FutureScape 2026 · Farnborough · 13–14 October
The Decking Network returns to FutureScape 2026, with founder Karl Harrison hosting the Decking Hub and chairing an expert panel.
Join us at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre to explore decking systems, meet the people behind them and question the details.
Meet Karl Harrison, the decking guy in the hat
Karl has designed and built decks across the UK since 2003, combining landscape design with specialist timber and composite installation.
He also works as an independent expert witness, investigating construction failures and explaining their causes through detailed inspections and technical reports.
That combination brings a useful perspective to a live discussion: how a deck looks, how it goes together and how it performs.
FutureScape lists Karl as Expert Witness and Founder of The Decking Network. Its panel introduction also recognises him as Pro Landscaper’s Most Influential Decking Leader of the Year.
You can read Karl’s official FutureScape speaker profile or explore his independent landscape expert-witness practice.
Find us at the FutureScape Decking Hub
A live demonstration gives you the opportunity to follow the installation sequence, examine connections and ask what a particular detail requires.
Karl will host conversations that connect those demonstrations with the decisions installers, designers and specifiers make during their own projects.
Come with a difficult junction, a question about fixings or a project where the supporting structure needs more thought.
The official programme currently publishes the following Tuesday sessions. Follow the linked listings for the latest details and programme updates.
Outdure® and balustrade connections
Tuesday 13 October · 11:00–11:45
Luke Whitehead of F.H. Brundle presents a demonstration on compliant balustrade solutions with the Outdure subframe system.
Grad: decking in a click
Tuesday 13 October · 12:30–13:45
The Grad demonstration explores concealed fixings, boards that click onto pre-fitted aluminium rails and access through individual board removal.
Check the live Decking Hub programme.
Karl takes the decking discussion onto the stage
The Future of Decking: From Specification to Innovation
Wednesday 14 October 2026 · 14:00–14:45
Outdoor Living & Nurture Theatre
Karl will chair the session and interview a panel bringing together perspectives from garden design, specialist installation and decking manufacturers.
- Peter O’Loughlin — UK Representative, Deckorators® | Timberbase™.
- Lucy Bravington — garden and landscape designer.
- Jake Fairweather — Director, Fairdeck.
- Freddie Smith — Millboard.
The programme centres on emerging materials, specification failures, performance expectations and decking’s place within outdoor architecture.
For visitors, the value lies in hearing how different parts of the industry approach the same project, including where their priorities differ.
Bring the questions that help you build better decks
Think about the decisions you would like to understand before your next quotation, specification or installation. These are useful starting points:
- Compatibility: how do you check that the boards, frame, supports and fixings work together?
- Performance: what evidence should support claims about traction, movement, durability and temperature?
- Detailing: how should the design resolve steps, edges, drainage and access beneath the boards?
- Value: which savings help the client, and which decisions create avoidable maintenance or replacement costs?
- Responsibility: who checks the complete specification before work begins?
These questions also connect with our guides to decking fixings and complete installed decking costs.
Supporting the conversation with 44Group and Pro Landscaper
FutureScape forms part of 44Group’s events and media portfolio, alongside Pro Landscaper.
That wider platform brings decking into contact with the designers, contractors, suppliers and landscape professionals who shape outdoor projects.
The Decking Network is proud to contribute through its Hub hosting and Karl’s role within the official seminar programme.
Continue the conversation through The Decking Network
Our September articles explain why the Decking Hub matters and how decking professionals can contribute.
This invitation takes the next step: come and meet the people, see the demonstrations and add your experience to the discussion.
If you install, design or supply decking, speak to Karl about sharing your projects and knowledge through The Decking Network.
Your experience may help another installer solve a difficult detail or help a homeowner understand what a professionally built deck requires.
Put the Hub and the panel in your diary
FutureScape: Tuesday 13 and Wednesday 14 October 2026.
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Aerospace Boulevard, GU14 6TQ.
Karl’s expert panel: Wednesday 14 October, 14:00–14:45.
Outdoor Living & Nurture Theatre.
Register for your free ticket, check the current programme and come ready for a useful conversation about your next decking project.
You will recognise Karl by the hat. If you find him between sessions, a black coffee is always welcome.
Programme details checked on 3 October 2026. Please check the official FutureScape listings before travelling.
