Decking Installation London | Composite & Timber
Trusted across London, with a strong focus on South East London, we provide premium decking installation London services by our founder-led team. Experienced with installing leading composite decking products like Millboard and Trex as well as premium hardwood and softwood timber, Billy Maddox and Vincent O'Connell deliver stunning, custom outdoor living platforms engineered on C24 structural subframes for long-lasting durability.
Why Choose Composite Decking Over Timber?
For modern London gardens, composite decking is rapidly replacing traditional timber as the material of choice. While natural wood possesses an undeniable charm, it requires relentless, time-consuming maintenance to prevent it from deteriorating in the unpredictable UK weather. High-quality composite decking fundamentally solves this problem. Manufactured from a robust blend of recycled wood fibers and advanced polymers, it completely eliminates the risks of rotting, warping, and splitting. You will never need to spend your weekends sanding, staining, or oiling your deck again. Furthermore, composite boards are entirely splinter-free and highly slip-resistant, making them an incredibly safe option for young families and pet owners. With a lifespan of over 25 years, investing in a premium composite deck ensures your outdoor living space remains immaculate, functional, and deeply inviting decade after decade.
| Feature | Softwood | Hardwood | Modified Timber | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Lifespan | 10–15 years (basic pressure-treated); 20–30 years (premium larch/redwood) | 25–40 years (oak/balau/iroko); 30–50+ years (ipe/cumaru) | 20–30 years (ThermoWood, heat-treated only); 30–60+ years (Kebony, Accoya — chemically/bio-modified) | 20–35 years depending on cap quality; uncapped 10–15, capped 25–35 |
| Upkeep Effort | High: oil/stain every 1–2 years to avoid splitting, warping, algae | Low–Medium: can be left to silver; oil annually to retain colour | Low: occasional clean; optional UV-blocking oil if you want to hold the original colour, otherwise stable and low-maintenance | Very Low: soap & water; capped boards resist stains/fading |
| Splinter Risk | Yes, especially if unsealed or weathered | Low (dense grain), but can check/split if not pre-drilled during install | Low — modification process stabilises the timber, though pre-drilling fixings is still good practice | No (engineered surface) |
| Slip Resistance | Poor when wet/mouldy; algae builds quickly in shade/damp | Moderate; naturally oily species can be slick when wet | Moderate — behaves like natural timber; textured/reeded profiles available | High; many boards have textured/grained surfaces designed for slip resistance |
| UV Resistance | Fades & greys quickly; needs UV-blocking oil to retain colour | Greys naturally; oil slows greying but doesn't stop it fully | Greys naturally like hardwood/softwood unless oiled; the modification itself doesn't degrade, only the surface colour fades | Highly fade-resistant, especially capped composites |
| Heat in Sun | Stays cooler than composite; still warms in direct sun | Similar to softwood; dense timber holds some heat but less than dark composite | Similar to natural timber — stays notably cooler underfoot than dark composite | Holds heat longer; dark colours can reach ~50°C+ on a 25°C day vs ~35–40°C for light tones |
Want the full breakdown, including UK pricing and long-term cost comparisons? Read our complete decking materials guide →
Millboard vs Trex - Which Composite Decking Is Right for You?
We install both Millboard and Trex, the two leading composite decking manufacturers in the UK, along with other composite brands. While both offer exceptional durability, they cater to different aesthetic preferences and project requirements.
| Feature | Millboard | Trex |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Hand-moulded, ultra-realistic natural wood look | Clean, modern, consistent finish |
| Texture | Deeply embossed, pliable elastomer surface | Smooth or lightly grooved protective shell |
| Sustainability | Polyurethane resin and mineral blend (wood-free) | 95% recycled wood fibers and plastic film |
Board Styles & Fixing Systems
The beauty of a premium composite deck lies in its seamless finish. Unlike traditional timber decks which are blighted by visible, rusting screws, modern composite systems utilize hidden fasteners. Trex boards typically employ a hidden clip system that slots perfectly into grooved edges, ensuring uniform spacing and a flawlessly clean surface. Millboard takes this a step further with their proprietary solid boards; their unique Lastane surface self-heals over the specialized Durafix screws, rendering the fixings completely invisible. Whether you prefer the sleek, uniform aesthetic of grooved boards or the solid, architectural feel of square-edged planks, we ensure a flawless, blemish-free installation every time.
Composite Decking London - Areas We Cover
Based in South London, our specialist carpentry team provides premium composite decking installations across South East London and South West London. We frequently manage extensive decking projects for residential clients in Greenwich, Lewisham, Bromley, Wandsworth, Merton, and Richmond, transforming their outdoor spaces with Millboard and Trex. We also carry out detailed, bespoke installations in Kingston, Sutton, and Croydon. Regardless of your London borough, founders Billy and Vincent personally oversee every phase of the construction to ensure our exacting standards are met.
Our Transformation Process
How we bring your dream garden to life across all 32 London boroughs.
Expert Enquiry
Reach out to discuss your vision with Billy and the team.
On-Site Consultation
A precision survey and design review of your outdoor space.
Bespoke Proposal
A detailed, itemized plan tailored to your garden's potential.
Professional Transformation
Our expert team builds your dream deck with care and creativity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does composite decking last?
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Does composite decking need maintenance?
Do you offer a free consultation?
What is the difference between Millboard and Trex?
Does composite decking get hot in summer?
Can composite decking be laid on an existing base?
How long does composite decking installation take?
Local Decking Service Areas
Explore our dedicated composite and timber decking services across London: