Garden decking in Stow-on-the-Wold, built to suit local-stone houses and the exposed conditions of a high Cotswold town, with sturdy frames and sheltered seating.
Stow-on-the-Wold stands high on the Cotswolds, and it feels it. The stone houses around the market square look mellow and settled, but the wind can sweep across the hilltop, and gardens here often face more weather than those in the valleys.
A deck in Stow needs to be solid, and the seating area should be sheltered. We build timber decking in the town and the surrounding countryside with those conditions in mind, balancing a sunny spot with a bit of shelter, and fitting the structure firmly so it stays put.
Wind is the first consideration. A deck set in the lee of the house or a wall can be pleasant on days when an open lawn is unusable. We look for a corner that gets sun but not the full blast, and may suggest a screen, hedge or glass panel to block gusts. Local stone can be strongly coloured, so timber tones matter: natural finishes tend to look right. Size should suit your needs, not simply the space available, because an oversized deck can dominate a small garden. We sketch options at the visit so you can imagine each before agreeing.
Wind and weather call for a robust frame, with fixings and footings chosen to keep everything tight. Many Stow gardens slope with the hill, so the deck may be low on one side and well above the ground on the other. We design steps and handrails together with the frame, and ensure the area beneath stays open to airflow. Shallow soil over stone is common, and it can make digging slow, so supports are chosen to fit. We will explain what we find when we dig a trial hole, and adjust the plan sensibly if the ground proves difficult.
Exposed decks dry quickly after rain but suffer more from sun and frost. Look out for splitting boards, raised nails or screws, and fading colour. A fresh coat of oil or stain each year or two helps, depending on how it wears. Brush off moss in shaded patches and keep the gaps clear. When splits spread across many boards, replacing them can make more sense than constant repair. If frame timber has cracked or twisted, rebuild it. We will give you an honest view, including when a tired deck simply has more life left than it looks.
We cover Stow-on-the-Wold and nearby places, including Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh and Northleach. The town is made up largely of local stone buildings, and many properties are older, with gardens of very different sizes. Narrow lanes and limited parking can make deliveries tricky, so we plan these in advance. If your house is in a protected area, check what is allowed before committing to a design. Contact us with a few lines about your garden and we will arrange a time to look at it with you.
We also take on garden decking work in nearby Bourton-on-the-Water, Moreton-in-Marsh, Northleach.
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...”
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“The guys were prompt & proffesional removed an old ash for me thanks guys”
By anchoring the frame firmly, choosing a sheltered position where possible and adding screens or planting to break the wind. We also advise on securing furniture and parasols.
Yes, if built and looked after properly. Frost and sun are tougher on the surface, so regular treatment matters, but good airflow beneath helps the structure stay sound.
Usually. We choose supports that suit the depth of soil, and check the ground with a trial dig. Where digging is hard, an alternative support system can be a sensible answer.
SPR Trees & Landscapes, 6 Rose Avenue, Worcester, WR4 9PY
Tell us what you need in Stow-on-the-Wold and we will get back to you, usually the same day.
Prefer to talk? Call 07542 451291 or WhatsApp us.
