Decking gets a bad reputation when it is treated as a bolt-on — a quick-fix platform laid on top of a tired lawn. Done well, it does something completely different. It extends the floor of the house into the garden, brings warmth and texture underfoot, and creates a level surface that handles slopes and awkward gradients without compromise.
At Rose Hill we use decking where it solves a specific problem — a slope, a wet corner, a transition between levels, a feeling of warmth around a pool or hot tub. We specify it carefully, build the structure properly, and integrate it with the planting and paving around it so it looks intended, not improvised.
Decking Specifications
Hardwood, Composite, or a Combination
Hardwood Decking
Iroko, ipé, oak and other premium hardwoods — chosen for character, warmth and longevity. Properly specified hardwood develops a beautiful silver-grey patina over time and lasts decades.
Composite Decking
Modern composite boards — Millboard, Trex and similar premium ranges — for projects that need consistent colour, minimal maintenance and slip resistance. Particularly effective around pools, hot tubs and family spaces.
Raised & Multi-Level Decking
Bespoke substructures that handle level changes, integrate steps, and create distinct zones for dining, lounging and entertaining within a single composition.
We assess the site, the aspect, the existing house materials, drainage requirements and the way you intend to use the space. We then specify materials, jointing, levels and falls in detail before any work begins.
2
CAD Drawings & Sign-Off
Detailed CAD drawings show exactly how the paving sits against the house, integrates with steps and planting, and where every drainage and edge detail falls. Approved at this stage, not on site.
3
Build & Finish
Our in-house team handles preparation, foundations, drainage and laying. The patio is finished, jointed, sealed where appropriate, and handed over with the surrounding landscaping fully integrated.
Client Reviews
Tommy and his team did such a fantastic job. The removal and replacement of our old decking with new hardwood was carried out really professionally.
— Rose Marshall · 5 stars
The Wider Picture
Part of a Complete Garden Design & Build
A deck is not a stand-alone object. It works because of the planting that softens its edges, the paving it transitions onto, and the lighting that extends its use into the evening. That is how we build it.
An incredible job from start to finish with Rose Hill. It started when Tommy came over for the initial consultation and helped us put our vision into motion. Professional, experienced and caring. Once agreeing to start the job his team were at work in days. His team never stopped working and they were friendly and polite to through the 3 weeks we barely knew they were there. A nice touch was that Tommy had a portal brought in front of he property so they never had to come through the house. It now feels like our garden takes us overseas to the Mediterranean. We are so happy and proud and wish it was something we have done earlier as I know we would have enhanced the value of our property and increased the speed and desirability of getting it sold, this was not a cost, it was an investment! Thanks Tommy and team for your hard work and anyone thinking about working with Rose Hill, just go for it now as the earlier you do this the better.
Owner's response
Thank you so much, Nick, for taking the time to leave such an incredible review. It was an absolute pleasure working with you from the initial consultation right through to the finished garden. We're delighted that we were able to help bring your vision to life and create a space that you and your family can be proud of for years to come. The whole team will be thrilled to hear your kind words. We take great pride not only in the quality of our work but also in ensuring the process is as smooth and considerate as possible, so it's fantastic to hear that the team’s professionalism, friendliness and attention to detail stood out throughout the project. Your Mediterranean-inspired garden was a fantastic transformation, and knowing that it has exceeded your expectations makes all the hard work worthwhile. We particularly appreciate your comments about the project being an investment rather than a cost, that's exactly how we view every garden we create. Thank you again for trusting Rose Hill with your project and for recommending us to others. We wish you many happy years enjoying your beautiful new outdoor space. Tommy & The Rose Hill Team
kelvin retallick
5/5 ★★★★★
6 months ago
We are now able to enjoy entertaining in the garden in November, as well as hopefully throughout next year thanks to a Pergola and bespoke covered area, delivered in amazing style by Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Not easy on a North facing plot, but brilliantly executed. Shane and Tommy listened to my ideas for year round use of the garden and came up with an very pleasing design to add a pergola to the side of the existing garage -which needed to be adapted to fit- and to completely cover the BBQ area between the garage and car-port with a bespoke roof. Tommy is a great listener and quickly grasped the rough plans I had in my head and made them real, workable and deliverable, adding touches like a heater, a slate faced wall to the rear of the pergola, lighting and power points where necessary. We were confident enough to leave Shane and Dave access for a week while were away as the job start clashed with a pre-planned holiday and the transformation was a pleasure to return to. The following week saw the bespoke roof created, and finished. Barry completed the electrical work and some adding extra lights and points. Professional, hard-working, diligent, team work producing exactly what I had in mind, at the pre-quoted cost. I am more than happy to recommend their services and to leave this review
Jon Nicholas
5/5 ★★★★★
7 months ago
We are so very pleased that we chose Rose Hill to create our garden. When we first met Tommy we were impressed by how professional and customer focused he was. He asked us what we wanted to use the garden for and how we envisaged it when completed. He listened to us and made suggestions based on our wishes. We felt fully confident that whatever we chose to do Rose Hill could/would deliver. One of our concerns was that there should be no disruption to neighbours, this was taken very seriously by Tommy and the team. A week before the work was due to start Tommy introduced us to Shane who was our project manager. Both Shane and his colleague Dave were friendly, very respectful and highly professional with a keen attention to detail, they are true craftsmen. Each morning we were informed of the plan for the day and when an issue arose we were informed of it and how they intended to address the problem or which options were open to us. We are absolutely overjoyed with the garden, it was a pleasure having Shane and Dave working on it and would not hesitate to go with Rose Hill again. Thank you.
Justine Cook
5/5 ★★★★★
8 months ago
Asked Tommy and Rea for planting ideas for our garden . Rea came up with lovely planting suggestions with lots of advise and recommendations to suit our borders and pots as well as making some suggestions to make better use of our space with small redesign ideas ( our garden has already been landscaped in recent years ) .
Would thoroughly recommend .
Owner's response
Hi Justine, My pleasure! I can’t wait to see what you do with your lovely space. If there’s anything we can do for you in the future, please don’t hesitate to reach out. All the best,
Rea
Chloe Barclay
5/5 ★★★★★
9 months ago
We were recommended Rose Hill, by our gate suppliers, to build our brick wall entrance. From start to finish, the whole team have been nothing but amazing - thorough, timely, clean and communicative through each and every step. So much so that we got them to design and install the driveway cobbles, the front garden plants, the soak away system, and the postbox through the wall. Tommy was a pleasure to deal with, coming up with ideas and solutions that we wouldn’t have thought of. He knew the vision we wanted to create and steered us in the right direction, from brick type to pointing colour, to planting plan. We couldn’t recommend strongly enough.
Owner's response
Thank you very much Chloe it was a pleasure working with you to transform your front entrance. All the best Rea & Tommy
Mike Coldicott (xWF)
5/5 ★★★★★
9 months ago
Cant say enough positive things about Rose Hill. Great design developed by Tommy who listened to our requirements and delivered a design that was creative meeting our brief and budget. It was then expertly executed by the Rose Hill team (Shane, Dave, Dan) who refreshingly take exceptional pride in their work. The attention to detail and quality of finishing was exactly what we were looking for and I would highly recommend them to anyone.
Owner's response
Thanks Mike for such a wonderful review, its been our absolute pleasure designing and building your garden for you. Enjoy! All the best, Tommy Rea
Emma Priest
5/5 ★★★★★
a year ago
We had Rosehill redesign our front garden and driveway, and they did an absolutely amazing job. From the first conversation to the final touches, their communication was spot-on—friendly, clear, and professional. They always turned up on time, were super reliable, and kept everything running smoothly throughout the project. They really listened to what we wanted and brought it to life perfectly. The end result is a super high-end, functional driveway that looks fantastic. We’re so pleased with how it all turned out and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Rosehill to anyone.
Brad Hounsom
5/5 ★★★★★
a year ago
Tommy and his team created a wonderful new area of our garden. The work included an extension and redesign of the existing patio, new panelled fencing and a fabulous new pergola. Tommy was extremely professional right from start to finish, communicating with detail at every stage. Clear pricing and easy to discuss finer details with him. The work was carried out with care and attention to detail, with any questions considered and thought through and fully communicated before execution. Big thanks to Dan who carried out most of the work on site and worked really hard. Joe and Shane were also fantastic. Our job was quite intricate in places and they all took time to ensure it was all completed professionally. Also the electrician Barry was amazing and helped to create fantastic ambient lighting areas, with different zones and colour changing lights. Overall I would highly recommend Rose Hill garden landscaping. We will be looking forward to creating the second phase works on our garden in the near future with Tommy and the team.
Owner's response
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a lovely review. It's been a pleasure working on your garden. And we look forward to working with you again soon. Enjoy your space. All the best. Tommy & Rea
Dorcas Carter
5/5 ★★★★★
a year ago
Rose Hill was recommended to us when we searched for a company to help give the entrance to our property an improved look. From the start, Tommy and the team were professional, reliable, and so helpful in making our vision come to fruition. From the design of the brick piers to the finishing touches with planting new hedging and helping to re-use any existing foliage that had to be removed, everything was taken into consideration and planned meticulously. The team was happy to work alongside and liaise with our gate manufacturers, making communication open and simple. Anytime we had queries about the designs and the final outcome, Tommy was happy to discuss any hesitations and come up with solutions and different ideas, and always put our minds at ease.
The attention to detail was second to none, and we couldn’t have been happier with the final outcome.
We would 100% recommend Rose Hill and will definitely ask Tommy and the team to come back.
Thanks again!
Jen
5/5 ★★★★★
a year ago
We needed to cat proof our fencing to prevent our little Bengal from escaping but being able to still enjoy the outdoors!
Although this was a new venture for Rose Hill, Tommy came out to have a look and was happy to take on the challenge! What a great job he and Joe did!! The fencing is completely secure with no little spaces for our cat to escape and we are so pleased with the result.
The guys are so lovely, professional, respectuful of the property and the attention to detail is evident. Thanks guys, you've done an amazing job! 👏
Chris, Jen & Bertie 🐈
Photos aren't the best but gives an idea!
Rose Marshall
5/5 ★★★★★
a year ago
Rose Hill were very professional from start to finish with the removal and replacement of our old decking. Everything was left tidy and (heavy!) pots put back in place. We’re very happy with the job.
Owner's response
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such a wonderful review! Wishing you all the best from everyone at the Rose Hill Team.
Nicola Brindley
5/5 ★★★★★
a year ago
I recently had a Pergola, fences cladded and new gates built by Rose Hill. The process was smooth and professional.
The Pergola is sturdy and well constructed, and very well designed. The project was completed on time and within budget.
The contractors on site were diligent, punctual and courteous, and kept us informed throughout the project.
After the work was done they cleared the site and removed all the rubbish.
Very pleased with their work and highly recommend to anyone with an upcoming garden project.
Both have their place. Hardwood gives warmth, character and a natural patina, suiting traditional and rural settings particularly well. Composite is consistent in colour, almost maintenance-free, and offers excellent slip resistance — often the right choice for pool surrounds, family gardens and contemporary homes. We help you choose based on the wider garden design and how you’ll use the space.
How long does a properly built deck last?
A premium hardwood deck, properly specified and built on a substantial substructure, should last 25 to 30 years with minimal upkeep. Premium composite is typically warranted for 25 years and often lasts longer. The substructure is what determines longevity more than the boards themselves — which is why we build ours to last.
Is decking slippery in winter?
Untreated softwood decking can be. Premium hardwood weathers to a textured surface, and composite ranges include slip-resistant finishes specifically designed for wet conditions. We specify the right product for the location and use.
Can decking work with a sloping garden?
Yes — and it is often the best solution. A raised deck creates a level usable space without expensive earthworks, and can hide drainage runs, storage and lighting beneath. We use decking specifically where it solves problems other materials cannot.
Where in Essex do you build decks?
We are based in Chelmsford and work across Essex and into London — including Brentwood, Witham, Danbury, Billericay, Shenfield, and the surrounding villages.
Begin Your Luxury Garden Journey
1
Step 1
Book your complimentary consultation with Tommy – a relaxed chat to explore your ideas and give you a feel for our design process.
2
Step 2
Sit back and relax while we design your dream garden and create a comprehensive plan just for you
3
Step 3
We’ll present the garden we’ve designed for you and chat through the exciting next step… the build!
What a summer it’s been… We hope you’ve all survived the heat! We have to say, it’s rather nice to finally see a little green returning to the lawns!
It’s been a busy few months here at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens. Rea has spent much of the summer making some wonderful memories with the children during their school holidays, but with September here, it’s very much back to business and there’s a lot happening behind the scenes.
Rea is currently designing our 2027 RHS Chelsea Flower Show trade garden for our longstanding clients @rhinogreenhouses, and we are incredibly excited about where this one is heading. We don’t want to give too much away just yet, but we think it’s going to be a trade garden to remember… watch this space.
And that’s not all for Chelsea…
Rea has also been quietly working away behind the scenes on another very exciting Chelsea Flower Show project. We can’t reveal too much just yet, but hopefully it won’t be long before we can share more.
Meanwhile, Tommy has been busy managing the teams across our current projects in Dunmow, Chigwell and Chelmsford, with plenty of construction happening and some beautiful gardens beginning to take shape.
We’ve also got a number of new design consultations booked in over the coming weeks, so it really is all go!
We say it every year, but autumn really is one of the best times to start redesigning your garden. Having the build take place through the cooler months, when you’re naturally using the garden less, is far more practical and means everything can be beautifully designed, built and planted ready to enjoy when spring arrives.
We still have availability to take on a couple more design & build projects this year, so if you’ve been thinking about transforming your outdoor space, now is the perfect time to get the process started.
The front garden sets the tone before you even get to the door. Get it right and it changes how the whole property feels.
Our latest blog covers front garden and driveway design ideas for Essex homes: surfaces, planting, boundary treatment, and lighting that work together as a proper entrance, not just a place to park.
What makes a garden feel truly luxurious? It`s not one thing. It`s the coherence of every decision, from the materials underfoot to the quality of light on the terrace after dark.
Our latest blog covers luxury garden ideas and inspiration for Essex homes, including the elements we come back to on every high-specification project we design and build.
We are incredibly proud to share that Rose Hill Luxury Gardens has been named Family Business of the Year AND Most Innovative Family Business at the 2026 Essex Business Awards!
When we started Rose Hill, it was simply the two of us with an idea, a lot of ambition and a vision for creating something a little different.
Fast forward to today and we have an amazing team around us, have created gardens for some wonderful clients, worked at some of the biggest RHS garden shows in the country and somehow managed to juggle building a business alongside raising our little family!
Like any family business, there have been plenty of long days, late nights, challenges, risks and moments where work and family life completely blur into one… which makes receiving these two awards feel even more special.
We’re incredibly proud of how far Rose Hill has come, but also very aware that we couldn’t have done it without our brilliant team, our clients who trust us with their gardens, and everyone who has supported us along the way.
Family Business of the Year 2026 🏆 Most Innovative Family Business 2026 🏆
A very proud moment for us both — and another little milestone in the Rose Hill story.
A family garden has to work for everyone, from toddlers to teenagers, and the adults who just want somewhere to sit in peace.
Our latest blog covers how we design family gardens in Essex: flexible layouts, surfaces that hold up to daily use, and planting that`s beautiful and practical in equal measure.
What a way to end the flower show season — with another 5 stars! 🌟
This will be our 7th show achieving the highest award, and we couldn’t be prouder. Such an incredible achievement and a true testament to all the hard work, passion, and dedication that goes into every garden we design.
Thank you to our wonderful clients @rhinogreenhouses
Now it’s time to head off to Greece to enjoy some much-needed quality time with the family and recharge the batteries. 🇬🇷☀️
A garden you avoid during a heatwave isn’t working hard enough for you. ☀️
Thoughtful planting, shaded pergolas and water features can create cooler, more comfortable spaces when temperatures rise—all without sacrificing beautiful design.
Rural gardens ask different questions. 🌿 How far does the formality extend from the house? Where does the managed garden give way to something wilder? How do you choose materials that sit naturally in a country setting?
Our latest blog covers rural and country garden design in Essex — the approach we take on larger plots where space, setting, and landscape all play a role. 🌾
In celebration of National Pollinators Week (22nd–28th June), we`re giving one lucky winner the chance to receive a Bespoke Pollinator Plant Collection, professionally selected by the team at Rose Hill Luxury Gardens.
Designed to bring colour, movement and wildlife into your garden, an example of the collection could include:
These beautiful plants are loved by bees, butterflies and other beneficial pollinators, helping to create a thriving and vibrant garden.
TO ENTER:
✔ Follow @rosehillluxurygardens ✔ Follow our Head Designer @reavictoriahill ✔ Like this post ✔ Tag your fellow plant lovers in the comments (each tag counts as an entry)
💬 We`d also love to know: Where would you use these plants in your garden?
📅 Competition closes: 29th June 🏆 Winner announced: 1st July 🇬🇧 UK entries only
Plants will be delivered where possible, or collection arranged through a local nursery.
The most successful gardens don`t just look beautiful—they support the wildlife that makes them thrive.
A well-designed garden should do more than create visual impact. By carefully selecting plants that provide nectar, pollen and habitat, we can create outdoor spaces that are alive with bees, butterflies and other important pollinators throughout the seasons.
In many of our garden projects, we incorporate pollinator-friendly planting that combines beauty with biodiversity. Some of our favourites include:
Lavender – a magnet for bees and a timeless garden favourite Salvia – long-flowering and rich in nectar Verbena – loved by butterflies and adds movement through borders Nepeta – soft, flowing colour that pollinators can`t resist Echinacea – architectural blooms that attract a variety of beneficial insects
The result is a garden that not only looks stunning but actively supports local wildlife and contributes to a healthier ecosystem.
As we approach National Pollinator Week, it`s a reminder that even small planting choices can make a significant difference.
Which pollinator-friendly plants have been the biggest success in your garden?
The best outdoor kitchens are designed into the garden, not dropped into a corner of it.
Where it sits, how it meets the patio, the light it gets in the evening: these are the decisions that make a kitchen you actually use. Our latest journal entry explains how we plan them.
Another design out to a lovely family in Great Baddow, Chelmsford.
A garden shouldn`t disappear when the sun goes down.
I wanted to share a couple of images of this garden design to demonstrate just how important a considered lighting plan can be.
During the day, it`s the structure, planting and materials that create the visual impact. But as evening falls, it`s the lighting that transforms the space, highlighting key features, creating atmosphere and extending the enjoyment of the garden long after sunset.
At Rose Hill Luxury Gardens, a detailed lighting plan is included as standard within our design service. Every fitting, beam angle and focal point is carefully considered to ensure your garden looks just as impressive at 9pm as it does at 9am.
A good lighting plan will:
✨ Enhances architectural features ✨ Creates ambience and depth ✨ Improves safety and navigation ✨ Extends the use of your outdoor space ✨ Adds value to your investment
The difference between a good garden and a truly exceptional one is often what happens after dark!
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