Tips for Finding the Right Decking Installer

Knowing who to employ to fit out your garden with functional decking can seem problematic if it’s the first time you’ve ever looked to hire a decking installer. So, we thought we’d draft an article designed to help you decipher how to identify an experienced installer that’s skilled and qualified enough to do a good job. We’ll also offer some pointers on planning your project and choosing a material to put you firmly on course for a successful garden upgrade.

Experience counts for so much in a specialised field like decking, so search for decking contractors with years of expertise in decking installation.

The very best companies will have multiple examples of projects they have worked on and completed, and this will be backed by acknowledged standards and accreditation for their products.

Also, check their reviews on digital platforms. If there happens to be a bad review, how has this been dealt with? This can be equally as important in assessing the type of trader that they are.

Assess their qualifications and professionalism in such a manner and you can’t really go wrong. Break it down like this:

Without prior experience of employing a decking installer, how are you meant to know who is good and who to avoid?

Authentic customer reviews offer fantastic insight into a fitter’s sales and installation methods, so it’s always worth reading a few online to help compile a shortlist of installers who seem up to the job. Seeking personal recommendations from friends and family is suggested too.

Step up your research into the shortlisted decking contractors by requesting an appointment to speak to them one-to-one.

Use the opportunity to get familiar with how they work and the ins and outs of their service and business model.

Don’t be afraid to press them on any specifics you’d like clarified, even the tiniest details, such as the fastening methods they apply and the more in-detail product specifications.

Cost will be a decisive factor, of course. It’s prudent to obtain at least three quotes from three separate companies, neatly taking us on to our next point.

These quotations can help you ascertain where the best value lies, what seems a reasonable price and avoid being under or overcharged.

It’s helpful if a quote is itemised so that you can see a breakdown of the end price and understand charges relating to materials, labour and other services. Ensure that these quotes are like-for-like.

This information will be invaluable for comparing and contrasting the costs of each decking installer.

We’ve all bought an item that’s incurred a fault at some time in our lives, perhaps prematurely so before reaching its estimated lifespan.

Were that to happen with decking purchased by yourself, you’d want to be sure that the investment is protected and will be fixed at no additional cost.

Imperative then that you select a UPVC or composite decking installer supplying a warranty inclusive of aftercare in case of any unexpected issues arising.

A warranty will act as product cover for a specified time period and entitle you to reactive assistance from the fitter when you need something remedying.

Access to aftercare is advantageous for reporting faults and obtaining product advice as and when you need it.

Always read the warranty before filing it away in a safe place so that you’re aware of exactly what you covered against and if there are any exceptions.

It may include details of your rights in the event of structural defects, fading and staining surfacing whilst the warranty is active.

A robust guarantee is a sign of product quality and installer confidence, hopefully giving you belief in what you’re buying and whoever’s providing it.

Reputable installers won’t be shy to showcase their work to you if you want a look at what they’ve done for other customers.

Observe past projects and query the steps they took to accomplish them to become informed of how your own project would proceed.

Their work portfolio should be varied to show off how versatile they are and the diversity of products they offer.

Evaluate the craftsmanship closely to discern an installer’s suitability for what you have in mind.

It’s all in the planning where decking is concerned.

A seasoned decking specialist will be fastidious to bring your vision to life and ensure it meets your expectations. Meticulous preparation can also avert delays along the journey.

Lakeland works extremely closely with its customers from inception to completion, happily making refinements and personalised touches for optimal results.

Colour, layout, accessories – you get the final say on each of these vital elements.

Contact us and let’s get going!