"We have a riverside property in Horning and the old decking was a constant battle, wet, mossy, and slippery by October every year. The composite has completely changed that. It looks better than ever and we haven't done a thing to it."
Waterfront living demands materials that handle constant moisture. Composite decking doesn't rot, swell, or deteriorate at the water's edge, ideal for Horning's riverside homes and holiday properties.
Horning sits right on the River Bure, and many properties here have direct water frontage, mooring areas, or gardens that sit within metres of the riverbank. It's a stunning setting, and a demanding one for outdoor materials. High groundwater, constant moisture in the air, and the cycle of seasonal occupation mean conventional timber and paving solutions simply don't hold up.
We install composite decking throughout the northern Broads. The material is impervious to moisture, won't rot or swell at the water's edge, and needs nothing between visits. For a holiday property or second home, that's not a luxury, it's the practical choice.
Built for the water's edge
Composite boards don't absorb moisture, swell, or develop the mould and rot that affect timber in permanently damp environments.
Ideal for seasonal properties
A Horning holiday home might sit empty from October to March. Composite returns looking exactly as you left it, no winter deterioration.
Zero annual maintenance
No treating, staining, or pressure washing. In a moisture-heavy environment, that's the difference between a deck that stays beautiful and one you're constantly chasing.
TrexPRO Platinum installed
Norfolk's only TrexPRO Platinum installer. Warranty-backed installation from the only local team with the highest Trex certification.
The Norfolk Broads has one of the highest water table levels in England. Timber installed near the river absorbs ground moisture even before rainfall is considered. Moss, algae, swollen boards, and rot follow within two or three seasons. Composite boards are fully capped, moisture is irrelevant. They perform the same whether your garden is ten metres from the river or right at the bank.
0
Annual maintenance visits
Rinse it down once or twice a year. That's all. No contractor, no treatment regime, even at the water's edge.
25yr
Fade & stain warranty
Backed by Trex. The board colour you choose on installation day will look the same in year twenty-five.
95%
Recycled materials
Every Trex board is made from 95% recycled wood and plastic film, the responsible choice for a property in a protected landscape.
In waterside settings, the differences between decking and paving are more pronounced than anywhere else. Here's the honest picture.
| Composite Decking | Paving / Patio | |
|---|---|---|
| Moisture resistance | Fully capped, water cannot penetrate the board. No swelling, no rot, no mould growth. | Paving absorbs moisture through joints. In high water table areas like the Broads, subsidence and cracking occur faster. |
| Winter appearance | Returns looking exactly as you left it. No winter deterioration during unoccupied periods. | Algae, moss, and weed growth in joints over winter, significant on return after months away. |
| Safety when wet | Textured, slip-resistant surface throughout. Safe near the water's edge even in wet conditions. | Algae-covered paving near waterways is genuinely dangerous, particularly for guests unfamiliar with the property. |
| Lifespan | 25+ years with manufacturer warranty, in waterside conditions, timber lasts 3–5. | 8–12 years in high-moisture environments before significant remedial work is needed. |
| Maintenance | An occasional rinse. Nothing else required, ever. | Jet washing, re-pointing, weed treatment, more frequent near water where growth accelerates. |
Decking that extends a property to the river's edge. We design raised platforms, stepped decks, and level areas that make the most of Broads views while using materials that genuinely work in this environment.
Holiday lets on the Broads compete on photography and outdoor appeal. A well-designed composite deck is one of the highest-return investments for a Horning holiday property, guests book on what the outdoor space looks and feels like.
New decks for residential and second-home gardens. Single-level or multi-level. We handle everything from groundworks to final board, one team throughout.
Most Broads properties we visit have either ageing timber or moss-covered paving. We remove and replace with composite, same footprint, permanently better performance.
Free Site Visit
We travel to Horning, assess your space and the site conditions, and discuss what you want from it. No charge, no obligation.
Design & Quote
A clear design and itemised quote that accounts for the specific conditions on your property, waterside installations often need particular subframe considerations.
Colour & Range Selection
Choose your Trex range and board colour. Sample boards available if you'd like to see them at the property first.
Installation
We install professionally and on schedule. We're experienced working in Broads properties with access considerations and can plan around seasonal booking windows for holiday lets.
Handover
Full walkthrough of the finished deck. Written care instructions. Everything documented for remote management if needed.
"We have a riverside property in Horning and the old decking was a constant battle, wet, mossy, and slippery by October every year. The composite has completely changed that. It looks better than ever and we haven't done a thing to it."
"We let the house out on the Broads and the deck is one of the first things guests mention in reviews. Beams & Braces understood exactly what we needed, something that looks great in photos and doesn't need us to maintain it remotely."
"The installation was efficient and professional. They understood the access constraints at our Broads property and worked around them without any fuss. Excellent craftsmanship."
Yes, we regularly work throughout the Broads including Horning, Hoveton, Wroxham, Ranworth, and Acle. Site visits are free and come with no obligation to proceed.
Yes. Composite is one of the best materials for waterside use precisely because it doesn't absorb moisture, won't rot or swell, and maintains a slip-resistant surface when wet. The subframe needs correct design and materials for below-waterline proximity, which we factor in during the site assessment.
Yes. Most deck installations take 3–5 working days. We plan around availability windows, autumn and early spring are usually the most practical for Broads holiday properties. We'll confirm a clear schedule before any work begins.
Composite boards are unaffected by standing water and temporary flooding. They won't swell, warp, or absorb water. The subframe is the critical element, we use appropriate materials and design details for Broads properties to ensure long-term performance even in periodic flood conditions.