Site visit & quote
We measure up, work out levels, talk through timber vs. composite for your situation, and write you a detailed quote.
Garden Decking.
The biggest single upgrade most Dublin gardens get.
Timber or composite decking installed across Dublin from our base in Cabra. Ground-level decks, raised platforms, integrated steps and lighting — built on a proper structural sub-frame so it lasts a generation, not a season.
Why Decking
For most Dublin back gardens, decking is the single biggest visual upgrade you can do for the budget. It turns the patch of broken paving or muddy lawn outside the kitchen into a proper outdoor room you actually use — for sitting out, eating, or just stepping into the garden without picking your way around puddles.
We install timber and composite decking, ground-level or raised, with proper structural sub-frames and full clean-up. We're not selling you the most expensive boards on the market — we're building you a deck that won't sag, won't rot and won't be the headache you spend the next ten years patching.
Often we'll combine decking with a tidy paving step-down, fresh lawn around the edges, lighting in the risers and a couple of structural plants. See Garden Design if you want the wider rework as one job.
How a Deck Goes In
Ground prep
Existing surface cleared if needed, ground levelled, weed membrane down, concrete pads or posts set for the sub-frame to sit on. No shortcuts on this.
Sub-frame
Pressure-treated timber joists at the right spacing for the board you've chosen, properly fixed and levelled. The bit you can't see, doing all the work.
Boards & finishing
Boards laid with consistent gaps for drainage, edges trimmed neat, fascia on the front, steps cut and fitted. Anti-slip strips on steps where it matters.
Lighting (optional)
Recessed deck lights, riser lights on steps or post-cap lights if you've got balustrades. Wired in by us, with a proper outdoor-rated transformer.
Clean-up & handover
Off-cuts and waste removed, deck swept, you walk it with us. Care notes for whichever board you've chosen.
Timber vs. Composite — Quick Take
Timber — looks classic, ages well if you stay on top of an annual oil or stain. Lifespan 10–15 years with care. Best if you actively like the look of natural wood and don't mind a little upkeep.
Composite — basically zero maintenance, doesn't fade or rot. Lifespan 20–25+ years. Best if you want to install once and forget about it. For most Dublin gardens, composite is the smarter long-term option.
Either way, we don't do builders'-merchant pine — minimum-spec on timber is pressure-treated softwood from a proper supplier, and composite is from one of the established brands (Trex, Millboard, Composite Prime, depending on the look you're after).
Common Questions
Should I go for timber or composite decking?
Timber looks classic and needs an annual oil or stain to stay that way — typically 10–15 years' lifespan if you keep on top of it. Composite doesn't need refinishing and lasts 20–25+ years with basically no upkeep. In a wet shaded Dublin garden either board can get slippery once algae builds up — we use textured composite or grooved timber and add anti-slip strips on steps where it matters. Honest take on both at the visit.
How much does decking cost in Dublin?
It depends on the size, the board you choose (timber vs. composite), whether it's ground-level or raised, and whether you want steps, balustrades or lighting integrated. We quote every job on-site so the number you get is for your garden. Drop us a WhatsApp with a rough size and we'll come out for a free visit.
Will it be slippery in winter?
Honestly — any decking in a wet shaded Dublin garden can get slippery in winter once algae builds up. Textured composite and grooved timber both hold grip better than smooth boards, but neither is magic in the wet. We add anti-slip strips on steps where it matters, and decking shaded by the house or trees is the prone spot — we'll flag that when we walk the garden and recommend the right board for it.
How long does a decking install take?
A standard 15–25m² deck is usually three to five working days from sub-frame to finished surface. Bigger or raised decks with steps and balustrades take longer — we'll give you a clear timeline with the quote.
Do you handle the planning and structural side?
For ground-level domestic decking in your back garden, planning isn't required in most cases. For raised decks above 1.2m or anything visible from a public road, we'll flag if planning is needed and you can call your council to confirm. We don't do the planning paperwork itself.
Other Services
Thinking about a deck for the back garden?
Free site visit. Honest take on timber vs. composite. Detailed written quote.