Decking in Perth

Well-designed decking extends your living space outdoors, creating a versatile area for entertaining, relaxing, or dining al fresco. We install both composite and timber decking to suit every budget and style.

From simple patio decks to multi-level raised platforms with balustrades, steps, and integrated lighting, every installation is built to last and designed to enhance your garden.

Decking has become an essential feature in Scottish homes, creating usable outdoor space even in the changeable Perth and Perthshire climate. Our decking installations are built with proper drainage, slip-resistant surfaces, and structural integrity to perform beautifully for decades.

Why Marshall & Co?

This is the most common question we're asked by homeowners in Perth considering decking. Both options have distinct advantages, and the right choice depends on your priorities, budget, and aesthetic preferences.

Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic, creating a board that looks like timber but requires virtually no maintenance. It won't rot, warp, splinter, or need annual treatment. It's slip-resistant even when wet (important in Scotland's climate), and it comes in a wide range of colours from natural wood tones to contemporary greys. The main drawback is cost — composite decking is typically 50–100% more expensive than timber to purchase, though the elimination of ongoing maintenance costs means it often works out cheaper over its lifetime.

Timber decking has a natural warmth and character that many homeowners prefer. Pressure-treated softwood is the most affordable option and can last 15–20 years with regular maintenance (annual cleaning, oiling, or staining). Premium hardwoods like Balau and Iroko are naturally durable and resistant to rot, lasting 25+ years with minimal maintenance. Timber does require more upkeep than composite, but many people enjoy the ritual of maintaining their outdoor space.

Many properties in Perth and Perthshire have sloped gardens that make creating flat outdoor entertaining areas challenging. Raised decking is the perfect solution — it creates a level platform at the height of your patio doors or conservatory, with steps down to the lower garden level. This is much more cost-effective than excavating and levelling the ground, and it creates usable space immediately.

Our raised decking structures are properly engineered with structural-grade timber joists, concrete foundations for support posts, and diagonal bracing for rigidity. Where the deck height exceeds 600mm, we install building-regulation-compliant balustrades and handrails for safety.

Multi-level decking designs work particularly well on sloped sites, creating cascading platforms connected by steps. This allows different areas for different activities — a dining area closest to the house, a lounging area further out, and perhaps a hot tub platform on the lowest level.

Decking costs depend on the type of material, the area to be covered, and the complexity of the design. As a guide: a simple ground-level timber deck of 15–20 square metres typically costs between £2,500 and £4,500. The same area in composite decking might cost £4,000–£7,000.

Raised decking is more expensive due to the additional subframe structure, foundations, and balustrades. A raised deck of 15–20 square metres with balustrades and steps typically costs between £5,000 and £12,000 in timber, or £7,000–£15,000 in composite.

Additional features such as integrated LED lighting, post cap lights, fascia boards, and custom steps add to the cost but significantly enhance the finished appearance and usability of the deck, particularly for evening entertaining.

Composite decking requires almost no maintenance. An occasional wash with soapy water or a pressure washer is all that's needed to keep it looking fresh. The colour is integral to the board, so there's no painting, staining, or oiling required. Most composite manufacturers offer 25-year guarantees against rot, fade, and structural defects.

Timber decking requires more attention but is still straightforward to maintain. We recommend cleaning the deck annually with a decking cleaner to remove algae and dirt, followed by applying a decking oil or stain to protect and nourish the wood. This keeps the timber looking its best and extends its lifespan significantly.

Regardless of material, the subframe is critical to decking longevity. We use pressure-treated structural timber for all subframes and ensure proper ventilation beneath the deck to prevent moisture build-up. Our subframes are built to last as long as the deck boards themselves — there's no point in a beautiful deck on a rotting frame.

Composite and timber options to suit every budget and taste

Slip-resistant surfaces safe for Scottish weather conditions

Engineered subframes for long-lasting structural integrity

Raised and multi-level designs for sloped gardens

Integrated LED lighting for evening entertaining

Glass, timber, and metal balustrade options

Low-maintenance composite with 25-year manufacturer guarantees

Fixed-price quotation with no hidden extras