APL Awards 2026: Celebrating the Decking Feature Finalists
The UK’s toughest decking competition
APL Awards 2026 decking. In UK landscaping, the APL Awards carry serious weight, and the industry treats them as the big prize. They sit at the sharp end of professional standards, because they reward build quality, design intent, and lasting performance. The Association of Professional Landscapers do not simply celebrate a pretty photograph, or a clever marketing story.
“These awards are the real deal”
The APL Awards are coveted because the judging stays rigorous and independent.
In practice, that means experienced professionals scrutinise detailing, execution, and real-world usability.
Therefore, finalists earn their place through on site evidence, not opinions, and that is exactly why this shortlist matters.
For 2026, the winners will be revealed at The Brewery in London on Friday 13 March 2026.
Until then, we can still applaud the teams who reached the final, because that achievement stands on its own.
Most importantly, these finalists show three distinct directions in modern decking design and construction.
The Decking Network is proud to be sponsoring these highly sight after awards for the third year running.
Karl Harrison said, “The APL is a vital component of the Landscaping industry and one that champions professionals that install decking well…”
Decking Feature 2026: the finalists
This year’s Decking Feature finalists are Ellicar Gardens, Kingfisher Decking, and The London Decking Company.
Their projects are Dulwich Decking for Outdoor Living, Woodstock, and Silver Birch Close.
Although they share quality, they differ in style, sophistication, and the way each space supports daily life.
Ellicar — Dulwich Decking for Outdoor Living
Ellicar’s scheme reads as architectural outdoor living, because the lines feel deliberate and the composition feels calm. Moreover, the deck acts as a structured extension of the home, rather than a surface added afterwards. As a result, you get a space that feels confident, considered, and genuinely premium.
What really stands out is how the restraint still feels inviting, because the layout supports movement and pause. In addition, the setting-out feels sharp, which always signals discipline on site. So, the scheme balances design-led sophistication with everyday usability.
The decking choice that mattered
Material choice matters here, and Ellicar leaned into it with Vastern “Brimstone Ash” decking. This thermally modified ash delivers a refined contemporary tone, while also supporting durability and stability. Consequently, the material reinforces the design, instead of distracting from it.
Hannah from Ellicar explained their decision in simple terms, and it reads as a thoughtful specification. They wanted a UK-grown, thermally modified timber, because it supports sustainability without tropical sourcing. They also value its durability, and their team enjoys working with it. Finally, the relatively knot-free finish helps the deck feel contemporary across the whole project.
What it nails: spatial organisation, atmosphere, and material intent.
Kingfisher Decking Ltd — Woodstock
Kingfisher’s “Woodstock” pushes hard into usability, and you can feel that priority immediately. It looks like a deck designed for real life, because it supports entertaining, relaxing, and clean movement between thresholds. Therefore, the space feels practical first, while still looking polished across the seasons.
What is liked most is the way the perimeter planting softens the hard lines of the decking.
That detail matters, because it improves the view from inside and makes the deck feel settled. In short, Kingfisher delivers practical luxury with a clear eye on how people actually live outdoors.
Millboard, stylish and sophisticated
The deck presents as a light-toned contemporary finish, which keeps the whole scheme feeling bright and open. Moreover, that lighter tone tends to lift planting, furniture, and edges, which strengthens the overall composition. So, the scheme reads as modern, social, and comfortable, without unnecessary complexity.
What it nails: lifestyle-led design, practical luxury, and softened edges through perimeter planting.
The London Decking Company — Silver Birch Close
Silver Birch Close is about precision and finish, and the project shows that discipline clearly.
Long board runs and crisp geometry give the deck a tailored feel, rather than a busy look.
However, the minimal style never feels cold, because the detailing stays confident and controlled.
Trex in the limelight again
This is exactly where Trex® shines, because it supports clean lines and consistent aesthetics.
More importantly, the deck feels like an extension of the home, not a separate garden feature. That effect demands control of levels, junctions, and edge discipline, so the team’s craft really matters.
Judges tend to reward this kind of work, because many installations fail at junctions and thresholds. Therefore, the success here signals good planning, careful setting-out, and tight delivery on site. So, you get modern sophistication that comes from workmanship, not over-design.
What it nails: alignment, construction quality, and modern sophistication.
FAQ
What are the APL Awards 2026 decking ?
The APL Awards are run by the Horticultural Trades Association for the Association of Professional Landscapers.
They recognise high standards in landscape contracting delivered by APL registered members.
They have run annually since 1995, and they remain one of the most respected awards in UK landscaping.
How are APL Awards finalists chosen?
Finalists come through a formal entry and judging process, rather than nominations.
First, entrants submit a structured project pack with specification context and strong project photography.
Next, independent judges review the entries, compare evidence, and shortlist the strongest projects.
Finally, the awards announce winners at the ceremony, after the shortlist has been published.
When and where is the APL Awards 2026 ceremony?
The APL Awards 2026 ceremony takes place on Friday 13 March 2026.
It will be held at The Brewery in London.
Why do the APL Awards matter to homeowners?
They focus on evidence of quality, and quality shows up in the details that fail first.
For example, levels, setting-out, edges, and junctions usually separate great work from average work. So, a finalist often signals a contractor who can match design intent with technical delivery
APL Awards 2026 Decking
