Composite Decking Glasgow | Central Scotland
Designed & built for Scottish gardens
MacColl & Stokes installs composite decking in Glasgow and across Central Scotland, designing and building decks that suit the garden rather than just filling a space. We work with composite and timber boards, and we handle everything from structural frame to drainage falls to balustrade integration. With over 40 years of landscaping experience, we build decks that perform in Scotland's climate and look right for the house and garden they belong to.
Recent Decking Projects
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What we build
Every decking project we take on starts with the site. Ground-level decks, raised platforms, decking integrated with steps and walling, decking as part of a larger garden redesign: the scope depends on what the garden needs and how you use it.
We design and build, not supply and lay. That means the structural frame, drainage falls, joist spacing, and any balustrade are all considered and specified before a board goes down. A deck that looks right after twelve months and still looks right after ten years is built differently to one that gets fitted in a day.
We offer both composite and timber. The right choice depends on your budget, how much maintenance you want to carry out each year, and how the deck connects to the wider garden. We will cover both materials in detail below.
Where a deck sits above a slope or a change of level, it often works alongside retaining walls or built steps. See our walling, steps & Stonework page for more on how we handle level changes.
Composite and Timber: What to Know Before You Choose
Composite boards are made from a combination of wood fibre and polymer. They do not absorb moisture. They do not need annual oiling or staining. Warranties from reputable manufacturers typically run from 10 to 25 years depending on the product grade.
Timber boards have a natural look and cost less upfront. The trade-off is maintenance. In Scotland's wet climate, timber decking needs consistent treatment to resist cupping, splitting, and greening. Miss a season and you will see it. For most clients who want a deck that holds its appearance over ten years without regular upkeep, composite is now the default choice, particularly for areas over roughly 20 square metres.
Colour stability is worth asking about when comparing composite products. Better-grade boards hold their colour through freeze-thaw cycles. Cheaper boards can fade or mottle within two to three seasons, which is a known issue in Scotland's climate.
Timber still suits smaller structures, pergola decking, and projects where the client will maintain it consistently.
We specify materials based on the site, the budget, and how you plan to use the space. We will walk through the options with you during the initial visit.
Our build process
Every project follows the same sequence: site visit, design sign-off, groundwork, frame installation, board laying, and final inspection. The detail within each stage is what varies.
The frame is the critical structural element. Joist size, spacing, bearer positions, and how the frame is fixed to the ground all affect how the deck performs over time. We build drainage falls into the frame so water clears the boards and does not pool against the house.
Planning permission is worth mentioning here. Most residential decking at ground level or under 30cm in height does not need consent in Scotland. Raised decks, decks attached to listed buildings, and properties in conservation areas may need approval. We will flag anything that looks like it needs checking, but the client should confirm with their local authority before work starts.
How we design and build your decking
With over 40 years landscaping experience, we have built up an extensive portfolio of work and pride ourselves in being able to turn our client's visions into a reality. With a wealth of knowledge in garden design and construction, we know we can create the perfect environment for you.
Initial Discussion
Let's have a chat about your garden space, specification, design aspirations and budget.
Site Survey
We assess the space, orientation, ground conditions, proximity to boundaries, and utilities access. This confirms what is practical before any design decisions are made.
Design Consultation
The frame is the critical structural element. Joist size, spacing, bearer positions, and how the frame is fixed to the ground all affect how the deck performs over time.
Groundworks
Getting the base right is what determines whether the decking sits level, drains correctly, and remains structurally sound long-term.
Structure Build
Frame, insulation, roof, cladding, windows, and doors. Each element is installed in sequence so the structure is sound and weathertight before the internal fit-out begins.
Completion!
Snagging, and client walkthrough. You see the finished decking before we close the project.
Design Services & Approaches
Full Garden Design (complete redesign from blank canvas)
Partial Redesign (specific areas or zones refreshed)
Planting Design (borders, beds, structural planting schemes)
Hard Landscaping Design (patios, paths, walls, levels)
Concept Visualisation (3D renders and detailed plans)
Why MacColl & Stokes Landscaping?
We have been building in Glasgow and Central Scotland for over 40 years. Decking is one part of a wider landscaping practice, which means we design it in context with the whole garden rather than treating it as a standalone installation.
We consider drainage, levels, connection to the house, and how the deck works with whatever surrounds it. We are SafeContractor accredited, CHAS accredited, and members of the Marshalls Register.
See completed deck projects and the wider garden work MacColl & Stokes delivers here.
A few words from our satisfied customers
If quality and professionalism are a priority to you, as they were to us, we would thoroughly recommend Scott MacColl and his team for your landscaping requirements.
D&J Kingham
Delighted with the work that’s been done. Our garden was a large space but total disaster zone!! They dug the whole place up, cleared the site and started again. We have everything we asked for...
Melanie Russell
Delighted with the work done by MacColl and Stokes to transform our new-build plot into a wonderful garden... Our expectations have been met and more.
Bruce McConnell
