Mastering the Modern Deck, Interview with Matt Burgon

Matthew Burgon decking professional in Sheffield

Who are you, what do you do and where are you from

I’m Matthew Burgon from Sheffield and I am a decking professional. I design and install high-spec garden decks with an obsession for structure, detail and finish. My ethos is simple: specify best-in-class materials, engineer the substructure correctly the first time, and deliver a deck that feels solid underfoot ten years from now, not just on hand-over day.

How long have you been trading

I’ve worked in the family landscaping world for over two decades and launched Designer Exteriors six years ago—right before Covid. From day one the aim was to be the benchmark deck installer around Sheffield: correct detailing, correct fixings, correct structure. There’s a lot of noise online; we focus on quiet excellence.

“If you want the best deck—built to last, with the right materials—that’s exactly what I do.”

Curved decking, yes or no?

Curves are a skillset we have, but they are costly and often unnecessary. Most of my clients want clean lines, smart zoning and efficient use of space. I’d rather put the budget into an aluminium substructure, proper drainage, step geometry and premium surfaces than burn time and money bending boards for the sake of it.

What makes you qualified in the art of decking

Experience since the late 1990s, and a habit of working to industry best practice and relevant British Standards. I calculate loads to EC5 principles, plan ventilation and drainage, and I’m fussy about interfaces; thresholds, edges, fascias and stairs. Quality is repeatable when you follow a clear method.

Do you have any formal training anywhere

Yes, TASK for decking training (LANTRA certified) plus ongoing CPD with leading manufacturers on substructures, fixings and finishing systems. It keeps me current, and it protects clients because the details match the materials.

On Structure & Innovation

What made you choose Outdure’s premium aluminium system for this project, and how did it change the way you build compared to traditional methods?

I’ve tried other aluminium frames—span limits, awkward sections, raw silver finishes. Outdure QwickBuild https://www.fhbrundle.co.uk/lp/outdure-qwickbuild-1/  is different: sections up to 5.8 m, a broad profile range for beams, joists and bearers, and a black finish that disappears in the shadows. The clip system works across the range, so you can design the frame like a kit of parts. No rot, no twist, no moisture traps, and perfectly straight reference lines. Install is faster than timber and cleaner than plastic. The upfront cost is higher than softwood but the whole-life value is on another level.

If you had to describe Outdure in three words to a homeowner, what would they be?

“Versatile. Everlasting & Structural.”

What’s the most surprising advantage of Outdure QuickBuild that homeowners wouldn’t think about?

The long spans mean fewer posts and fewer joints, which gives a quieter, stiffer deck and speeds the build. You also get consistent step risers with no mid-flight shims and bodges.

How does Outdure QuickBuild make your life easier as a designer–contractor?

It’s precision. Levels lock in quickly, tolerances stay tight, and there’s minimal rework. My labour time drops, which I can push into better detailing such as fascias, trims, lighting channels, rather than fighting warped timber.

Have you ever pushed the limits of Outdure with a tricky design challenge?

Steps are where you see the difference. With Outdure I can create rigid, creak-free stairs with precise nosing and consistent treads. It feels architectural rather than improvised.

On Decking

Millboard is known for its realistic wood look; why was it the right match for this garden?

The existing deck had failed. The brief was bigger, safer, lower-maintenance—but still warm and natural. Millboard gives you the look of timber with excellent slip resistance and no annual oiling. Clients love that it stays looking good without a maintenance diary.

What’s your favourite Millboard colour/finish to work with, and why?

Each tone has a place. For accents and trims, Burnt Cedar is superb; pair it with Coppered and you’ve got a refined contrast that frames spaces beautifully. The right colour is always design-led, not trend-led.

 

If Millboard was a personality, how would you describe it?

Dependable and well-mannered—the headteacher you respect who also buys you a quiet pint. Smart, composed, and won’t let you down when it rains.

Do you think Millboard changes the way clients use their outdoor space?

Yes. The slip rating gives confidence, the underfoot feel is solid, and the finish elevates the whole garden. People use their decks more when they trust them, and Millboard builds that trust.

Any memorable reaction from a client seeing their Millboard deck finished for the first time?

After a Golden Oak install, the client’s son turned up and said, “I thought you were having a composite deck!” That moment—when the look beats the stereotype—never gets old.

On Design & Landscaping Philosophy

 

As both designer and contractor, do you start a project with a vision of the final space, or does it evolve as you build?

I start with first principles; structure, drainage, thresholds, sightlines followed by a fixed written spec. Once the design is signed off, we build to plan. That’s how we deliver consistency and avoid scope drift.

You’ve worked across all aspects of landscaping, but what’s your personal favourite element: plants, decking, or structures?

Decking, It’s where architecture meets the garden: levels, load paths, joints, edges. Get the platform right and everything else like planting, furniture, lighting makes sense.

Gazebo + decking = garden luxury. What do you think transforms an outdoor structure from “practical” to “special”?

Detail and dressing. Integrate lighting properly, allow for electrics and drainage, choose furniture with texture, add planters and a water note. The deck is the stage; the dressing makes it feel lived-in and intentional.

If you could design your dream outdoor space with no budget limit, what’s the first thing you’d include?

A client-led brief and an aluminium substructure so the bones last. From there: generous social zones, a strong focal point, layered lighting, and a Millboard surface. Luxury is longevity plus comfort.

How do you balance aesthetic beauty with practical durability when designing decking structures?

Choose materials that won’t fight you: aluminium for the frame (I prefer Outdure), then a surface with proven performance—Millboard is often my first choice. That combination lets the aesthetic breathe because the engineering is sorted.

On Fun & Human Touches

 

Be honest, do you still get the “new deck smell” buzz when you finish a project?

Every time. I work independently, so the final clean-down and hand-over is personal. No rush—just the satisfaction of a job done properly.

Do you have a “signature move” that clients now expect from you?

No gimmicks—clarity and consistency. A proper design, a clear quote, staged invoices, and a finish that’s better than the drawings.

What advice would you give to homeowners dreaming about decking but not sure where to start?

Start with a specialist who designs first and sells second. Set a realistic budget, commission a measured survey and drawings, and agree a specification. That’s how you compare like-for-like and protect your money.

If your decking projects could speak, what would this one say about you as its creator?

Creative, exacting, patient—and unapologetically fussy about details. The quiet stuff you don’t see is what makes it feel right.

Matthew Burgon decking professional Sheffield

If you’re looking for a decking professional who leads with design and delivers on detail, Matthew Burgon of Designer Exteriors fits the brief. He brings 20+ years of hands-on experience, LANTRA-certified training, and a clear engineering mindset. Matt prefers aluminium substructures (Outdure QwickBuild https://www.fhbrundle.co.uk/lp/outdure-qwickbuild-1/) for stability and longevity, then finishes with proven surfaces—most often Millboard—for grip, realism, and low maintenance. The result is architecture you can walk on: quiet, rigid steps, clean thresholds, and edges that stay true. Moreover, his process is transparent; specs agreed, drawings signed, and work executed exactly as promised. For homeowners and architects in Sheffield and beyond, Matt’s builds show why quality matters. Expert, passionate, and precise. He’s the benchmark for modern decking in Sheffield.

Materials suppliers

Outdure from FH Brundle – preferred aluminium substructure for span, stability and longevity

Millboard by Arnold Laver – preferred deck surface for realism, grip and low maintenance

Pacific Lifestyle by John Lewis – furniture and accessories to complete the space

Porcelain Vitripiazza by Talasey – premium paving where stone surfaces are required

Matthew Burgon decking professional Sheffield