Decking

Composite and Garden Decking, Hertfordshire and London

Softwood, hardwood and composite garden decking installed to a premium finish.

Capital Fencing installs softwood, hardwood and composite garden decking across Hertfordshire and London. Every project starts with a free site visit and written quote, so the board choice, levels, supporting frame, steps and finishing details can be agreed before work begins.

Hardwood garden decking installed by Capital Fencing

Decks built properly — from the substructure up

A great deck is invisible from the top — it's all in what's underneath. We get the substructure right, leave the timber room to breathe, and finish with neat fascia boards so the deck looks great and lasts.

Properly ventilated, level substructure
Choice of softwood, hardwood or composite boards
Built-in steps and balustrades where needed
Hidden fixings for a clean board finish (where applicable)
Tidy site, old decking removed and taken away

Composite or timber decking?

Composite boards combine wood fibre and recycled plastic. They come in modern colours and need no sanding or oiling, although they still need cleaning. This makes composite a practical choice when low upkeep matters.

Timber gives a natural wood finish. Pressure-treated softwood is the more affordable timber option and needs periodic treatment. Dense hardwoods such as Balau and Ipe provide a richer colour and natural durability. We can discuss the finish, upkeep and setting during the site visit.

Compare composite and timber decking

What the installation includes

A level, properly ventilated supporting structure
Softwood, hardwood or composite boards
Neat fascia boards around visible edges
Steps and balustrades where the design needs them
Built-in seating where agreed
Removal of old decking where included in the quote

How a decking job runs

Site visit and choices
We inspect the area, discuss how the deck will be used and look at board materials, access, levels, steps and balustrades.
Frame and levels
The supporting structure is built level, with suitable spacing and ventilation before any boards are fixed.
Boards and finish
Boards, fascia, steps and balustrades are fitted, then the finished deck is checked and the site left tidy.

Decking options

Softwood Decking

Pressure-treated softwood — the most affordable option with a warm natural look. Treat every couple of years for a long life.

Hardwood Decking

Dense, premium timbers like Balau and Ipe with a rich, lasting colour. Naturally durable and beautiful.

Composite Decking

Wood-and-recycled-plastic boards in modern colours — no sanding, no oiling, virtually maintenance-free.

Substructure & Steps

Concrete-set or post-anchored joists, properly spaced and ventilated, with hand-built steps and balustrades.

Composite decking Choosing deck boards How long a deck takes

Decking questions

Is composite decking better than timber decking?

Composite needs less routine upkeep because it does not need sanding or oiling. Timber gives a natural wood finish and offers softwood and hardwood choices. The right option depends on the look you want and how much maintenance you want to do.

What is included in a decking installation?

A typical installation includes a level, ventilated substructure, the chosen deck boards, neat fascia boards and removal of old decking where agreed. Steps, balustrades, built-in seating and hidden fixings can be included where the design calls for them.

How long does garden decking take to install?

The programme depends on the deck size, access, levels, substructure and whether steps or balustrades are included. We assess these points during the free site visit and set out the work in a written quote.

Does composite decking need maintenance?

Composite decking does not need sanding or oiling. It still needs cleaning, particularly in shaded areas where dirt or algae can build up.

Can you replace an old deck?

Yes. Old decking can be removed and taken away, then the supporting structure and levels can be assessed before the replacement deck is built.

Recent job: composite deck with built-in bench

A raised composite deck laid tight to an existing closeboard fence, with matching fascia boards, a gravel drainage margin and a built-in seat back along the retaining wall.