Louvred pergola over a composite deck and lawn

Pergolas, steps and balustrades

The parts that turn a deck into an outdoor room: timber and louvred pergolas, clear canopies, steps and balustrades, built safely and finished to match the deck.

5.0 / 5from 36 ratings on Bark
9.96 / 10from 19 reviews on Checkatrade
20+ yearsof hands-on experience
121 jobshired through Bark alone

Pergolas and canopies

A pergola frames the deck and makes it feel like part of the house. We build:

  • Timber pergolas, open-topped or ready for climbers and lighting
  • Louvred aluminium pergolas with adjustable louvres for shade or shelter
  • Clear canopies over decks and patios, so you can sit out when it's drizzling
  • Slatted privacy screens to block overlooking neighbours

Steps

Good steps are wide, even and solid. We build full-width and wraparound steps, stepped terraces for sloping gardens, and narrow steps for side returns, all in composite or timber to match the deck, with every riser the same height.

Balustrades and handrails

Any raised deck or flight of steps with a real drop needs a strong guard. We fit timber spindle balustrades, composite and metal post-and-rail systems, and simple handrails, fixed back into the frame so they don't wobble. If you've got young children, we'll design the deck with them in mind.

Built-in extras

  • Benches and corner seating
  • Raised planters and storage boxes
  • Skirting and fascias to finish raised decks neatly

Recent pergolas, steps & balustrades work

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Finished composite deck with a timber pergola at dusk
Louvred pergola and deck built against the house
Grey composite deck under a glass canopy
Timber pergola with a clear canopy over a patio
Raised brown composite deck with a timber balustrade
Charcoal composite deck with steps and a handrail
Wide brown composite steps up to a conservatory

What customers say

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Professional, perfect, passionate

Luke is very professional, friendly, passionate person, we are glad to choose him for this job. He installed Pergola with atmost attention and care. He goes above and beyond to provide the best outcome. Highly recommend him. His attention to detail and care about the work is really fascinating. I would recommend Luke 200%.

Fantastic new decking

Luke was great from start to finish. Communication was fab from the initial enquiry I received a prompt response, to the first meeting when he explained in detail how the works would be completed to building the decking and giving us suggestions for how it could be made more child friendly. Luke and Chris were both very professional, hard working and left our garden tidy and the end of each day of work. The decking is fantastic and looks amazing. Thanks again for all your work Luke.

Quality work from a great team

I decided to go with Luke as when he came to give me a quote he didn’t rush. He listened to my ideas and even gave me some ideas of his own. He didn’t rush off. This really swayed me to use his company as it was clear that he cared about his projects. From start to finish he walked me through every aspect of the framework and checked I was happy with the structure before he started the next stage. Both Luke and Chris worked long hours even at weekends and bank holidays to get the work done but didn’t lower the standards of their work. They never stopped from arriving to leaving and each night they tidied any mess which I found great since I hate mess! We had several walk through and if there was any issues (again from me as I am a nightmare for detail) they made sure it was solved. The area I had covered with composite decking was huge and on two levels but I am really pleased with the results. I am now in the process of adding my own decorative touches but would happily recommend this company as I couldn’t fault them. Thanks again Luke and Chris and for anyone considering having work done then you won’t be disappointed 😊

Absolutely top job

Luke and Chris were brilliant. They replaced a huge area of decking for me. Not a simple job as it is on a slope. Luke discussed the job with me every step of the way. He kept me informed of deliveries and collections so I knew what to expect. They were polite and very friendly. Luke went over and above the agreed job, replacing a waste pipe that we discovered was leaking after the old decking was taken up. He was meticulous in his work, building a solid structure underneath and perfectly laid decking boards on top. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sovereign. Absolutely top job from start to finish.

Naomi S.Bark

Great decking, thank you

Came and laid decking over quite a steep piece of my garden. Decking was finished off and painted really well. Reasonable price and done quickly. Pergola looks beautiful, guests have all commented on it. Left my garden very clean and tidy and would recommend. Thank you.

Large raised deck over rough ground

Hired Luke from Manchester Sovereign to install a large raised deck over rough ground. Though the deck was approximately 4m x 5m, Luke and his team installed and painted the deck over 3 days to a very high standard. Luke was very polite and kept me informed on at different stages on the installation. Looking forward to enjoying our new deck over the summer. Thank you Luke…. Highly recommended.

Dean H.Bark

Questions we get asked

Do I need planning permission for a raised deck?

In England, decking and other raised platforms more than 30cm above ground level generally need planning permission. Listed buildings and conservation areas have extra rules. We'll flag anything that needs checking with your council before we start.

Do I need planning permission for a pergola?

Most garden pergolas fall under permitted development, but height limits apply close to boundaries, and listed buildings and conservation areas have extra rules. We'll tell you if anything needs checking.

When does a deck need a balustrade?

We recommend a balustrade or handrail anywhere there's a meaningful drop from a deck or steps, and always where children use the garden. We'll advise at the site visit.

Can you add a pergola to my existing deck?

Usually, yes, provided the deck and its frame are sound. We'll check the structure and fix the pergola posts securely.

Ready for a free quote?

Tell us about your garden and we'll arrange a free visit and quote. Interest-free and buy now, pay later finance available.

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