Decking in Barnes
Hardwood, softwood and composite decking built on a proper frame so it stays level for years.
Decking in Barnes is a job that depends a lot on the garden's existing levels. Lots of conservation area constraints in central Barnes, which can affect what materials are appropriate. Gardens are typically generous for inner London, often 12 to 18 metres deep. Most of my work in Barnes is around barnes pond and common and the streets either side of it. A deck on a sloping garden takes more frame work than a flat one, but done properly it gives you a usable level surface where you didn't have one before. I'll always check ground conditions on the first visit.
Barnes has a village green, a duck pond, and a real sense of being a small town within London. Housing is largely Victorian and Edwardian, with some impressive larger houses on the conservation area streets. Decks I build in Barnes are mostly on a concrete-pad-and-timber-post foundation. Joist spacing is 400mm for softwood and 350mm for hardwood. I leave a ventilation gap behind the deck if it sits next to the house, and I always run skirting around the frame so the underside is hidden.
What I do for every decking job in Barnes
- Site clearance and ground preparation
- Concrete pad foundations or post supports as required
- Pressure treated softwood frame at correct joist spacing
- Boards in your chosen material (softwood, hardwood, or composite)
- Stainless steel or coated decking screws (no nails)
- Edging, steps and balustrade where needed
- Skirting around the frame so the underside is hidden
For a deeper look at how I approach decking, see the main decking page.
Decking in Barnes FAQs
Composite or timber for a deck in Barnes?
Composite if you want zero maintenance for fifteen plus years. Hardwood if you like the way real wood weathers and you don't mind oiling it. Most Barnes gardens get enough rain that I usually steer people towards composite for a deck under a tree, where leaf litter and dampness will affect timber faster.
How quickly can you start a decking job in Barnes?
Spring and early summer are the busiest months. For larger jobs I usually book six to ten weeks ahead. Smaller decking jobs in Barnes can sometimes fit in within a couple of weeks. The best step is a quick call to check current availability.
Do you cover all of Barnes?
Yes. Barnes (SW13) and the surrounding streets are all within my regular working area. If you're on the edge of Barnes or in a neighbouring area like mortlake, that's still fine.
Other areas I cover near Barnes
Get a decking quote in Barnes
Site visits are free, no pressure. Tell me what you have in mind and I'll come round at a time that suits.