PVC Decking Cost Guide

How Much Does PVC Decking Cost?

The cost of PVC decking will depend on many factors. Firstly the size of your deck will mainly determine the overall cost of the project due to the amount of material you’ll need and the time it will take to install.

Next the type and quality of PVC decking boards will play a big part in the overall cost, different types of decking are more expensive than others. Hollow PVC decking is cheaper than solid alternatives but may not be as durable, while premium brands, special colours or wood-effect finishes can also increase the price.

The complexity of the installation is a key factor in determining the cost of your PVC decking project. From a ground-level platform it’s much easier and quicker than installing on a raised or multi-level structure, as this may then require safety railings and steps.

Timber is the cheapest option for garden decking, but composite decking and aluminium options are available for longer life and stability.

As the saying goes - buy cheap, buy twice! Remember location will also play a big part in pricing, labour costs are higher in London and the South East compared to the North of England. This is mainly due to the higher cost of living in those areas and a higher demand for labour and tradespeople in those areas due to a higher population density.

And don’t forget about site preparation and waste removal. Clearing vegetation, levelling uneven ground or removing old structures will all add to your overall bill.

To give you an idea of what to expect a small patio deck (10m²) might cost between £600 and £1,200, a medium-sized garden deck (20m²) could be between £1,200 and £2,400, and a large entertainment space (30m²) might be £1,800 and £3,600.

PVC Decking Prices

Additional Costs

When setting your budget for your PVC decking installation you’ll need to factor in some extra costs that may arise during the process.

For example ground preparation is a common job that will need to be done before the PVC decking can be installed and this can cost between £300 and £700, especially if your garden needs excavation, levelling or weed barriers.

Next the substructure beneath the decking boards is a crucial part of the whole project and the materials for this can range from £30 to £90 per m² depending on whether you choose timber, composite or aluminium framing.

If you want to add any custom features such as steps and railings to the decking to improve accessibility the prices will start from around £100 per metre.

Other popular add ons like LED lighting are great for added security around your garden and to lift the ambiance of the area - for this you could pay anywhere from £20 to £50 per light depending on the quality of the fixture and whether it’s battery or solar powered or hardwired.

You should also budget for waste disposal. Whether you’re removing an old deck or clearing natural debris a skip or clearance service will cost £200 to £400.

PVC decking has very low maintenance costs but you may want to pressure wash it annually to keep it looking fresh. For more information on patio cleaning see our guide on jet washing costs.

It’s so important to see where your money is going for any home renovation project. So we’ve written up a typical breakdown for a PVC decking project along with a price for each element.

Materials (decking boards, fixings, substructure): £1,000

This includes everything required to build the decking and to support it. The material cost will vary depending on whether you choose hollow or solid boards and the quality or brand you select.

Labour (professional installation over 2–3 days): £800

This includes the cost of hiring a qualified tradesperson or team to install the decking. Labour pricing reflects the time taken to measure, cut and assemble the deck, including adjustments for site conditions and custom features.

Additional costs (waste removal, steps, fascia): £600

These are the extras that often get overlooked, such as removing existing structures or vegetation, constructing steps or edge trims and disposing of waste materials. These enhancements add functionality and aesthetic value to your deck.

Total Cost: £2,400

Labour Costs and Time Frames

Across the UK, most professional decking installers charge between £30 and £60 per m² for labour costs. Some professionals work on a daily rate which is typically between £200 and £300 per day.

The time it takes to install PVC decking depends on the size and complexity of the decking being installed. For example a small 10m2 deck may take 1–2 days, a medium 20m2 deck 2–3 days and a larger 30m2 deck 3–5 days.

Types of PVC Decking

We’ve mentioned a few different types of PVC decking throughout this guide so far but in this section we’ll break them down in more detail.

Hollow PVC Boards

Hollow PVC boards are lightweight and easier to install, ideal for smaller decks. They cost between £20 and £40 per m² making them a very cost effective option. However they are less durable than solid alternatives and may sound hollow underfoot.

Pros:

• ✔ Lightweight and easy to handle during installation
• ✔ Cost-effective option
• ✔ Ideal for smaller or low-traffic decks

Cons:

• ✖ Less durable than solid boards
• ✖ Can produce a hollow sound underfoot
• ✖ More prone to cracking or damage under heavy loads

Solid PVC Boards

These types of boards are much more robust than hollow variants, offer more strength and a solid feel underfoot. They’ll handle larger and high traffic decking with ease and cost between £50 and £60 per m². The only drawback to these boards is the cost and the extra weight that makes them harder to work with.

Pros:

• ✔ Stronger and more robust than hollow boards
• ✔ Provides a solid, premium feel underfoot
• ✔ Better suited for large or high-traffic areas

Cons:

• ✖ Higher cost
• ✖ Heavier and harder to cut or manoeuvre
• ✖ May require additional structural support

Capped Composite Boards

These boards are often referred to as PVC-capped decking and feature a composite core with a PVC outer. These are high end options, costing between £70 and £90 per m² and are often the choice for high end garden renovations.

Pros:

• ✔ Premium aesthetic with high-end finish
• ✔ Extremely durable and resistant to fading, staining, and moisture
• ✔ Low maintenance and long-lasting performance

Cons:

• ✖ Most expensive option (approx. £70–£90 per m²)
• ✖ Less DIY-friendly due to material density
• ✖ May be over-specified for basic or temporary decks

DIY vs Professional Installation

The quickest way to save some money on a home renovation project is to do the work yourself and a competent and confident DIYer would probably do a more than reasonable enough job installing decking. To do so you’ll need some standard tools such as a circular saw, power drill, spirit level and the appropriate fixings.

However be very careful to avoid mistakes in the subframe construction or drainage planning as this can lead to costly repairs down the line. A DIY job would save you around £800 to £1,500 in labour but hiring a professional will always give you a better result in the end.

If you want to be confident your decking is stable, secure and will last the test of time you will want to call in a pro who can handle more complex features like railings, multi-level platforms and lighting installations.

Regulations and Permissions

Most PVC decking installations in the UK will fall under the permitted development rights, meaning you don’t need to apply for any approvals or planning permission. However there are exceptions to this rule.

If your decking is higher than 30cm off the ground you may need to apply for planning permission and the same is true if your decking takes up more than 50% of your garden. If you live in a protected or listed building or a conservation area you will need approval from your local authority before any home renovations can be completed.

Building control may be required for raised structures, particularly those requiring balustrades or steps. Always check with your local planning authority before commencing any significant landscaping work.

Cost of Removing PVC Decking

A very common job in the UK is the removal of old decking from your garden or yard. Traditional decking, usually made from timber, will rot and degrade from the weather in a pretty short period of time so homeowners will need to replace it.

Professional removal costs between £300 and £600 depending on deck size and waste volume. Of course doing the work yourself will save money but it’s quite labour intensive and may require hiring a skip which will add to the costs.

FAQs

Finding and Hiring a Professional

It’s never been easier to find a tradesperson for a wide range of jobs in the UK but it’s important to choose the right person for the job you need.

First of all get at least three quotes to make sure you are getting the best value but make sure it’s clear what’s included for that price. Next ask to see examples from previous projects, similar to what you want done.

Lastly check online reviews and ask for references, a good installer should provide a written estimate and warranty for their work. Reputable professionals will be transparent about timelines, payment schedules and the materials they will use.