How to Start a Decking and Fencing Business (And Grow Your Patio & Landscaping Services)
Author : UKTSA
7 May, 2025
Thinking about expanding your business into handyman or property maintenance services? If you’re already working as a landscape gardener, adding decking and fencing to your services could be a smart move right now. With demand soaring for patio paving, decking and fencing, and soft landscaping services, now’s a great time to branch out and boost your brand.
UKTSA supports UK tradespeople through its Trading Standards scheme, offering certification and approval to businesses that meet high standards of quality and compliance to help them win more customers. If you are ready to transform outdoor spaces and build a thriving business, here’s how to get started!
Why Offer Decking and Fencing Services?
Homeowners and businesses alike are investing more in their outdoor spaces – especially patios, decks, and garden fencing.
From stylish decking and garden fencing to secure timber fencing, customers are searching for a ‘trusted trader near me’ to bring their vision to life, from complete garden design plans to durable timber frames, all delivered with clear and reliable timeframes.
Decking and Fencing Services
If you already offer garden or grounds maintenance, fencing repair and replacement, or groundworks landscaping, adding decking services, driveway and patio design, and panel fencing or close boarded fencing can help you:
- Sell to your existing customers
- Attract higher-paying projects
- Build steady, year-round income streams
- Create beautifully finished outdoor spaces that boost property value
Offering deck installation, resin-bound and bonded paving, security barriers and picket fencing together gives customers a complete solution, and helps you stand out from basic ‘one-trick’ competitors.
Key Skills and Qualifications You’ll Need
You don’t need to spend years retraining, but having practical skills is essential. Customers look for trades that are competent, safe, and professional.
Consider gaining:
- NVQ level 2/3 in fencing or hard landscaping
- Decking Installation Training (timber and composite) – ensures quality workmanship.
- Health and Safety Certification – essential for safe working practices.
- FISS/CSCS Cards (Fencing Industry Skills Scheme / Construction Skills Certification Scheme) – required for larger commercial landscaping projects
- Association of Fencing Industries (AFI) Delivering Excellence for all fencing, represents fencing manufacturers, suppliers and contractors.
- Association of Professional Landscapers (APL) The APL provides homeowners with greater assurance when selecting a landscaper, with the appropriate insurance
In addition to formal qualifications, key skills such as time management, building knowledge, problem-solving, and creativity are crucial for delivering standard paving and landscaping services.
Tools You’ll Need to Get Started with Decking and Fencing Services
For decking and fencing projects, having the right tools is essential to deliver trading standards results:
- Post drivers and augers – for installing fencing posts securely
- Saws, drills, spirit levels, and hammers – for all timber and construction work
- Decking screw guns and fixings – for efficient deck installation
- Hand tools for paving and landscaping – for patio, resin-bound, and garden works
- A van or suitable vehicle – to transport decking boards, fence panels, and tools
A well-equipped kit shows clients you mean business — and helps you complete decking, fencing, and landscaping jobs efficiently and professionally.
Setting Up Your Decking and Fencing Business
Follow these simple steps:
1. Register Your Business
Whether you’re a sole trader or limited company, make it official, and choose a name that reflects your services, such as a decking specialist, fencing gates supplier or fencing contractor, so clients instantly know what you offer.
2. Niche Your Services
Will you specialise in high-end composite decking? Heavy-duty security fencing? Or elegant garden paving for landscaping makeovers? You can charge higher prices and draw in repeat business by presenting yourself as an expert fencing contractor or decking installation.
3. Price Smartly
Research local competition for paving and landscaping services and fencing services. Price competitively — but don’t undervalue quality craftsmanship.
4. Get UKTSA Approved
Becoming UK Trading Standards Scheme-approved reassures clients that you’re a vetted, trusted decking installer or fencing contractor — perfect for winning larger patio, decking, and fencing projects
Build Trust and Reputation First
- Delivering exceptional craftsmanship : word of mouth remains the strongest lead generator in patio and decking services and fencing services.
- Gaining accreditations and approvals : Being certified or approved by UK trading standards approved (UKTSA) recognised traders schemes instantly positions trusted local business above non-accredited competitors.
- Collecting genuine reviews and testimonials : Future clients feel confident choosing a fencing, decking, or landscaping expert that has proven results and satisfied customers.
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Presenting a professional image : Uniforms, clear quotations, and tidy work sites show pride and professionalism — crucial for winning repeat business.
By prioritising quality, compliance, and customer experience, you’ll naturally grow a strong reputation — the foundation of long-term success in Patio, Decking, Fencing, and Landscaping Services.