Decks and pergolas for long evenings outside
A good deck or pergola gives you a room outside. We build them on proper frames and footings, in hardwood, oak or composite, so they stay solid and look good for years.
4.9 from 87 Google reviews (opens in a new tab)
Decks rot from the frame upwards, so that's where we spend our effort. Our frames are pressure-treated joists on concrete footings, spaced for the boards you choose, with a weed membrane and ventilation underneath. Boards are fixed with hidden clips or stainless screws.
For pergolas we use green oak or pressure-treated softwood, jointed and bolted rather than simply screwed together, and set on concrete footings. We can add climbing wires for wisteria or roses, an outdoor socket, or low lighting along the beams.
Raised decks over 30 cm high may need planning permission, and we'll tell you at the design stage if yours does.
What's included
A solid base under every post, so nothing sinks or sways.
Treated joists with airflow beneath, the best defence against rot.
Clips or stainless screws for a clean, splinter-free surface.
Pergola beams jointed and bolted by hand, not just screwed.
Optional low lighting and outdoor sockets, installed and certified by a qualified electrician.
Workmanship on every frame and structure guaranteed in writing.
Harpenden
A sheltered dining terrace and oak pergola off Station Road
This family wanted a place to eat outdoors that felt sheltered from the wind across the open garden, without darkening the kitchen. We designed a sandstone terrace that steps down from the back doors, framed by a green oak pergola trained with wisteria.
Read about the jobReviews
Every review below comes straight from our Google profile, newest first, including the ones that tell us where we could do better.
87 Google reviews
Shown newest first, exactly as written on Google. We reply to every review ourselves, good or bad.
Read every review See us on Google (opens in a new tab)FAQs
If your question isn't here, call the office on {phone} and we'll happily talk it through.
Composite or hardwood?
Composite needs almost no upkeep and won't splinter. Hardwood looks warmer and ages to a soft silver unless oiled each year.
Does decking need planning permission?
Only if it's more than 30 cm above the ground or covers more than half the garden. We check this for you.
How long does an oak pergola last?
Green oak, built well, lasts for generations. It will silver and may develop small surface splits as it seasons, which is entirely normal.
Can you add a roof or canopy?
Yes. We can fit slatted roofs, retractable canopies or glass panels over pergolas.
Get a free quote
Call the office, or leave a few details and we'll ring you back to arrange a free visit to your garden.
01632 960 482We reply within two working hours, Monday to Saturday.
Monday to Friday 8:00–17:30
Saturday 9:00–13:00