Devon · Our service area
Decking in Exeter
Premium decking & outdoor living in Exeter, Devon.
Based just outside the city at Clyst St. Mary, Exeter is our home turf. We design and install composite, PVC and timber decking, garden rooms and pergolas for homes and businesses right across Exeter and the surrounding villages.
A recent Exeter project used a two-tone grey border to define the steps and perimeter, creating a sharp, low-maintenance finish that pops against the brickwork. From compact city gardens to larger suburban plots, we tailor every deck to the space.
Nearby areas we cover
About Exeter
Exeter sits in the Exe Valley, where gardens vary enormously — from compact walled courtyard plots in the city centre and St Leonard's conservation area to generous half-acre plots in the suburbs of Pinhoe, Heavitree and Alphington. The city's mix of Victorian terraces, Georgian townhouses and modern new-build estates on the eastern fringe (Pennsylvania, Monkerton, Cranbrook) means almost every decking project starts with a unique brief. Many older properties have mature trees and uneven ground; new builds often come with flat, featureless gardens where a well-designed deck immediately creates purpose and structure.
Composite decking has become the dominant choice for Exeter homeowners, and for good reason. Devon's mild but damp Atlantic climate means timber needs annual oiling and is prone to greening on shaded city plots — particularly north-facing rear gardens common in terraced streets off the Heavitree Road. A high-quality composite or PVC board shrugs off the moss and algae that attack softwood, and the range of colours now available — from warm oak tones to charcoal and dual-tone grey — suits both period and contemporary properties. Exeter's proximity to the M5 and the expanding eastern growth zone also means we frequently supply large-scale developers and housing associations with uniform deck specifications across multiple plots.
Planning permission is rarely needed for a ground-level deck of standard height in a typical Exeter garden, as permitted development rights apply across most of the city — but it is worth noting that parts of Exeter's city centre and St Leonard's fall within Article 4 direction areas where permitted development is restricted, and any property in a designated conservation zone or listed building curtilage will need prior approval. We carry out a full site assessment before any project begins, advise on whether consent is needed, and can recommend a local planning consultant where required. From the two-tone grey border project in a suburban back garden to commercial decks for Exeter's hospitality venues and holiday lodges, Precision Decking brings the same standard of finish to every project — backed by up to a 15-year guarantee.
Why Precision Decking in Exeter
We are based just four miles east of Exeter city centre in Clyst St. Mary — so site visits, materials deliveries and follow-up visits are fast, with no call-out premium and no waiting weeks for a survey.
We have completed projects across every type of Exeter property, from compact Victorian terraced gardens to large suburban plots and new-build park homes — which means we understand local ground conditions, drainage quirks and the planning rules that apply in this city.
Questions from Exeter residents
Frequently asked in Exeter
Do I need planning permission for a deck in Exeter?
Most residential decks in Exeter fall under permitted development and do not need planning permission, provided the deck is no more than 30cm above ground level and does not cover more than half the garden area. However, some streets in St Leonard's and the city centre sit within Article 4 direction areas, and listed buildings or conservation-area properties may require prior approval. We assess this during our free site survey.
What is the best decking material for an Exeter garden?
For most Exeter gardens we recommend composite or PVC decking. Devon's mild, damp climate causes untreated softwood to green and deteriorate quickly on shaded plots. Composite boards are moisture-resistant, slip-rated and require no annual maintenance — ideal whether your garden faces south in Heavitree or sits in shadow behind a Victorian terrace in St Thomas.
Can you build a deck on sloped ground in Exeter?
Yes — sloping plots are very common across Exeter's hillier suburbs, including parts of Pennsylvania and Pinhoe. We design and build raised framed decks and tiered structures with full structural subframes that level the platform without expensive groundworks, giving you a flat, usable outdoor space regardless of the gradient.
How long does a decking project in Exeter typically take?
A standard residential deck of around 20–40 square metres typically takes two to four days from start to finish. Larger projects, or those requiring raised subframes, skirting and balustrades, may take up to a week. We'll give you a realistic programme at the survey stage and aim to keep disruption to a minimum.
GOOD TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas does Precision Decking cover?
We work across the South West of England — Exeter, Exmouth, Sidmouth, Topsham, Budleigh Salterton, Dawlish, Torquay and the wider counties of Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.
What types of decking do you install?
We supply and install composite, PVC and timber decking. Composite and PVC are low-maintenance and long-lasting, while timber gives a classic natural look. We recommend the best material for your space during a free site survey.
Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes — we offer up to a 15-year guarantee on our decking installations, reflecting the quality of materials and the structural standards we build to.
Can you build decking on a slope or uneven ground?
Absolutely. Sloping and uneven sites are a speciality. We build tiered staircases, raised platforms and walkways with full structural integrity for safe, attractive access.
Do you work on commercial projects?
Yes. As well as private gardens we deliver decking at scale for holiday parks and lodge developments, producing uniform, premium finishes across many units.
Do you install hot tubs, pergolas and garden rooms?
Yes. We supply and install hot tubs with integrated structural framing, build custom pergolas and privacy screens, and design bespoke garden rooms and studios.
How do I get a quote?
Request a free site survey using the contact form or call us on 07508 268132. A founding partner assesses your space and provides a transparent, tailored quote.
How experienced is the team?
Precision Decking was founded by three industry experts and has completed 500+ projects across the South West, with over 20 years of combined experience.