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Affordable, Quality Decks Built to Last
At Best Decking we specialise in creating beautiful decked areas where you can relax, socialise, BBQ and much more. Based in Altrincham and Lytham St. Annes, we are experts in transforming gardens into stunning, contemporary outdoor spaces. Let Best Decking help you unlock the full potential of your garden.
ABOUT US
​We are your one-stop shop for all your decking needs. We supply, design, build, repair and maintain all Hardwood, Softwood & Composite (WPC) garden decking.
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We offer a free design service and can incorporate all your garden design needs including glass, timber and composite balustrades, steps and in-steps, drain & manhole covers, lights, dual colour decks, fencing, pergola's and we'll even install your outdoor power socket.
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With a carefully selected list of suppliers, you can trust that you’re receiving the finest FSC certified sustainable materials at the best prices. Feel free to view our extensive range of decking boards.
At Best Decking we are dedicated to transforming your vision into reality. From the moment we step into your garden, we will listen to every detail, ensuring that we fully understand your needs and aspirations. Only then do we offer expert advice and bespoke solutions that perfectly align with your desires and compliment your existing outdoor environment.
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No matter the scale or complexity of your project, or the size of your budget, our unwavering commitment to creativity, craftsmanship, and the very best high-quality materials, guarantees that the outcome will exceed your expectations. Our mission is singular: to provide you with an extraordinary outdoor space that brings joy and creates lasting memories with your family and friends.
MEET THE TEAM
Best Decking, led by Ben Trigg, has been transforming gardens and terraces into beautiful outdoor spaces for almost 10 years. Ben is a highly experienced deck fitter and knows all there is to know about timber and composite decking.
Ben takes a highly collaborative approach to design, understanding that the best results come from merging his skills & expertise with your aspirations and creativity.
As the senior deck fitter, he personally oversees each decking project, supported by a small team of specialists when needed. Ben's decks are truly some of the best on the market. Built to your specifications our decks are durable, affordable and of the highest quality.
SERVICES
​At Best Decking we are your one-stop shop for all your decking needs, see below for a list of everything that we do:
Composite Decking
View our extensive range here
Composite Fencing
Perfect replacement for tired wooden fence panels
Lights
Light up your deck with exterior quality uplights
Composite Cladding
Matching composite cladding
Hardwood Decking
A touch of true quality
Manhole/Drain Covers
Need access under the deck, no problem
Composite Balustrade
Six colours and two finish levels
Softwood Decking
A cost effective deck with no compromise in quality
Pergola's
Good for adding shade and defining the outdoor space
We supply all the decking boards from our extensive range of quality timber and composite decking boards, taking the guess work out of choosing the right supplier
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Are Composite Decking boards environmentally friendly?Yes - The primary materials used in the creation of our decking boards are sustainable bamboo and recycled plastics. All our composite boards are FSC certified.
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Are Composite Decks easy to install?No - Installing a composite deck requires significant knowledge and expertise due to the expansion and contraction properties of the composite material. Composite decking boards expand and contract between 0°C and 30°C, and depending on the board, this can be as much as 30-50mm. In our opinion Composite decking should only be installed by an experienced composite decking fitter.
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What are the benefits of Composite Decking?There are many benefits to choosing composite decking boards over a pine or hardwood deck. All wooden decking will become slippery if not maintained properly every year whereas composite decking is slip resistant and mould resistant. We recommend and gentle pressure wash annually in spring to keep your composite deck looking at its best. Composite will last longer than a pine deck and is cheaper than a hardwood deck. It also offers a more sustainable solution being made from recycled and sustainable materials. Aesthetics are what we consider to be the main benefit though, with the range of different colours that are available a composite deck is a much sleeker and modern solution than a typical pine deck.
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Do I need Planning permission?Most garden decks won’t require planning permission, if you are replacing an existing timber deck with a new one in the same or a different material you won’t require planning permission. If you are hoping to install a new deck whether you need planning permission will depend on the size, height, and location of your deck - Generally speaking, you might need planning permission if your deck is more than 300mm above ground level at any point, and/or covers more than 50% of your garden. We will be able to advise on this when we come to visit your home.
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What do you put under Composite Decking?We recommend a timber subframe using treated C16 or C24 pine timber. Sometimes a ground layer of gravel or crushed stone may be required to improve drainage and increase longevity. In some cases, a weed barrier fabric is also installed to prevent plant growth under the deck, however, this is not always necessary as plants don’t grow in the dark! We always ensure our decks are built with the proper amount of ventilation and drainage to maintain the deck’s structural integrity over time. If you are spending a lot of money on the decking boards then it would be sensible to use a high quality subframe structure.
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Can I get other Composite products like fencing or cladding?Yes – We have a full range of matching fencing and cladding products. Please ask for more details.
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Should I use a 3mm hidden clip or a 6mm T-clip for my Composite deck?In our experience the 3mm hidden clip is not a good idea. The gaps tend to close up over time and lead to water pooling on top and also preventing proper air circulation underneath your deck. The 6mm T-clip is a better option and it allows for easier access should we need to replace any boards in the future.
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How do I clean and maintain my Composite Deck?Composite decking is designed to be low maintenance and can be simply cleaned with a brush and/or blower to remove built up debris. Given are long winters and often damp climate mould and mildew can build up, particularly on the Essentials and Limited collections as these boards are uncapped. If this happens this needs to be removed with a pressure washer set to a gentle setting and/or soap and water. It’s a bit like cleaning a car for all those Sunday car enthusiasts like me. We offer an annual cleaning service so please get in touch for further details.
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Do I need balustrade around my decking?If your decking has a drop of 300mm or more at any point, you will require a balustrade at this point for safety. An alternative to using a balustrade can be to install a step, or steps, to reduce the drop. If you are uncertain, we can help with this at the home visit.
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Will Composite Decking boards stain?Yes potentially - Some staining can occur with the uncapped boards. Generally speaking, if the spill is wiped up within 12-24hrs you shouldn’t have any issues. If you think your deck has had any chemicals or other corrosive liquids spilt on it then we’d recommend giving it a hose down. If you opt for our Superior range it is finished with a moisture resistant polymer which offers exceptional stain and weather resistance.
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Should my decking be installed with a slight slope for water run off?No - This is not necessary due to the gaps in between the boards. However, we might install a very slight slope if there is a particularly damp, shaded spot. Your experienced Best Decking fitter will be able to explain when we come to visit your home.
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Which is the cheapest decking?Pine decks are the cheapest being around 25-30% less than your entry level composite. Hardwood decks are comparable in price to your top-level composite decks.
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Can I put a hot tub on my deck?Yes - All our decks are built using premium timbers and the correct screws and bolts making them an extremely strong and durable structures. Hot tubs, large pots, outdoor furniture, concrete BBQs etc. can all be put on our decks. If you’re planning on any heavy items then please let us know as we may recommend reinforcing the subframe.
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Do I need to leave gaps at the ends of the boards?Wood – No Composite – Yes Composite decking boards expand and contract between 0°C and 30°C, and depending on the board, this can be as much as 30-50mm per 3.6 metre length. If composite decking boards are not fitted with the correct expansion/contraction gaps this can lead to boards cracking or splitting as well as considerable damage to the subframe. We recommend composite decking only be installed by one of our experienced fitters.
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What are Composite Decking boards made from?Composite decking boards are a blend of two main materials: wood fibres and plastic, with a small number of additives like adhesive, bonding material, and colouring. The exact composition will depend on the board you choose; however, all our boards are made from recycled plastics and fully sustainable bamboo. Our higher-grade composite also includes some hardwood fibres from recycled sources. All our composite boards are FSC rated.
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Are there any issues with having a picture frame border with Composite Decking?Yes - Unfortunately, we are seeing and hearing about more and more composite decks being built incorrectly and one of the main issues is the picture frame border. Although they might look great for a few months, problems quickly start to occur if the expansion / contraction hasn’t been allowed for. However, leaving a 20mm gap in the corner where there is a mitred join in our opinion looks terrible so we have developed a way around this. We can further explain during your free design visit. As professional installers we know how to fit a picture frame in composite to ensure there are no issues.
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Can I install decking on a sloped garden?Yes - Each platform will need to be level and it is likely to require some fencing/balustrade at any point where there is a 300mm or more drop. For large decks installed on sloping gardens planning is very often required. We will be able to advise on this when we visit your home.
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Can I install a Timber or Composite decking myself?Maybe – A good question to ask yourself is would you install a new floor in your living room? A garden deck is an extension of your living space, it sits on bearers and joists just like your living room floor. But there’s no carpet or rug to go over the top of it, it’s visible for all to see, so it needs to be done right. We would never recommend doing it yourself unless you have the right level of joinery experience. This is a job best left to a decking installation specialist like Best Decking. Whether you are an experienced joiner or not we would never recommend installing composite decking yourself, this needs to be done by an experienced decking installation professional.
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Can I have a picture frame border on my deck?Yes - All our wooden decks can be installed with a picture frame style border. It looks great and adds a real touch of class to your deck. With composite decking we can still do this but there has to be an expansion gap allowing for movement. Having a 20mm gap in the corner where there is a mitred join in our opinion looks terrible so we have developed a way around this. We can further explain during your free design visit.
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How do I clean and maintain my Wooden Deck?We recommend an annual service in the Spring or Autumn when we hopefully get a couple of days of dry, warm weather. You should clean your deck with a pressure washer using the gentle setting/nozzle. Once completely dry and free from debris, apply a treatment such as a clear decking oil using an applicator mop. We offer an annual clean/oil service so please get in touch for further details.
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Will Composite Decking rot?Yes - If the boards you are purchasing are ‘uncapped’ then moisture can penetrate and will cause the board to rot over time. All boards that we use with a 20-year warranty are ‘capped’ and will be much more resistant to the weather.
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Is Composite Decking better than Wood Decking?It’s all about the look! Whether it’s composite, pine or hardwood it’s all about the look that you are trying to achieve. They all have to be maintained properly as they’re exposed to the elements 24/7 – composite just needs cleaning with a pressure washer and maybe some soapy water, whereas wooden decks will need treating with a decking oil once a year.
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How much Decking oil will I need?A 5-litre tin will normally cover a 12-15 sqm deck. If it’s the first time you’ve done it, it will take a little more as the raw wood absorbs the oil. Generally, one coat is sufficient. Any left over will be fine to use the following year. We do not recommend using a stain as it can lead to a very patchy finish over the years.
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Can Composite Decking Boards fade over time?Yes - During the first 6 months, it is completely normal for your decking boards to lose up to 20% of their original colour. Cheaper boards will fade more however our carefully selected boards are highly fade resistant. Our Superior range of composite boards will retain their original colour almost completely.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS THAT AREN’T ANSWERED ABOVE, PLEASE GET IN TOUCH - CLICK HERE
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