranties. Scotland's wet climate actually suits composite better than wood, as it won't rot, warp, or splinter. UV exposure is lower than southern regions, reducing fading. Wood decking typically needs replacement after 10-15 years, making composite more cost-effective long-term despite higher initial costs.

Question 5

Do I need planning permission for decking in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Most domestic decking projects in Scotland don't require planning permission under 'permitted development rights' if: the deck is under 30cm high (from ground level), covers less than 50% of the garden, and isn't forward of the principal elevation. Decking over 30cm high or with balustrades may need building warrant approval. Always check with your local council planning department, especially for conservation areas, listed buildings, or flats. We advise on requirements during quotations.

Question 6

Can composite decking be installed on existing concrete?

Accepted Answer

Yes, composite decking can be installed over existing concrete patios if the surface is level, structurally sound, and has adequate drainage. We use adjustable pedestal systems or build a raised subframe with proper ventilation gaps. This is often more cost-effective than removing concrete. The surface must slope away from the house (minimum 1:60 fall) to prevent water pooling. We inspect concrete condition before confirming suitability – cracked or unstable bases may need repair first.

Question 7

What maintenance does composite decking need?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking requires minimal maintenance compared to wood: sweep regularly to remove debris, wash with warm soapy water 2-3 times yearly, and clear gaps between boards to prevent moss buildup. No staining, sealing, or painting needed. In Scotland's damp climate, we recommend using a deck cleaner annually to prevent algae growth. Address scratches promptly with manufacturer repair kits. Total maintenance time: 2-3 hours per year vs 8-12 hours for wood decking.

Question 8

Can you build decking on sloped gardens?

Accepted Answer

Yes, decking is ideal for sloped gardens in Edinburgh and Scotland. We create level platforms using adjustable-height subframes, making unusable slopes into functional outdoor spaces. Multi-level decks work beautifully on gradients, with steps connecting different zones. This approach is often more cost-effective than extensive groundworks for patios. We design decking to follow natural contours, maximising usable space while managing drainage properly. Slopes exceeding 1:3 gradient may need specialist engineering.

Question 9

What's the best colour for composite decking?

Accepted Answer

For Scottish homes, mid-tone greys and browns are most popular as they hide dirt, complement stone properties, and don't show weathering. Lighter shades (antique white, silver grey) stay cooler and brighten shaded gardens but show marks more easily. Dark charcoal and walnut tones look stunning but can get warmer in sun and show scratches. We recommend viewing samples in your actual outdoor space at different times of day before deciding. Most clients choose grey tones (Pebble Grey, Stone Grey) for versatility.

Question 10

How much weight can composite decking hold?

Accepted Answer

Properly installed composite decking supports 50-75 pounds per square foot (240-360 kg/m²), easily handling garden furniture, hot tubs, and gatherings. The subframe structure (not the deck boards) bears the load – we design this according to intended use. For hot tubs, we build reinforced frames with closer joist spacing (300mm vs 400mm standard). Standard residential decking safely accommodates typical furniture, BBQs, and 20+ people. We provide structural calculations for commercial projects or heavy loads.

Question 11

Can I install decking myself to save money?

Accepted Answer

While DIY composite decking is possible for experienced DIYers, professional installation typically costs £40-60/m² and ensures proper subframe design, drainage, stability, and warranty compliance. Common DIY mistakes include inadequate ventilation, incorrect joist spacing, poor drainage causing board bowing, and voided manufacturer warranties. Professional installation typically takes 2-3 days for a 15m² deck vs 1-2 weeks DIY. We offer supply-only quotes if you prefer DIY, but recommend professional installation for projects over £2,000.

Question 12

What wood is best for traditional decking in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

For Scottish climate, pressure-treated softwood (£80-100/m²) offers best value, lasting 10-15 years with annual maintenance. Hardwoods like Balau or Cumaru (£120-150/m²) last 20-25 years with superior durability and appearance. Avoid untreated pine. Pressure-treated decking uses tanalised timber resistant to rot and insects. For budget projects, softwood is adequate. For premium long-term projects, tropical hardwoods or composite are better investments. We recommend FSC-certified timber for sustainability.

Question 13

How do you prevent decking from becoming slippery?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking often has textured surfaces with anti-slip properties built in. For smooth wood decking, we recommend anti-slip deck paint, wire brushing the surface, or applying anti-slip strips in high-traffic areas. Regular cleaning prevents algae buildup, the main cause of slipperiness in Scotland's damp climate. Adequate board spacing (6-8mm gaps) allows drainage and faster drying. Grooved or ribbed composite boards provide better grip than smooth finishes. We recommend slip-resistant options for families with young children or elderly users.

Question 14

Can decking be installed in winter in Scotland?

Accepted Answer

Yes, decking installation is possible year-round in Scotland, though we avoid working in heavy rain, snow, or when temperatures drop below 0°C (rare in Edinburgh winters). Composite decking expands/contracts with temperature, so we adjust expansion gaps based on installation temperature. Winter installations (November-February) often have shorter lead times and better availability. Ground may be softer in winter, making post holes easier. We monitor forecasts and schedule work during dry spells. Summer (April-September) remains busiest season.

Question 15

What's the best subframe material for decking?

Accepted Answer

Treated timber joists (C16 grade tanalised timber) are standard and cost-effective for most residential decking projects. Aluminium subframes offer superior durability (50+ year lifespan), don't warp or rot, and are ideal for composite installations, though they cost 30-40% more. For ground-level decks or wet areas, aluminium prevents long-term maintenance issues. Timber subframes work perfectly for raised decks and budget projects. We recommend aluminium for premium composite installations and timber for wood decking or cost-conscious projects.

Question 16

How far should decking boards be spaced?

Accepted Answer

Composite decking boards should be spaced 6-8mm apart to allow for thermal expansion/contraction and drainage. Wood decking needs 5-6mm gaps. In Scotland's wet climate, proper spacing prevents water pooling and accelerates drying, crucial for preventing algae and rot. Gaps also allow airflow beneath boards, improving subframe longevity. Too-tight spacing causes board buckling in warm weather; too-wide gaps create trip hazards. We use proprietary spacing clips during installation to ensure consistent gaps throughout.

Question 17

Can you match existing decking when extending?

Accepted Answer

Matching existing composite or wood decking is challenging due to weathering, fading, and discontinued product lines. We recommend one of three approaches: 1) Replace all decking with new matching boards (most seamless), 2) Create distinct zones with complementary colours (intentional design contrast), or 3) Source closest match and accept slight colour difference that will blend over 1-2 years of weathering. For older installations, we provide samples to check compatibility. Extensions using the same product line typically match within 6-12 months as both sections weather.

Question 18

What's the typical lead time for decking installation?

Accepted Answer

From initial consultation to completed installation: 2-4 weeks during peak season (April-September), 1-2 weeks in quieter months (October-March). This includes site survey (1-2 days after enquiry), quotation review, materials ordering (7-14 days for composite, 3-5 days for wood), and installation (2-5 days depending on size). Rush jobs may be possible for smaller projects. Book early for summer installations – May-July fills quickly. We provide fixed installation dates when accepting deposits.

Question 19

Do you offer warranties on decking installation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we provide 2-year workmanship warranty on all decking installations, covering subframe stability, board fixing, and structural integrity. Composite decking includes manufacturer warranties: 25 years for premium brands (Trex, TimberTech), 10-15 years for mid-range products. Wood decking has no manufacturer warranty but we guarantee our installation workmanship. Warranty covers defects, not damage from misuse or lack of maintenance. We provide written warranty documentation with final invoice and advise on maintenance requirements to keep warranties valid.

Question 20

Can you incorporate lighting and built-in features into decking?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we regularly install integrated features including LED deck lighting (post caps, recessed lights, strip lighting along steps), built-in planters, storage benches, balustrades, pergolas, and privacy screens. Lighting transforms evening usability and adds 20-30% to project cost. We coordinate electrical work with certified contractors where needed. Built-in seating and planters maximise small spaces. Features are planned during design phase to integrate subframe requirements. Popular additions include glass balustrades (£200-300 per linear metre) and solar post lights (£30-50 per post).

Decking FAQ: Scotland & Edinburgh

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