Good questions. Straight answers.

Softwood decking typically costs £70–£120 per m² supplied and installed, hardwood £120–£200 per m², and capped mid-range composite £110–£180 per m². A typical 15m² softwood deck is around £1,500–£2,200. Raised structures, difficult access, removal, steps and balustrades can change the total. These are Glasgow and East Dunbartonshire guide prices for 2026, not a quotation. A free site visit allows an installer to measure the garden and provide a fixed written price.

For the Glasgow area, overlap or lap panel fencing is typically £70–£100 per metre supplied and installed. Closeboard or featheredge fencing is usually £100–£140 per metre. Concrete posts and gravel boards add approximately £15–£30 per metre, while composite or metal fencing is around £150–£250+ per metre. Height, access, ground conditions, gates and removal affect the final cost. Ask for an itemised written quotation so you can compare the same specification rather than the headline figure alone.

A rear-garden deck generally falls within permitted development when the floor is no more than 0.5 metres above ground and the total height, including the balustrade, is no more than 2.5 metres. It must not be forward of an elevation facing a road. In conservation areas or within the grounds of a listed building, permitted decking is limited to 4m², and listed building consent may be required. Conditions vary with the property. Always confirm your proposal with East Dunbartonshire Council or the relevant council before installation.

Fences, walls and gates up to 2 metres high generally do not need planning permission in Scotland. Within 20 metres of a road, the usual limit is 1 metre. Trellis counts towards the total height, rather than being an extra allowance. Listed buildings and some open-plan estates may have additional restrictions. A fence that looks suitable for your neighbour’s garden is not necessarily permitted at your own property. Check the position with East Dunbartonshire Council or the relevant authority before ordering materials.

Composite can be worthwhile if you want to avoid regular oiling and sanding. It does not need oiling, generally avoids splinters and resists board rot, but still needs occasional washing to remove dirt and algae. Capped mid-range composite costs around £110–£180 per m² supplied and installed, compared with £70–£120 per m² for softwood. Whether that higher initial spend is worthwhile depends on your budget, chosen product and future maintenance costs. Correct ventilation, drainage and subframe construction remain essential whatever boards you choose.

A straightforward deck may be completed within several working days, but there is no reliable one-size-fits-all programme. Size, foundations, height, steps, access and the condition of any existing structure all affect the work. Persistent rain can also make some stages unsuitable. Your installer should give you an expected programme with the written quotation and explain anything that could change it. Raised or multi-level decks usually take more preparation than a simple ground-level design. Ask about access and garden use during construction.

Remove leaves, mud, moss and algae before they build up, particularly in shaded or damp corners. Use a cleaning method suitable for your boards and avoid damaging timber with excessive pressure. Grooved or anti-slip products can help, but no deck stays reliably safe if the surface is neglected. Good drainage and ventilation help the structure dry. Timber may need re-oiling every 2–3 years with a suitable product; composite needs occasional washing rather than oiling. Follow the board and treatment manufacturer’s care guidance.

Enquiries are welcomed from Bearsden, Milngavie, Bishopbriggs and Kirkintilloch in East Dunbartonshire, along with Clydebank in West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow’s West End. Nearby areas can be discussed too: choose Other in the quote form and tell us where the property is. Coverage for a particular job depends on the local installer and the work required. Include useful access information and the type of project when you enquire, so the right partner can assess a suitable visit.

The initial site visit and quotation are free, with no obligation to proceed. Tell us about the project, and your enquiry is passed to a local installation partner who can discuss the work and arrange a suitable visit. The installer checks measurements, access and ground conditions before producing a fixed written quotation. You can review the specification and ask questions before making a decision. Do not feel you have to commit on the spot; a clear understanding of the proposed work matters.

Yes, raised or multi-level decking can make a sloping garden much more useful, and changes of level are common around Bearsden and Milngavie. The installer must assess support positions, drainage, steps, access and any protective barriers. A barrier is required where there is a drop of 600mm or more. Deck floors above 0.5 metres generally need planning consideration, and very high structures may require a building warrant. These jobs are priced individually. Confirm the proposed design with the relevant council before work starts.

The best choice depends on how much maintenance you want and the character of your garden. Pressure-treated softwood gives a natural finish at an approachable price; hardwood offers denser boards and distinctive grain; composite reduces the need for regular treatment. Every option needs suitable drainage and ventilation. For damp, shaded gardens, look closely at slip-resistance information and plan routine cleaning. Correct joist spacing and a well-built subframe often matter more than a particular board label. Ask to compare complete systems, not just surface samples.

Timber decking lifespan varies considerably with species, treatment, construction and care. A well-built, maintained structure can last many years, but a deck sitting in trapped moisture may fail much earlier. Check boards and joists regularly for softness, loose fixings or movement. Suitable ventilation, drainage and keeping timber away from wet soil help preserve the structure. Do not rely on a broad lifespan estimate as a guarantee for your own garden. Ask your installer about the chosen material and the separate workmanship terms.

Clear leaves and surface dirt regularly and clean off algae when it appears, rather than waiting for the boards to become slippery. Timber re-oiling every 2–3 years is a useful guide, although the chosen product and exposure may call for a different interval. Let the deck dry properly before applying oil and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Aggressive pressure washing can damage the grain. Composite does not need oiling, but benefits from occasional washing. Maintenance is easier if drainage gaps and the underside stay clear.

A local installer can inspect old decking and explain whether repairs or complete replacement are sensible. Rotten boards sometimes conceal damaged joists, so replacing the surface alone may not solve the problem. Board replacement is typically £100–£300, structural repairs £300–£900, and old decking removal and disposal £200–£500. These are guide ranges, with the final scope agreed after inspection. Keep people off a deck that feels unstable or has visibly failed supports, and mention any safety concerns when you enquire.

Sometimes, provided the base is sound and there is enough height for a suitable subframe, ventilation and drainage. Boards should not be laid directly onto damp concrete or paving. The installer checks door thresholds, drainage falls, inspection points and the condition of the existing surface. Water must have a route out rather than being trapped under the new deck. A site visit is necessary to judge whether retaining the base is useful or whether removal and preparation would give a better result.

A protective barrier is required where there is a drop of 600mm or more. Steps and other changes of level also need a safe design appropriate to the garden and its users. Balustrades can be timber, glass or metal, with their layout agreed before construction. Timber balustrades typically cost £60–£100 per linear metre; glass is around £150–£300 per linear metre. Planning limits count the overall height including the balustrade. Ask the installer and relevant council about requirements for your proposed structure.

Deck construction can be considered through much of the year, but the ground and weather must be suitable for the planned stages. Very wet conditions can affect access and preparation, while timber treatments need an appropriate drying window. Planning ahead gives more flexibility than aiming for a single guaranteed week. Your installer should discuss likely timings, material availability and weather-related adjustments. If you want the garden ready for a particular event, mention that early rather than assuming the work can fit immediately before it.

Steps, seating, planters and LED lighting can be included in the design and priced in the written quote. Discuss them before the structure is built so supports, cable routes and useful access are considered together. Steps need a comfortable layout and appropriate safety detailing; seating should leave enough room to move around the deck. Electrical work needs suitable outdoor-rated products and competent installation. Extras change both the construction and total price, so check that the quote describes exactly what is included rather than relying on a picture.

Capped composite has a protective outer layer designed to improve resistance to stains and moisture. Uncapped boards leave the composite material exposed and may have different cleaning and weathering characteristics. Performance varies between manufacturers, so compare the product specification, installation guidance and warranty conditions rather than the label alone. Capped mid-range composite typically costs £110–£180 per m² supplied and installed. Samples viewed outdoors can help with colour choice. Ask whether matching trims, clips and an appropriate subframe are included in the quoted system.

Composite can still develop algae, particularly where shade, moisture and fallen leaves keep the surface damp. Slip resistance differs between products and is affected by how clean the boards are. Regular washing with a manufacturer-approved method helps maintain the surface. Avoid assuming that composite is completely slip-proof or maintenance-free. Good drainage, ventilation and clear gaps are still important. If steps or a shaded corner are part of the design, ask the installer for product-specific slip information and practical advice on keeping those areas clean.

Some colour change can occur as composite weathers, and darker boards can become warm in direct sunshine. The amount depends on the particular product, finish and exposure. Check the manufacturer’s information on colour stability and care, and view physical samples outside before choosing. A lighter finish may be worth considering in a very sunny seating area. Warranty terms do not necessarily cover every change in appearance. Normal Scottish cloud cover does not mean heat can be ignored during a bright summer spell, especially for bare feet.

Manufacturer warranties commonly fall in the 10–25 year range, but the actual term and coverage depend on the selected product. Installation requirements, maintenance conditions and exclusions should be read before purchase. The surface boards and the supporting structure may have different warranties or expected lifespans. A local installer should identify the product in the written quotation and supply care information at handover. Do not treat a headline warranty as a guarantee against every form of damage, staining, movement or workmanship issue.

Softwood has a lower initial guide cost at £70–£120 per m² supplied and installed, compared with £110–£180 per m² for capped mid-range composite. Composite may reduce later spending on sanding, oiling and treatment, but still requires cleaning. Timber deck staining or oiling is typically £350–£800 per job, depending on size and condition. Compare complete installed costs and realistic maintenance plans over the period you expect to use the garden. There is no universal saving: product choice and whether you do upkeep yourself make a difference.

Strong foundations and a design suited to exposure matter more than choosing a panel by appearance alone. Closeboard or featheredge fencing can provide a substantial boundary, while some slatted or hit-and-miss designs allow airflow. Post depth, spacing, ground conditions and total fence height all affect performance. Posts are commonly set 600–750mm deep in concrete, adjusted to the site. No fence can be promised storm-proof. Tell the installer where previous panels failed and whether the garden is open to prevailing winds so the quotation reflects the exposure.

Concrete posts and gravel boards help keep timber panels clear of wet soil and reduce ground-contact rot. They can be a practical choice in exposed or persistently damp gardens. Timber posts create a softer all-timber appearance but need appropriate treatment and foundations. Concrete posts and gravel boards typically add around £15–£30 per metre to the fence guide price. The better option depends on the look you prefer, site conditions and budget. Ask the installer to specify the material and foundation approach in writing.

A fence’s lifespan depends on its materials, foundations, exposure and upkeep, so a single number is not a reliable promise. Wet ground can shorten the life of timber posts, and storm damage can affect otherwise sound panels. Suitable treatment, gravel boards and keeping soil and vegetation away from vulnerable timber help. Check for loose fixings, movement and early signs of rot rather than waiting for a panel to fall. Ask the installer about the selected materials and their own workmanship or supplier guarantee terms.

Start by checking the title deeds, available through Registers of Scotland if you do not have them. If the deeds are silent, ownership is generally shared up to the midpoint, with shared repair responsibility, but the individual circumstances may require legal advice. A rule about which side looks better does not establish ownership. Speak to your neighbour before changing a shared boundary feature and record what you agree. Installation work should not be used to resolve a disputed boundary line or to assume responsibilities that the deeds do not establish.

That depends on ownership, the title deeds and what is proposed. For a shared boundary fence, discuss the replacement before work starts, including position, height, appearance and costs. If the fence is solely yours, neighbour agreement may still help avoid misunderstandings, and access onto their land needs permission. Check planning restrictions separately: neighbour agreement does not remove them. Where the deeds are unclear or the boundary is disputed, seek appropriate legal advice. A written note of the agreed design and boundary position is often useful.

There is no general “good side” convention that determines boundary ownership in Scotland. Check the title deeds and discuss the appearance with your neighbour, especially where the fence is shared. Some styles offer a similar finish on both sides; others have visible rails or posts on one face. Agree the design before ordering materials so the installer understands the intended finish. Planning rules, boundary position and permissions for access remain separate issues. If the deeds contain a specific obligation, that takes priority over a casual local custom.

Call to discuss the damage and current availability. An installer may be able to assess repairs or replacement, but no particular emergency response time can be guaranteed before speaking to the partner. Keep people away from unstable posts, loose panels or exposed sharp fixings, and do not attempt unsafe work in strong winds. Fence repairs start from £150; wider replacement depends on the specification and length. Include photographs and access information when describing the job, and explain if the fallen fence is obstructing an essential route.

Garden gates and side gates can be supplied and fitted as part of fencing work or considered separately. A typical garden gate is around £175–£400 supplied and fitted, depending on size, material and hardware. The supporting posts, opening direction, latch and useful clearance should be agreed before installation. Mention access needs for bins, bikes or mobility equipment. If existing posts are rotten or unsuitable, replacement may be necessary and should be itemised. Planning limits apply to gates as well as fences, particularly near a road.

Choose an outdoor-rated material with appropriate slip characteristics, then make sure the patio is correctly built. Porcelain, sandstone and concrete slabs can all work in Scottish gardens. A compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base, full mortar bed and suitable falls for drainage are essential; isolated spot-bedding is not an equivalent installation. Shaded areas need regular cleaning to limit algae. Ask to see samples wet as well as dry and compare care requirements. The best slab for your garden balances appearance, use, drainage and maintenance rather than relying on price alone.

Sandstone offers natural variation and a traditional character, while porcelain has a more consistent, contemporary finish. Indian sandstone is typically £90–£140 per m² supplied and installed, and porcelain £120–£180 per m². Both need a correctly prepared base and product-appropriate laying and jointing. Porcelain can be straightforward to clean, but outdoor suitability and slip information still matter. Natural stone may need a different care routine. Compare samples beside the house and think about the whole garden rather than assuming one material is always better.

The surface needs suitable falls and a planned drainage route, with particular care around door thresholds and the house. A full mortar bed over a compacted Type 1 MOT sub-base provides the correct support, but it does not replace drainage design. Channels or other measures may be needed where water collects. Avoid directing runoff onto a neighbour’s land. Tell the installer where puddles already form after heavy rain so the proposed work considers the wider site. Persistent flooding may require investigation beyond simply relaying the slabs.

The programme depends on area, excavation, access, drainage, material and weather. A straightforward garden patio can take several working days, while a larger landscaping project or difficult site may take longer. The installer should explain the expected stages and give a realistic estimate with the quote. Mortar and jointing products may need time before the patio can be used normally. Ask about delivery access, waste removal and whether routes to the house remain available. Do not assume the surface is ready for furniture immediately after the last slab is laid.

Decking with a floor more than 0.5 metres above ground generally needs planning consideration rather than falling within the usual rear-garden permitted development limits. The overall height including the balustrade, its position relative to elevations facing a road and any listed or conservation status also matter. A protective barrier is required where there is a drop of 600mm or more. Get the proposed levels clearly measured and confirm the requirements with East Dunbartonshire Council or the relevant local authority before committing to construction.

Very high raised decks may need a building warrant, and the requirements depend on the structure and site. Planning permission and a building warrant are separate matters, so satisfying one does not automatically settle the other. Changes of level, structural supports and protective barriers should be discussed with a competent installer. A barrier is required where the drop is 600mm or more. Ask the relevant council’s building standards team about your particular proposal before work starts, rather than relying on a general internet answer or a neighbour’s previous project.

Extra restrictions can apply. In conservation areas or within the grounds of a listed building, permitted decking is limited to 4m² under the stated Scottish rules. Listed buildings may also need listed building consent. The deck’s height and position still matter, as do any particular restrictions affecting the property. Fencing or other landscape alterations may need further checks too. Confirm the proposal with East Dunbartonshire Council or the relevant council before ordering materials. Describe the full design, not just the deck floor area, when asking for advice.

Trellis counts towards the total height of the boundary feature. Adding trellis above a 2 metre fence therefore takes it beyond the usual 2 metre planning limit, and the limit is generally only 1 metre within 20 metres of a road. Planting does not turn a non-compliant structure into a permitted one. Check with the relevant council before increasing the height, especially at a listed property or where estate restrictions apply. Discuss shared boundary changes with your neighbour as well; planning approval and ownership agreement are different questions.

A typical 20m² composite deck is around £2,500–£4,000 supplied and installed. Capped mid-range boards have a guide installed rate of £110–£180 per m², while premium composite is around £150–£220 per m². Project totals depend on foundations, height, access, board specification and finishing details, so area alone is not a fixed calculator. Steps, balustrades, removal and lighting can add to the cost. A free site visit gives the installer the information needed for an itemised fixed written quotation.

Overlap fencing is typically £70–£100 per metre supplied and installed, while closeboard or featheredge is £100–£140 per metre. Old fence removal and disposal is generally £15–£30 per metre, and concrete posts and gravel boards add approximately £15–£30 per metre. Gates, awkward access, ground conditions and fence height affect the final total. Do not assume every quote includes the same removal or post specification. Ask for a clear breakdown after the installer has inspected the boundary and agreed the required length.

Your installer’s written quotation should identify materials, foundations or subframe, preparation, fixings, finishing details and the agreed waste arrangements. Decking should account for membrane, ventilation and supports; patios should specify the sub-base and full mortar bed. Removal, gates, steps, balustrades or lighting may be itemised separately. Guide rates are supplied-and-installed ranges, not a guarantee that every extra is included. Ask about insurance, workmanship terms and manufacturer warranties before accepting, and compare quotations with matching specifications so there are no unexpected assumptions.

Quotes vary because the work beneath the boards, the materials and the site can be very different. Softwood is typically £70–£120 per m² supplied and installed, hardwood £120–£200 per m², capped composite £110–£180 per m² and premium composite £150–£220 per m². Raised structures, sloping gardens, restricted access and removal change the labour and supports required. A lower figure may omit membrane, disposal or finishing work. Compare itemised written specifications and ask why important elements differ rather than simply choosing the cheapest total.

Removal should be explicitly included or separately itemised in the written quotation. Typical guide costs are £200–£500 for old decking removal and disposal, £15–£30 per metre for old fencing, and £8–£20 per m² for old patio removal. The amount depends on access, construction and waste volumes. Do not assume a supplied-and-installed guide rate automatically covers dismantling an existing structure. Explain what is already in the garden when you enquire so the installer can assess safe removal and any extra preparation.

After a free site visit, the local installation partner provides a fixed written quotation for the agreed scope. This should explain the materials, preparation, installation and any separately priced extras. Guide figures such as softwood decking at £70–£120 per m² or overlap fencing at £70–£100 per metre are starting points, not contractual prices. If you later change the design or unexpected work is identified, ask for the variation and cost to be agreed in writing before it proceeds. Clear specifications protect both homeowner and installer.

A local installer will usually aim to get in touch within 24 hours of your enquiry, but the site visit itself is arranged around availability and a suitable time for you. Busy periods, weather and the location can affect scheduling. Include your phone number, town and a useful description of the work to help the partner assess the project. If your plans are time-sensitive, call to discuss them. An enquiry does not reserve an installation date; confirm the programme with the installer before committing.

Our local installation partners are responsible for carrying suitable insurance for their own work. Ask the partner to confirm the cover relevant to your project and provide details before work starts. Bearsden Landscaping Decking & Fencing connects homeowners with tradespeople rather than carrying out installation itself. A badge on a website is not a substitute for checking the actual contractor’s cover. The quotation should make clear who is doing the work, and you should be comfortable with their insurance and proposed approach before proceeding.

Workmanship guarantees are provided by the installation partner and should be confirmed directly in writing. Product warranties, such as those for composite decking, are separate and subject to the manufacturer’s conditions. Ask what is covered, the duration, any exclusions and how to report a problem. This website is a lead generation service and does not provide an installation guarantee itself. Keep your accepted quotation, product details and maintenance instructions after handover. Following the appropriate care routine can also be a condition of some warranties.

Agree access and communication arrangements with the installer before work begins. Some stages may not require you to be present, but the partner needs safe access, clarity about gates and any agreed use of water or power. Keep pets and children away from the work area, and explain any shared access routes. It is helpful to be available for decisions or arrange an agreed contact method. Confirm how the garden will be secured at the end of each day rather than assuming a standard arrangement.

Use the free quote form with your name, email, UK phone number, location and a short description of the project, or call 0141 363 0237. Approximate dimensions, preferred materials, slopes and access details are useful, but you do not need a finished design. Your details are passed to a local installation partner so they can contact you and discuss a free site visit. The partner measures the garden and provides a fixed written quote for the agreed work. There is no obligation to proceed.