Professional Decking Installation in Manchester & Cheshire
Create usable outdoor space that actually adds value to your home, not a wobbly platform that needs rebuilding in five years.
Planning Permission Handled
Most ground-level decks under 30cm height don't need planning permission, but raised decks, sloping sites, or anything covering more than 50% of your garden changes that.
We check the regulations for your specific property before we quote, so you know exactly what's needed.
No surprises when you're halfway through the project.
Timber or Composite, Honest Comparison
Timber costs less upfront (£60-80/m² installed) but needs annual treatment.
Composite costs more (£90-135/m² installed) but lasts 20-25 years with basically no maintenance. We install both and won't push you towards the expensive option if timber makes more sense for your situation.
We'll show you the real long-term costs.
Subframe Built to Last
The boards get all the attention, but it's the subframe underneath that determines whether your deck lasts 25 years or starts sagging after five.
We build proper foundations with correctly spaced joists, adequate ventilation underneath, and membrane to stop weeds.
The same groundwork we'd want if we were building it for ourselves.
Is Your Outdoor Space Going to Waste?
A sloped garden that's too awkward to use. Paving slabs that have sunk and cracked. Or simply a patch of grass that stays soggy for weeks after rain and never dries out enough to enjoy. For many Manchester homeowners, the back garden is more frustration than relaxation.
The alternative is often a deck that wasn't built properly in the first place. Boards that bounce when you walk on them, joists that are spaced too far apart, no weed membrane underneath so everything grows through the gaps. Within a few years you're looking at a rotten subframe, uneven boards, and a structure that's frankly unsafe. Removing and rebuilding costs more than doing it right the first time.
A properly built deck creates genuinely usable outdoor space, adds £3,000-£8,000 to your property value, and handles Manchester weather without constant maintenance or expensive repairs.
A sloped garden that's too awkward to use. Paving slabs that have sunk and cracked. Or simply a patch of grass that stays soggy for weeks after rain and never dries out enough to enjoy. For many Manchester homeowners, the back garden is more frustration than relaxation.
The alternative is often a deck that wasn't built properly in the first place. Boards that bounce when you walk on them, joists that are spaced too far apart, no weed membrane underneath so everything grows through the gaps. Within a few years you're looking at a rotten subframe, uneven boards, and a structure that's frankly unsafe. Removing and rebuilding costs more than doing it right the first time.
Complete Decking Installation With Proper Foundations
At Premier Landscape Solutions, we build decks that last. Kieran oversees every installation personally, which means proper subframe construction, correctly spaced joists, and boards fitted to manufacturer specifications. Whether you choose budget-friendly timber or premium composite, you get the same attention to groundwork and structural detail.
We work with both timber and composite decking and give you a straight comparison of costs, maintenance requirements, and realistic lifespan for each. If planning permission is needed for your specific property (raised decks, sloping sites, or larger installations), we'll flag it during the survey and advise on the application process.
Most decking installations in Manchester take 3-7 days depending on size and complexity. We'll give you an accurate timeframe during your site survey.
What's included in our decking services:
Full site survey assessing ground conditions, drainage, and planning requirements
Ground preparation including leveling, weed membrane, and drainage solutions where needed
Structural subframe built to Building Regulations with proper joist spacing and ventilation
Professional board installation using hidden fixings for composite or face screws for timber
Steps, stairs, or balustrades fitted where required for raised decks
Complete clean-up and waste removal included
Decking Options:
Timber Decking:
Lower upfront cost makes it accessible for most budgets, natural wood appearance suits traditional properties, easy to replace individual boards if damaged, can be sanded and refinished if appearance fades, wide range of timber species available from budget softwood to premium hardwood.
Composite Decking:
Lifespan of 20-25 years with minimal maintenance, won't rot, warp, or splinter like timber, color stays consistent without painting or staining, only needs washing with soap and water once or twice a year, slip-resistant surface even when wet, made from recycled materials (eco-friendly).
Hardwood Decking:
Extremely long lifespan (25+ years), naturally resistant to rot and insects, beautiful rich colors and grain patterns, minimal maintenance beyond occasional oiling, very dense and hard-wearing, adds premium feel to properties, holds value better than softwood.
OUR PROVEN PROCESS
How We Install Your Fence – Step by Step
Survey & Planning
Kieran visits your property to measure the area, assess ground conditions, and check whether planning permission is required.
We discuss timber versus composite options, show you samples, and explain the real-world cost difference over the deck's lifetime.
You'll get a detailed quote covering everything from groundwork through to final finishing.
Ground Preparation & Subframe
We prepare the ground properly, installing weed membrane and creating adequate drainage where needed.
The subframe goes in with correctly spaced joists (typically 400mm centers for composite, 450mm for timber), proper ventilation gaps underneath, and solid fixing to prevent movement.
Raised decks get additional support posts set in concrete foundations. This is where most DIY jobs fail, so we take our time getting it right.
Board Installation
Boards are fitted according to manufacturer specifications with proper expansion gaps for composite (it expands in heat) or tight fitting for timber.
Composite uses hidden clip systems for a clean finish with no visible screws. Timber gets face-fixed with corrosion-resistant screws.
Every board is checked for level before we move to the next row. Steps, fascia boards, and edging get fitted at this stage.
Finishing & Handover
For raised decks over 60cm, we install balustrades or handrails to meet Building Regulations.
Final touches include any requested features like integrated lighting or planters. We do a thorough clean-up, removing all waste and leaving your garden tidy.
You get specific care instructions for your deck type (timber needs treating within six months, composite just needs occasional cleaning).
Deck Installations
Frequently Asked Questions
Fence Installation Questions Answered...
For more information about our patio services, or if you need support, please call Kieran on
07708 597188 or 0161 706 3031
Do I need planning permission for my deck?
Most ground-level decks under 30cm height don't need planning permission, provided they cover less than 50% of your garden and aren't forward of the front wall of your house. Raised decks, sloping sites, or properties in conservation areas often do need permission. We assess your specific situation during the survey and advise accordingly.
How long does decking last?
Softwood timber lasts 10-15 years with annual treatment. Hardwood timber lasts 25+ years with occasional oiling. Composite decking lasts 20-25 years with minimal maintenance. The key factor is subframe quality. A poor subframe fails long before the boards do, regardless of material choice.
Is composite decking worth the extra cost?
It depends on your situation. If you plan to stay in your home long-term and hate maintenance, composite makes sense. The extra £800-1,500 on a typical deck is offset by zero annual treatment costs and longer lifespan. If you're moving within 5 years or don't mind an annual weekend treating timber, save the money and go with good quality softwood.
Can you build a deck on sloping ground?
Yes, sloping sites are actually quite common in Manchester gardens. We build the subframe up to create a level platform, using taller posts on the low side. This often means the deck ends up over 30cm high in places, which requires planning permission and Building Regulations compliance including balustrades. Costs are higher due to extra materials and labor.
How do I maintain timber decking?
Timber needs treating with oil or stain once a year, ideally in spring or autumn when it's dry. Clean the deck first with a stiff brush and soapy water, let it dry completely, then apply treatment according to manufacturer instructions. This takes a day for a typical 20m² deck and costs £100-200 in materials. Skip it and the timber will fade, crack, and eventually rot.
Does composite decking get hot in summer?
Composite can feel warm in direct summer sun, especially darker colors. It's not usually a problem in the UK climate, but if your deck is south-facing with no shade, lighter colors stay cooler. Composite is no worse than dark paving slabs in this respect. Timber stays cooler but requires that annual maintenance trade-off.
Can you install decking over existing paving?
Sometimes, if the paving is level, well-drained, and structurally sound. We build a subframe on top using adjustable pedestals or treated timber bearers. This saves the cost of removing the paving but adds height to the finished deck. If the paving has sunk or cracked, it needs removing first to prevent future problems.
What building regulations apply to raised decks?
Decks over 30cm high require Building Regulations approval. This typically means proper foundations, correctly sized structural members, and balustrades fitted if the deck is over 60cm high. Balustrades must be at least 1.1m high with gaps no wider than 99mm (so children can't fall through). We handle all of this as standard on raised deck installations.
When can you get started?
We are generally booked out for around 4-6 weeks but with fencing jobs generally taking less time than other projects, we may be able to fit you into our schedule earlier.
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Serving Manchester and Surrounding Areas
Premier Landscape Solutions proudly serves homeowners throughout Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas. Our local expertise means we understand the unique requirements of properties across the region.
Areas We Cover: Manchester, Salford, Trafford, Stockport, Tameside, Oldham, Rochdale, Bury, Altrincham, Sale, Stretford, Didsbury, Chorlton, Withington, Urmston, Eccles, and surrounding areas.
Not sure if we cover your area? Get in touch – we'd love to help with your project.
About Us
Serving Manchester and Surrounding Areas
Premier Landscape Solutions proudly serves homeowners throughout Greater Manchester and the surrounding areas.