Gardens in Bourton-on-the-Water are small, stone-walled and often close to the Windrush, so a deck must be compact, well-drained and carefully detailed.
Few places in the Cotswolds are as busy or as photogenic as this village, and the cottage gardens behind its stone frontages reflect the same character. They are compact, sheltered and often overlooked, which means a good deck is as much about privacy and proportion as it is about timber.
We design and build garden decking across Bourton-on-the-Water and the villages nearby. A free visit lets us measure, look at drainage and discuss how you use the space. You will then receive a written quotation. We keep our advice straightforward, including telling you when a smaller or simpler deck will serve you better.
With a small footprint, every decision counts. We often use a single level with continuous boards from the doorway, which makes the garden feel larger and avoids tripping points. A bench built along one edge saves floor space, while a screen or trellis offers privacy from passers-by. Colours that echo the local stone, such as soft browns and greys, help the deck settle in. Planting can be worked around the edges, and low lighting makes it pleasant in the evening. We will talk through each element so the design suits how you actually spend your time.
Gardens close to the river can have a high water table and ground that stays soft. We tackle this by lifting the frame well above the soil, using sound footings and leaving open sides or vents for airflow. Stone steps or thresholds at the back door often dictate the deck height, so we measure these precisely. A small drop to the lawn calls for neat treads with consistent rise. If you have walls to work around, we keep a gap so damp does not transfer from timber to masonry. Surface water is guided away from both house and deck.
Compact, sheltered gardens tend to be shady, and shaded decks get slippery. Sweep leaves, scrub green growth early and use a suitable treatment when the surface looks dry. Pay attention to the corners where plants and pots hold moisture. Replacing individual boards is simple, but a frame with soft or crumbling joists is another matter. If the deck moves under your weight or fixings have corroded, replacement will give you a safer, longer-lasting result. We are happy to inspect an existing deck and give you a clear opinion without any pressure.
Bourton-on-the-Water is a popular Cotswold village on the River Windrush, with stone cottages and small gardens. Streets can be busy and parking limited, so we plan deliveries carefully and keep disruption to neighbours low. We also work in Stow-on-the-Wold, Northleach and Moreton-in-Marsh, which means we are used to the logistics of village working in this part of Gloucestershire. If you are thinking about a deck, ask us for a free visit and we will look at the garden together and talk it through.
We also take on garden decking work in nearby Stow-on-the-Wold, Northleach, Moreton-in-Marsh.
Images on this page are illustrations only.
“Jim and Dan did a brilliant job on my 90ft conifer. Its a lot safer now and I have more light in the garden...”
“The boys did an excellent job... pruned my trees back and remove one tree that had split...”
“The guys were prompt & proffesional removed an old ash for me thanks guys”
It can be, because it provides a dry, level surface. Choose boards with grip and expect to clean them more often. We will help you pick a design that suits the light you get.
We cut timber to manageable lengths and carry it through the house or along side access if needed. We discuss the route at the visit so there are no surprises on the day.
Yes, a timber deck is far easier to dismantle than a concrete patio. That flexibility is one reason it suits cottage gardens where needs may change.
SPR Trees & Landscapes, 6 Rose Avenue, Worcester, WR4 9PY
Tell us what you need in Bourton-on-the-Water and we will get back to you, usually the same day.
Prefer to talk? Call 07542 451291 or WhatsApp us.
