Edinburgh · Midlothian · The Lothians
Decking in Edinburgh & the Lothians
Ground-level and raised decks, steps and balustrades, built on frames that stay solid for years.
- TrustATrader 4.97/5
- Checkatrade 9.89/10
- Insured with AXA
- 14+ years in the trade
Not in Edinburgh? We cover your town too:
We build decking in Edinburgh gardens – raised and ground-level decks, steps and balustrades – on a solid frame so it stays firm underfoot for years.
A deck is often the quickest way to create a level, usable space on a sloping or uneven garden, and it sits well next to a back door where a patio would mean a lot of digging. But a deck is only as good as the frame under it. Most of the soft, bouncy or rotting decks we're asked to replace were let down by what was underneath.
01
Decking in Edinburgh designed around your garden
Ground-level decks
A low deck just above the ground, often outside patio doors, for a level seating area without steps.
Raised decks
Decks built out from a raised back door or over a slope, with steps down to the garden.
Multi-level decks
Two or more levels stepping down a sloping garden, linked by wide steps.
Decks with balustrades
Raised decks need a safe edge; we fit timber, glass-effect or composite balustrades to suit.
Deck and patio combinations
A deck by the house with steps down to a patio or lawn. As bricklayers, we build both.
02
The frame is what matters
Edinburgh's weather is tough on timber. Wet winters, long damp spells and little drying wind in sheltered gardens all encourage rot if water sits on or under the deck. So we build the frame to keep timber off the ground and let it dry.
Posts on proper footings
Posts are set on concrete pads or ground screws rather than buried in soil, so the frame doesn't rot from the bottom.
Treated structural timber
Joists and bearers are pressure-treated timber suitable for ground contact where needed.
Joist spacing
Joists are close enough that boards don't flex between them.
Weed membrane and drainage
A membrane and gravel underneath stop weeds and let water drain away.
Ventilation
Gaps around the edge let air move under the deck so it can dry.
A slight fall
Boards are laid with a slight fall away from the house so rainwater runs off.
03
Timber or composite?
| Timber decking | Composite decking | |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Natural wood that weathers to silver if left untreated | Consistent colour, wood-effect or smooth finishes |
| Upkeep | Clean and re-treat every year or two | Occasional wash; no staining or sealing |
| Grip in the wet | Grooved boards help; can get slippery in shade | Most have a textured, anti-slip surface |
| Lifespan | Good with care | Long, with manufacturer warranties |
| Cost | Lower upfront | Higher upfront, lower upkeep |
For shady Edinburgh gardens where algae builds up quickly, composite boards are often worth the extra cost.
04
Do I need permission for a deck?
In Scotland most decks don't need planning permission, but the rules change for raised decks. A deck more than 0.5 metres above ground level generally needs planning permission, and decks in conservation areas or at listed buildings have tighter rules. If yours is close to that height, we'll tell you at the quote stage.
05
How we build your deck
- 1
Set out
We mark the deck on the ground and agree its size, height, steps and edges.
- 2
Prepare the ground
Turf and topsoil stripped, ground levelled, membrane and gravel laid.
- 3
Footings and frame
Posts set on concrete pads or ground screws, then bearers and joists fixed level.
- 4
Boards
Decking boards fixed with stainless or coated screws and consistent gaps for drainage.
- 5
Steps, balustrades and trims
Fitted and fixed securely, with fascia boards to finish the edges.
- 6
Clear up
Offcuts and spoil removed.
06
Decking across Edinburgh and the Lothians
We build decks across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Raised decks are especially popular on sloping plots in Penicuik and the south of the city, while low decks outside patio doors suit compact gardens in newer estates in Livingston, Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith.
Decking FAQs
How long does a deck last?
A well-built timber deck can last many years with regular cleaning and treatment, and composite decks last longer still. The frame and footings decide the lifespan as much as the boards do.
Can you build a deck over an old patio?
Often, yes. A sound patio can make a good base, but water still needs somewhere to go, so we check the falls and drainage first.
Can you replace boards on my existing deck?
If the frame is sound, yes. If the joists are soft or the posts have rotted, new boards on an old frame won't last, and we'll tell you honestly.
Is decking slippery?
Any surface can be slippery in shade and damp. Grooved timber boards, anti-slip inserts or textured composite boards all help, as does keeping the deck clean.
07
Get a quote for decking
Send a photo of the area and a rough size. We'll come out, measure up and give you a written quote. Call or text 07426 792387 or request a free quote.
Free quotes
Get a free, no-obligation quote
Call or text 07426 792387, or send photos through the quote form.