Much of the Bedford area sits on heavy Oxford Clay, which shrinks and swells with the seasons and can crack concrete pads over time. We usually recommend ground screw foundations here: they are installed in a day, need no curing, and keep your deck level for decades. Decking up to 30cm above ground level normally falls under permitted development in England; if your design is higher, or you are in a conservation area, we will guide you through Bedford Borough Council’s requirements.