Composite Decking in Dudley: Your Questions Answered

Ask enough decking questions on Dudley jobs and clay soil comes up more than you'd think. Plenty of gardens across the borough sit on ground that holds water long after the rain's stopped, and that's one factor among several that can shape how we design a deck, from the sub-frame up. Composite decking has become one of the most requested jobs we quote for at Revive Renovation, alongside our patio and sleeper step work, so we've pulled together the questions people actually ask once they've decided decking is the right call. For the wider picture of what we do locally, our landscaping and fencing services page and our Dudley area page cover more ground.

Based on recent Revive Renovation estimates from early 2026 for typical Dudley gardens, and assuming standard access and reasonable ground conditions, composite decking generally runs from around £130 to £220 per square metre supplied and fitted, subject to survey and specification. Treat that as a starting point rather than a quote. Actual figures depend on board choice, access and ground conditions. That range usually covers the decking boards, sub-frame joists, fixings and standard edge trims, plus labour and site clearance. It typically excludes groundworks such as excavation on sloping plots, balustrades or handrails, steps down to a lawn or patio, and any electrics for lighting. VAT is charged at the standard rate on top of labour and materials unless a specific exemption applies, which is rare for domestic garden work. Every quote we give breaks these elements out separately so you know exactly what you're paying for and what you'd need to budget for on top.

For most Dudley gardens, yes, though it depends on how much time you want to spend maintaining it. In our experience quoting both, composite boards cost noticeably more upfront than pressure-treated softwood, but they don't need annual staining or oiling. Softwood decking often needs re-treating every one to two years to stop it greying, splitting or growing algae, whereas good quality composite just needs an occasional wash down. Over a ten-year period, the maintenance saving often closes most of the price gap, though the exact figures depend on the product range chosen and how exposed the site is to weather and footfall. The trade-off is that cheaper composite ranges can look slightly less natural, and some budget boards fade unevenly in strong sun, so it's worth seeing a physical sample before committing rather than choosing from a photo.

Lifespan is often around 15 years or more with suitable materials, installation and maintenance, though this varies by product and site conditions. That range depends heavily on the sub-frame underneath being built correctly, with adequate ventilation and drainage falls so water doesn't pool against the joists. On sites with poorly draining clay soil, which we see in parts of Dudley, a properly designed sub-structure becomes even more important to avoid movement over time, though every garden drains differently and it's worth confirming ground conditions during a survey rather than assuming. Skipping that step to save money at the quoting stage can lead to earlier movement, cracking or drainage problems further down the line, so it's not an area worth cutting corners on.

Many ground-level decks fall under permitted development, but the rules are specific rather than a blanket yes. Under permitted development, a raised platform such as a deck, balcony or veranda must not be more than 300mm above ground level if you want it to avoid needing planning permission, regardless of how close it sits to a boundary. Decking that stays below that 300mm threshold is more likely to qualify as permitted development, but it still counts towards the overall area of your garden covered by extensions, outbuildings and other structures, which under permitted development rules should not exceed 50% of the curtilage of the original house. If your property is listed or sits in a conservation area, additional restrictions can apply, and it's worth checking before you order materials rather than after. Permitted development rights can also be removed or varied on individual properties, and the rules differ for flats, maisonettes and some newer builds, so we'd always recommend checking your specific situation with Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council's planning team or the Planning Portal's guidance on decking before finalising a design, since site-specific restrictions can override the general rules.

Sometimes, but check first rather than assume. A solid, level, well-drained concrete slab or existing patio can often take a new sub-frame directly, which saves on groundworks and speeds up installation. The key is drainage. If the slab already holds water after rain, or slopes the wrong way, that problem needs sorting before you build over it, not after. Composite boards have gaps between them for exactly this reason, but that only helps if water can actually get away underneath. If we're not sure from the survey, we'll dig a small inspection point before quoting so we're not guessing on-site.

A standard domestic deck of around 15 to 25 square metres usually takes between two and four days from groundworks to finished boards, weather permitting. Larger or multi-level designs, or those needing retaining work, can run to a week or more. On bigger jobs we build in a natural check-in point once the sub-frame is down, so you can see the layout and raise anything before the boards go on.

1. Warranty coverage. Ask what manufacturer warranty the boards carry and whether the installer's own workmanship is separately guaranteed. 2. Sub-frame material. Confirm whether joists are treated timber or a composite/aluminium system, since this affects long-term stability. 3. Drainage plan. Ask how water will be directed away from the deck and any adjoining walls or foundations. 4. Written quote breakdown. Check the quote separates materials, labour, groundworks and VAT so there are no surprises later.

If you're weighing up decking against a patio or artificial lawn, it's worth getting a couple of options costed side by side before deciding. The right answer often comes down to how the space actually gets used day to day. Get in touch with Revive Renovation for a free, no-obligation quote and we'll talk you through what would work best for your garden.