Landscaping · Brighton, Hove and nearby
Timber and composite decking
We build timber and composite decking across Brighton, Hove and the surrounding area, including raised platforms next to an artificial lawn and steps down to a lawn or patio. Decking is quoted after a free, no-obligation survey.
Where decking helps
Decking is a good way to make a level sitting space on a sloping garden, or to bring a garden up to the level of the back door. It is common on hillside plots in Saltdean, Woodingdean and Rottingdean, and on split-level gardens across Brighton.
It also works in tighter spaces where a full patio might be heavier to build or harder to get materials in for: a small raised platform off a basement door in Kemptown, or a short run of steps and a landing down to a new lawn. We look at how you want to use the space — a table, a path to a gate, or a step between house and garden — and design the deck around that, rather than dropping in a standard rectangle.
Timber or composite
We build in both. We talk through the options on the survey, including how much upkeep you want and how exposed the spot is, and quote for the one that suits the garden.
Timber can look at home next to sleeper walls and planting, and it can be stained or left to weather, but it will need periodic care, especially in salt air along the coast. Composite boards are often chosen where people want less year-to-year maintenance. They still need a properly built frame, a plan for drainage and ventilation underneath, and tidy detailing at the edges and steps. Neither is automatically “better”; the garden, the budget and the amount of upkeep you want are what decide it.
Structure, height and steps
A deck is only as good as the frame underneath. Posts, joists and bearer sizes are set for the height and the span, and the structure has to be stable, drained and ventilated so water does not sit under the boards. On a raised platform we plan the steps down to the lawn or patio so the risers are even and the landing lines up with the artificial grass or paving, rather than leaving a trip at the edge.
Height and design are agreed at the survey. If a deck is high, or close to a boundary, there may be rules about what is allowed; we can talk through the practical implications, but we do not give planning advice. Handrails or a simple upstand can be included where the drop needs them, and we will point that out on the visit rather than leaving it as an afterthought.
Decking next to a lawn or fence
Many of the decks we build sit next to a new lawn, with fencing or a screen on one side and perhaps sleeper walls holding a change of level. Doing the deck as part of that wider job means the board height, the lawn edge and any gate or steps can be set together. It also means we can plan how rain that leaves the deck will reach the drainage route for the rest of the garden, rather than dripping into a lawn base.
On coastal plots we also think about fixings and the finish, because salt and wind are harder on timber and on metal than they are in a sheltered city street. That is part of the survey conversation in Peacehaven, Telscombe Cliffs, Saltdean and along the Hove and Brighton front.
Aftercare and guarantee
Once the deck is finished it is ready to use. Timber will need occasional cleaning and treatment; composite still needs a sweep and a wash now and then so dirt does not sit in the grain. We will explain what your particular deck needs. All decking works are guaranteed, and the price is confirmed at the free, no-obligation survey. There is no minimum charge.
Price
Decking work is quoted after a free, no-obligation survey, because size, ground, access and materials all change the figure. There is no minimum charge and all works are guaranteed. If you are also thinking about a new lawn, artificial grass is typically £55–£65 per m² installed, as a guide.
Where we do this
We are based in Brighton and cover the city and the surrounding towns and villages. Decking comes up often in Saltdean, Woodingdean, Rottingdean, Brighton, Shoreham-by-Sea. Each area page has notes on local gardens, ground and access.
- Brighton
- Hove
- Saltdean
- Rottingdean
- Peacehaven
- Telscombe
- Woodingdean
- Ovingdean
- Kemptown
- Portslade
- Shoreham-by-Sea
- Lewes
Often done alongside
Common questions
Do you build raised decking?
Yes, including raised platforms next to an artificial lawn, with steps down where needed. The design is agreed at the survey.
Timber or composite: which is better?
It depends on the garden, the budget and how much maintenance you want. We go through both at the free survey.
How much does decking cost?
Decking is quoted after a free survey, because size, height, materials and access all change the price. There is no minimum charge, and all works are guaranteed.
Can decking be built on a sloping garden?
Yes. A raised platform with steps is often the simplest way to get a level sitting space on a hillside plot, and we can combine it with sleeper walls or a new lawn on the same job.
Do I need planning permission for decking?
It depends on the height, the location and any local restrictions. We can talk through the practical side on the survey, but we do not give planning advice, and it is your responsibility to check before work starts.
How do I book a survey?
Call or WhatsApp 07826 525732, email ruffellsgrass@gmail.com, or use the free survey form. We work Monday to Friday, 8am–5pm. Surveys are free and there is no obligation.
Free, no-obligation
Book a free survey
Adam will come and look at the garden, talk it through and confirm a price. As a guide, artificial grass typically costs £55–£65 per m² installed; other work is quoted at the survey. There is no minimum charge, and all works are guaranteed.
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