Decking
Raised or ground-level decking in timber or composite, framed properly on solid footings so it does not move, sag or rot.
A deck lives or dies by its frame. Footings are dug and set solid, the sub-frame is built from treated timber with proper falls for drainage, and airflow is left underneath so the structure stays dry. That is why a ZGS deck does not bounce, sag or rot out from under you.
Treated softwood boards are the classic and take stain or oil well; composite costs more up front but shrugs off the annual maintenance. Steps, balustrades and lighting are framed in from the start rather than bolted on afterwards, and the boards are gapped and fixed consistently so the lines run true.
Price follows the deck area, the height off the ground — raised decks need more frame and balustrade — and the board you choose. Ground-level platforms are the budget-friendly end; multi-level decks with steps and rails sit at the other. A sketch and rough sizes are plenty for a first price.