Composite decking FAQs for South Wales homeowners.

It depends on the size, how high the deck sits, the ground and access, which Trex range you choose and extras like steps, railings or lighting. Send Ellis a few photos and rough measurements and he'll give you a ballpark before arranging a visit. The composite decking cost guide explains what moves the price.

Because a price without seeing your garden is a guess. Two decks the same size can cost very different amounts once you factor in slopes, steps, access and the frame underneath. Ellis would rather give you an honest figure for your deck than a number that changes later.

Yes. Estimates are free and there's no obligation. Send a few details and Ellis will give you an honest idea of cost.

Yes, to start with. Photos and rough measurements are usually enough for a realistic ballpark. Ellis then visits to measure properly and check the ground before anything is confirmed.

A few photos of the space from different angles, rough measurements if you have them, and what you'd like the deck for, like dining, a hot tub or a level area on a slope. The 3D deck planner is a quick way to show your ideas.

It costs more than timber up front, then pays that back. There's no staining, sanding or replacing rotten boards, and Trex is backed by a 25 to 50 year warranty depending on the range, so most people come out ahead over the life of the deck.

For most gardens, yes. Composite won't rot, warp, splinter or need staining, so it stays looking the same with a wash a couple of times a year. Timber is cheaper on day one, but needs treating every year and usually needs replacing far sooner.

Because Ellis would rather know one product inside out than fit whatever's cheapest. Trex has been making composite decking for over 30 years, the warranty is backed by the manufacturer, and Ellis is a TrexPro Gold installer, so he's trained and approved to fit it properly.

TrexPro is Trex's approved installer programme. TrexPro installers are recognised by Trex for the quality and number of Trex decks they build. It means Trex trusts Ellis to fit its boards to its standards.

All three. Enhance is the great-value range with a 25 year warranty. Transcend, including Transcend Lineage, and Signature are the premium ranges with a 50 year warranty and richer colours. Ellis will show you samples and help you pick.

Darker boards get warmer in full sun, like any surface. Lighter colours stay cooler, and Trex's heat-mitigating colours, like the Transcend Lineage range, are made to stay cooler underfoot. If you've got kids or dogs, Ellis will point you to the right colour.

Most small and medium garden decks take around a week. Larger or more complex builds, like raised decks on a slope or decks with lots of extras, usually take two to four weeks depending on access and scope. Ellis gives you a clear timeline before you book.

Most garden decks don't. As a general rule, a deck raised more than 30cm off the ground usually needs planning permission. Ellis will flag it at the design stage if yours might. Read the full planning guide.

Yes. Slopes and uneven ground are where a well built subframe matters most. Ellis works out the levels, steps and supports first and shows you the whole deck in 3D, so you can see exactly how it will sit before work starts.

Often, yes. If the base is sound and water can drain away, a low-profile subframe can go straight over it, which can save on groundwork. Ellis checks the levels and drainage on the site visit and tells you honestly if it's a good idea for your garden.

Because it's what makes a deck last. Trex boards can last decades, but only if the frame under them is solid, level and spaced correctly. Ellis builds every frame to Trex's spacing so the boards stay flat and the warranty stays valid. See how a deck is built.

Not all day. Ellis will run through access, parking and anything he needs from you before work starts.

No sanding, staining or painting, ever. A wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush a couple of times a year keeps it looking new. The composite decking cleaning guide has the full routine.

Trex boards are designed with slip resistance in mind and grip better than weathered timber. Like any outdoor surface they can get slippery if moss or algae builds up, so a quick clean now and then keeps them safe, especially in shady, damp spots.

Trex boards come with a 25 to 50 year limited residential warranty depending on the range, covering material defects, fading and staining. Enhance is 25 years. Transcend and Signature are 50 years. Ellis talks you through the exact cover for the range you choose.

Trex boards are made to last decades. With a solid frame underneath and a wash now and then, you can expect your deck to look good for as long as the 25 to 50 year warranty, and often longer.

Yes, when it's planned for. A hot tub needs its own properly supported base, and the deck is built around it with access for servicing. Tell Ellis at the start so the frame is designed for the weight.

If your boards are greying, soft or splitting, more treatment only buys a bit of time. Replacing your timber with Trex means no more staining, sanding or rot, backed by a 25 to 50 year warranty.

Yes. The old boards come up and are taken away as part of the job, so you're not left with a pile of rotten timber in the garden.

Sometimes. Ellis checks the frame on the site visit. If it's sound and spaced to suit Trex, it can stay. If it's soft, rotten or moving, it gets rebuilt, because new boards on a rotten frame won't last. You'll know which before the job is booked. Why the subframe matters.

Most garden deck replacements take around 3 to 5 working days, including taking up the old deck. Bigger, raised or more complex decks take longer, and Ellis gives you a clear timeline before you book.

Yes. You can keep the same size and shape, or use the replacement to add steps, lighting, built-in seating or a new layout. Ellis designs it in 3D first so you can see it before anything is built.

Yes. Trex is built for heavy use. It won't rot, splinter or split, and it doesn't need staining, so it copes with a busy beer garden or terrace far better than timber. Ellis builds commercial decks on a stronger frame to suit the footfall.

Yes. If your building is owned by a brewery, pub company or landlord, they'll usually need to approve the work first. Ellis can send a written quote and drawings for them to sign off.

Often, yes. Businesses don't get the same permitted development rights as houses, so a new deck or raised area may need planning permission. If you sell alcohol outside, your premises licence plan may also need updating. Check with your local council early. Ellis can supply drawings to help.

As little as possible. Ellis plans the start date around your diary, fences off the work area and keeps it tidy every day. Bigger sites can be built in phases so part of your outside space stays open.

You get a written quote you can take to the owner, area manager or governors, and a proper invoice at the end.

Abergavenny and across South Wales, the borders and the Cotswolds, including Cardiff, Newport, Monmouth, Usk, Chepstow, Crickhowell, Brecon, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Cirencester, Tetbury, Malmesbury, South Cerney and Nailsworth.

Spring and summer fill up fast. Getting your estimate and design sorted over autumn and winter puts you first in line for a spring build.

Ring him on 07971 750900, 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week, or fill in the free estimate form below. It takes about two minutes and goes straight to Ellis.

Photos and rough measurements are usually enough for a realistic idea of cost. Ellis then arranges a site visit to measure properly and check the ground before anything is confirmed.

Yes. Ellis regularly works in the Cotswolds, including Cirencester, Tetbury, Malmesbury, South Cerney and Nailsworth, for both homes and businesses.