Composite & Softwood Decking in Richmond upon Thames

Decking in Richmond upon Thames: Townhouses, Riverside Gardens and Village Cottages

Richmond upon Thames covers prestigious Georgian and Victorian townhouses on Richmond Hill, Barnes village cottages, riverside properties in Twickenham and spacious family gardens in Teddington and Kew. Many of these gardens are mature, planted and overlooked, so a deck needs to look right as well as perform.

Ground generally ranges from free-draining soil near the Thames to heavier London clay further inland, and the borough sits on both banks of a river that is tidal below Teddington Lock, so footing depth and flood checks both depend on the plot.

We travel ~18-20 miles southwest from our South London base via the A205 South Circular and A3, delivering dedicated founder-led project management across Richmond upon Thames with zero travel surcharges.

Which Decking Suits Richmond upon Thames Gardens?

Period townhouse gardens suit hardwood or composite in muted wood-look tones that sit well beside older brickwork, and riverside gardens that stay damp suit composite on a ventilated subframe. Because so many gardens are shaded by mature trees, boards that need no oiling are practical.

Richmond has 85 conservation areas, so the planning rules matter more here than in most boroughs. Our composite vs timber decking comparison helps with the material choice.

What Our Richmond upon Thames Site Survey Looks At

Every Richmond upon Thames garden is different, so the free survey checks the things that decide how the deck should be built:

• Ground: free-draining soil near the river or heavier clay inland, which sets footing depth.
• Flood risk: whether a riverside garden in Twickenham, Petersham or Kew needs checking against the tidal Thames and the Environment Agency map.
• Conservation areas: whether your street is one of the borough's 85, and whether an Article 4 direction applies.
• Trees: mature trees, Tree Preservation Orders and the six-week notice for work in a conservation area.
• Style: matching boards to the age and brickwork of the house.

Whatever the board, every deck is built on a C24 strength-graded timber subframe over a breathable membrane, with joists at 400mm centres (300mm for diagonal layouts) and airflow underneath.

Planning, Flooding and Trees: What to Check Before Building a Deck in Richmond

Under the Planning Portal rules, garden decking is normally permitted development if it is no more than 30cm above the ground, covers no more than 50% of the garden together with any extensions and outbuildings, and is not forward of the front wall of the house. A raised deck above 30cm, or any decking within the grounds of a listed building, needs planning permission. On designated land such as conservation areas, decking at the side of the house is not permitted development either. Richmond upon Thames has 85 conservation areas, according to the council, and some carry Article 4 directions that remove permitted development rights for works that would normally need no permission, so check before assuming a deck is allowed.

Richmond is one of London's greenest boroughs, with more green space than any other London borough and the Royal Parks of Richmond Park and Bushy Park close by. In a conservation area you must give the council six weeks' written notice before cutting or pruning a tree, and the council can respond with a Tree Preservation Order, so a deck layout has to work around mature trees rather than assume they can come out.

The borough sits on both banks of the Thames, which is tidal below Teddington Lock, and flood risk can come from the river, the tide, surface water, groundwater and sewers. For riverside gardens in Twickenham, Petersham, Kew and Richmond itself, check the Environment Agency flood map; a raised, ventilated subframe suits ground that gets wet. This is general guidance, not planning advice; always confirm with your local council before building. Our full guide to planning permission for decking in London covers every rule in detail. Once your deck is built, our decking maintenance and winter care guide and our guide to choosing a decking oil, stain or paint cover looking after it.

Balau Hardwood Decking

A recent Balau hardwood decking installation by The Tree Amigos Landscaping, South East London — showcasing the rich natural grain and warm tones of premium hardwood timber.

Verified Craftsmanship & South West London Showcase

Explore our nearby South West London decking projects in Wimbledon and Raynes Park to see the high standard of finish delivered on every installation.

Frequently Asked Questions: Richmond Decking

Schedule Your Richmond Decking Survey

Speak directly with founders Billy and Vincent for expert advice and a free on-site survey across Richmond upon Thames TW9, TW10, Barnes & Twickenham.