When Steve decided to upgrade their garden, the goal was something stylish, practical, and easy to live with. The result? A smart new Trex composite decking Gravel Path, a soft silvery grey that blends naturally into its surroundings.
“The reason we did the deck was because we get the evening sun at the end of the garden. We wanted a space to relax with a coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy the last of the light,” says Steve. “It’s definitely turned a dead area into a little oasis. The decking works perfectly with our garden furniture and some bright cushions help make it pop.”
Traditional timber was never on the cards. “Sustainability and the long guarantee were a big appeal. We also wanted something with little to no maintenance. The fact it was DIY-friendly meant we didn’t have to pay someone else to do it either.”
Trex stood out after researching wood alternatives. “We knew we didn’t want timber because of the staining, treatment, and lack of longevity. Trex felt like the best option, and Southern Sheeting really helped too. We gave them a basic drawing and some photos, and Jordan guided us on how to build the frame and lay the boards. Even after delivery, they answered follow-up questions.”
Gravel Path turned out to be the perfect colour. “It was a nice contrast to our garden furniture, and the flowers and bushes around the deck work really well with it. Even though it’s only a couple of weeks old, it already feels like it’s always been there.”
The colour also ties in with the rest of the home. “We’re fans of contemporary greys with pops of colour. We didn’t want to buy new furniture, and this fits the look we already had.”
Cleaning has been easy. “It’s partly under trees, so I just give it a soft brush. I washed it with water and detergent after installation and that got rid of any marks.”
The whole project took two days with two people. “We laid the ground screws, built the frame and installed the boards, which was the simplest part. We used both Trex fixings and fascia boards. If we did it again, we’d tweak the screw positions slightly but that’s it.”
Steve is delighted with how it’s performing. “We’re off the scale pleased. Friends already want to do something similar. It’s lovely underfoot and has good grip for people and dogs, which was important.”
It’s become the go-to evening space. “After work, it’s great for a coffee or a glass of wine at the weekend.”
Asked if they’d recommend Trex, the answer is clear. “Yes, absolutely. And I’d definitely recommend buying from Southern Sheeting. The team are knowledgeable and helpful, and there was no pressure. They even followed up afterwards with the guarantee link.”
One thing Steve would change? “We hired a machine for the ground screws. It helped, but it was heavy.”
Final advice? “Plan ahead, double check your measurements, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The team at Southern Sheeting know their stuff. Also, lay out samples at home to see how the colour looks in natural light before you commit.”
Get the Look
Inspired by Steve’s garden transformation? You can explore the full Trex decking range, including Gravel Path, online.
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