Garden Decking Costs

How Much Does Garden Decking Cost?

First of all, you need to consider what type of material you want to use.

What are the different types of garden decking?

Softwood is one of the cheapest materials you can choose. It is a favourite with householders who want a material that’s affordable and easy to install. Softwood will cost between £530 and £1,000 to buy and install decking in a space of 15m². PVC is also an affordable option. You should expect to pay between £800 and £1,750 for 15m².

At the higher end of the scale, there is Hardwood, which is between £1,475 and £2,950 and Trex decking, which is between £2,750 and £3,400. Composite and IPE are the most expensive to buy and install. Composite on average costs between £2,450 and £3,325, and IPE decking can cost you between £2,825 and £4,150 to cover 15m².

These prices will vary according to the size you want for your deck. For example, if your garden decking is 30m², then PVC will cost between £1,600 and £3,300, and Composite will be between £4,900 and £6,450.

Another factor that will have a bearing on the cost is whether or not you do some or all of the work yourself as a DIY project. Other costs include ground levelling or excavation and the addition of features such as planters, seating, railing, steps and lighting.

The Cost of Decking

Have a look at our decking installation cost chart to get an idea of the prices you’ll pay for materials, labour and total costs according to size.

Garden Decking Cost For 15m² (Small)

Garden Decking Cost For 30m² (Medium)

Garden Decking Cost for 60m² (Large)

Additional Costs of Decking Installation

It’s not only the material and the labour you have to think about when you are budgeting for your decking installation. There could be other costs involved that you’ll have to consider. These extras include:

Ground Clearance or Levelling

Your decking will need to be installed on firm, level ground. If you want a professional to do the job, then you should expect to pay between £100 and £160 a day or £12 to £20 an hour.

After the ground has been prepared, if your decking is at ground level, you should cover the area with weed control fabric, which will cost between £17 and £40 and then add a layer of gravel. A large bag covering an area of around 15m² will cost between £75 and £80.

Waste Disposal

When you’ve finished your decking installation, it is likely that you’ll have garden waste. If there is a large amount, you may need to hire a skip, which will cost between £180 and £320. If you don’t have much waste, then you could use a person with a van. The cost on average is between £30 and £120 per hour.

The price will depend on the complexity of the job, the amount of waste you have and your location. Prices in London and the South East of England will usually cost more than in other parts of the UK.

Subframe Construction

The subframe construction is especially important if you are building decking on sloped ground or above ground. It will provide support and stability for the decking boards and help with drainage.

The cheapest material you can use is wood, which will cost on average between £33 and £40 per square metre. You could also choose to have aluminium at a cost of between £53 and £60. A composite subframe will cost between £46 and £54, or you can use plastic, which will cost between £75 and £83.

Railings and Balustrades

A railing or balustrade will protect people from falling if your decking is off the ground. The price will depend on the size and the style of the balustrade. A traditional wood handrail with aluminium rails will cost on average between £40 and £60 for a kit. A softwood rail and posts in kit form will cost between £70 and £90. You can buy a composite balustrade kit for between £50 and £150.

Stairs

If you have built your decking at a height, then you’ll need to install stairs for access. The cost of decking stairs depends on the material and the number of steps. On average, a set of steps will cost between £50 and £215.

Integrated Lighting

If you want to use your decking in the evenings, then you’ll need lighting. Decking lights cost on average between £10 and £40 each. A 15m² deck could have between 8 and 12 lights. You can often buy them in packs. For example, A set of 4 lights from a home improvement store will cost around £70. You can also buy packs of 10 lights for your decking edging at around £35.

Decking Treatments

Decking treatments include preservatives, stains and oils. You should expect to pay between £20 and £80, depending on the decking treatment you use.

Labour Costs and Time Frames

The labour costs involved in a decking installation will depend on the size of the decking and whether or not the ground needs to be excavated or old decking removed.

The charts below give you the average timescale and cost for three different decking sizes: Small, medium and large. Most tradespeople will charge around £200 per day to install decking. The labour costs will be higher if the installation isn’t straightforward.

Types of Decking Materials

PVC Decking Cost

PVC decking is a budget-friendly, low-maintenance option. It needs a regular brush down and a clean with water and a mild detergent. PVC decking is easy to install either by a professional or a DIY expert.

Cost per m² - £40 - £90

Duration – 20 – 30 years

Pros:

• ✔ Weather resistant
• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ Easy to install

Cons:

• ✖ Is susceptible to sun damage
• ✖ Doesn’t look natural
• ✖ It can be difficult to repair

Softwood Decking Cost

There is a range of timber decking to choose from. Softwood is an ideal choice if you’re on a budget and you want a natural material. It does take regular maintenance to keep it looking good. Cleaning, oiling or staining are necessary. Installation can be carried out by a DIY enthusiast or a professional.

Cost per m² - £22 - £40

Duration: 10 to 15 years

Pros:

• ✔ Affordable
• ✔ Natural material
• ✔ Environmentally friendly

Cons:

• ✖ Less durable than other types of material
• ✖ Needs regular maintenance
• ✖ Low density means it isn’t as strong as hardwood or composite

Trex Decking Cost

Trex decking is, in fact, made of composite, but it has a reputation for durability and quality. It is also low maintenance as it doesn’t require staining or painting. It is designed for easy installation. It’s more expensive than PVC or softwood.

Cost per m² - £75 - £160

Duration: 25 to 30 years

Pros:

• ✔ Environmentally friendly
• ✔ Doesn’t warp and is scratch resistant
• ✔ Long-lasting

Cons:

• ✖ Can be expensive
• ✖ Difficult to repair
• ✖ Absorbs heat in direct sunlight

Hardwood Decking Cost

Hardwood is a natural material, but it will usually need professional installation rather than DIY. Once installed, it is low maintenance, and it’s ideal if you want durable, long-lasting decking that looks beautiful.

Cost per m² - £85 to £170

Duration: 30 to 40 years

Pros:

• ✔ Long-lasting
• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ Resistant to fire

Cons:

• ✖ Expensive and sometimes hard to source
• ✖ Needs professional installation
• ✖ It can be slippery if it is wet

Composite Decking Cost

Composite decking is more expensive than some other types of decking, but it has the advantages of durability and low maintenance. Composite is also straightforward to install and can therefore be carried out as a DIY project.

Cost per m² - £150 to £195

Duration: 25 to 30 years

Pros:

• ✔ Easy to install
• ✔ Lightweight but strong
• ✔ Long-lasting

Cons:

• ✖ It isn’t a natural material
• ✖ Can be susceptible to mould
• ✖ Difficult to repair

IPE Decking Cost

IPE decking is made from Brazilian timber and is known for its beauty and durability. It is an expensive decking material, but it should last a lifetime. Professional installation is recommended because any mistakes made while using the wood may work out to be costly. It’s also fairly complex to install. Once it is in place, though it is a low-maintenance material, it will stay beautiful with regular cleaning and periodic sealing.

Cost per m² - £175 to £250

Duration: 60 to 75 years

Pros:

• ✔ Low maintenance
• ✔ Lifetime durability
• ✔ Fire resistant

Cons:

• ✖ Heavy to work with, making installation difficult
• ✖ Expensive to buy
• ✖ It can be a long wait for delivery if there are supply shortages

DIY Decking vs Professional Installation

A competent DIY enthusiast with the time and the right tools should be able to install decking as a DIY project. Always follow safety procedures and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations if you buy a DIY kit. But if you want a job done without any expensive mistakes and covered by a guarantee, then you’d be better off hiring a professional decking installer.

Building a raised deck is always best left to a professional. Raised structures need to be secure and safe for your family and friends to use. A professional will have the experience necessary to get the job done properly so that it complies with any building regulations or planning permission, and you have a guarantee once the installation is complete.

Planning Permission and Regulations

Normally, decking doesn’t require planning permission unless you live in a conservation area or in a listed building. There are certain regulations. However, the decking can’t be more than 30cm above ground, or it takes up more than 50% of your garden.

If your decking is higher than 30cm above ground, then planning permission will need to be approved, especially if the structure might affect your neighbour’s privacy or breach a neighbouring boundary.

You’ll also need planning permission if you are in an area of outstanding natural beauty or a World Heritage Site, when certain other limitations apply.

If your decking is an addition to a new extension, then you’ll also need to contact the planning department for prior approval or to get planning permission.

The 2025 cost of a planning application is currently £243.

To be on the safe side, we recommend a visit to your local planning department before you start work to make sure you are complying with the rules and regulations. For example, building regulations will need to be followed with regard to drainage, rails and balustrades.

Cost of Removing Old Decking

Your old decking may need removing if it is in bad repair, or you want to update the material or the style. You can either do this yourself or use a skip to dispose of the material. A skip hire will cost between £180 and £320.

The tools you’ll need include:

• A pry-bar
• A sledgehammer
• A saw
• A hammer
• A screwdriver

You’ll also need to wear protective gloves, safety goggles and sturdy footwear.

Alternatively, you can hire a professional to do the job. Likely costs will be between £100 and £200 a day. It might cost more if the removal also includes disposal.

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