How Much Does It Cost to Install Decking?
£1,500 – £7,000
depending on size and material
Installing decking costs between £1,500 and £7,000 depending on the size of the deck, the decking material, and whether the ground requires significant levelling or the deck needs to be raised on a frame. Timber decking is cheaper upfront; composite decking costs more but requires almost no maintenance and lasts significantly longer.
Average cost
£1,500 – £7,000
depending on size and material
Prices vary by region, property type and tradesperson. Always get at least two quotes.
What affects the price?
Decking material - pressure-treated softwood costs £15-£25 per m2; composite or hardwood decking costs £40-£80 per m2 for the boards alone
Deck size and shape - a simple rectangular 15m2 deck is cheapest; an L-shaped or elevated multi-level deck is more complex
Frame and supports - an elevated deck requiring posts and a substantial subframe adds significantly to both materials and labour
Steps and balustrade - adding steps down to the garden and a balustrade for a raised deck adds £300-£1,000 depending on size
Labour vs materials
Landscapers typically charge £30-£50 per m2 for decking installation labour. A straightforward ground-level deck takes two to three days; a raised or complex deck takes a week or more.
Repair or replace?
Timber decking typically needs re-oiling or staining every 1-2 years and boards may need replacing after 10-15 years. If more than 30% of the boards are rotten or the subframe is failing, full replacement is more cost-effective than ongoing repairs.
Questions to ask your tradesperson
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