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Custom wooden deck built by Blackwood Deck in Aix-en-Provence

English-speaking craftsman

Custom wooden decks in Provence

Decks, pool decks and pergolas designed and built by Nicolas Pécard, with 20 years in the trade. Aix-en-Provence, the Luberon, the Alpilles and the Var.

20 years

in the trade

5/5

on Google · 6 reviews

10 years

building warranty

FSC®

certified timber

Building in France, made simple

A craftsman you can talk to

New to Provence, or managing a project from abroad? Finding a contractor who listens, explains and delivers is the hard part. Here is how Nicolas works.

We speak your language

Nicolas speaks English. Your first call, the site visit, the quote and the build are all handled directly with him, so nothing gets lost in translation.

One craftsman, start to finish

No sales team, no subcontractors. The person who visits your home is the person who designs and builds your deck.

A clear, itemized quote

A detailed quote (devis) within 48 hours of the site visit: timber, frame, installation and finishing are each listed, with the schedule. No surprises.

10-year warranty

Every deck is covered by the French 10-year building warranty (garantie décennale), an insurance-backed protection required by law for structural work.

The timber

Two woods chosen for the Mediterranean climate

Exotic hardwood · Class 5

Itauba

  • ✓Dense and naturally rot-resistant
  • ✓Withstands constant contact with water: the right choice around a pool
  • ✓Warm, deep color and a fine, elegant grain

Thermally modified European wood · Class 4

Nordic pine

  • ✓Heat-treated: stable and durable, with no chemicals
  • ✓A responsible, more affordable alternative to exotic hardwood
  • ✓Honey to brown tones, warm and natural

Both woods are FSC® certified.

Nicolas Pécard, founder of Blackwood Deck, wooden deck specialist in Aix-en-Provence

The craftsman

Nicolas Pécard

First a graphic designer, then a timber-frame house builder, Nicolas brings two perspectives to every project: a designer's eye and a carpenter's precision.

With 20 years in the trade, he designs and builds decks in fine timber across Provence. He carries out every job himself, from the first board to the last finishing touch.

Read more

Areas covered

From Aix to the Luberon, the Alpilles and the Var

Aix-en-Provence & Pays d'Aix

Aix-en-Provence, Le Tholonet, Puyricard, Éguilles, Venelles, Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde.

Luberon

Gordes, Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Roussillon.

Alpilles

Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières, Maussane-les-Alpilles, Les Baux-de-Provence.

Var

Lorgues, Cotignac, Tourtour, Fayence.

Reviews

What our clients say

Google rating: 5/5 (6 reviews)

★★★★★

"Nicolas turned our backyard into a little paradise. Careful work, deadlines met, we recommend him without hesitation."

Achile Mabille

Itauba deck - Saint-Marc-Jaumegarde

Translated from French.

Our work

Recent projects

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FAQ

Your questions about wooden decks

Do you speak English?
Yes. Nicolas handles every project personally and speaks English, from the first phone call to the end of the build. Emails can be in English, and he will go through the quote with you in English.
Which areas do you cover?
Aix-en-Provence and the Pays d'Aix, the Luberon (Gordes, Lourmarin, Bonnieux, Ménerbes, Roussillon), the Alpilles (Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, Eygalières, Maussane, Les Baux) and the Var (Lorgues, Cotignac, Tourtour, Fayence). There are never any travel charges, and the site visit is always free.
How much does a wooden deck cost in Provence?
As a guide, allow 150 to 300 EUR per m² (about 14 to 28 EUR per sq ft) for thermally modified Nordic pine and 190 to 350 EUR per m² (about 18 to 33 EUR per sq ft) for itauba, materials and installation included (VAT included). The final price depends on the surface, the ground preparation and the finishes. Nicolas gives an exact figure in a free, no-obligation quote after visiting your home.
How long does a wooden deck last?
An itauba deck (durability class 5) lasts 30 to 50 years with minimal upkeep. Thermally modified Nordic pine (class 4) lasts 20 to 30 years. In both cases, a yearly clean is enough to keep it looking good.
How long does it take?
On average 2 to 4 weeks between signing the quote and the end of the installation, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Nicolas builds every deck himself and deliberately limits the number of jobs he takes on, so it is best to get in touch early before the busy season.
Do I need a permit for a deck or a pergola?
A ground-level deck usually needs no formalities. A pergola of 5 to 20 m² (about 55 to 215 sq ft) generally requires a prior declaration (déclaration préalable) at the town hall, and a building permit above 20 m². Rules can be stricter in protected areas. Nicolas explains what applies to your property during the site visit.
Is there a deposit?
A deposit is requested when you sign the quote, to order the timber. The balance is paid at the end of the job. The terms are written clearly on the quote. The site visit and the quote are always free and without obligation.

Free quote

Your deck project starts here

20 years in the trade, at the service of your project. Contact Nicolas, in English or French, for a free personalized quote. Reply within 48 hours.