On average, decking installation costs between £1,500 – 5,000 in the UK, depending on the size of your decking area and the materials you choose.
That’s a rather large price range. Let’s break down the factors that might affect the cost of your decking installation so you can have a better idea of just how much you can expect to pay.
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Decking has proven to be an increasingly popular choice for gardens both large and small throughout the country over recent years, and for good reason. You can choose between timber, composite or uPVC, there are a wide range of decking options available to suit your taste and budget.
Within a few days, your outside area can be transformed into a stylish and functional space that can be used in a variety of ways.
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Why choose decking?
We’ve outlined below some of the main reasons decking installation might be a great choice for your outside space.
Low maintenance
Decking provides smart results with relatively little need for upkeep. Choosing a composite decking over traditional wooden decking will result in less need for maintenance as it does not require the same treating and staining that wooden decking does.
The average cost of a 10m² wooden decking installation is around £150 – 500 for softwood and £500 – £1,000 for a hardwood option.
Comparably, the cost of 10m² composite decking is around £800 – 1,500 for the same area.
Smart and attractive finish
Both composite and timber decking provide a multi-functional space that can be used all year round. Available in a range of stains, colours and finishes, you can customise your decking to suit your own style and needs to provide a warm and natural looking area.
Durable
If looked after well, wooden decking may last up to 15 years or more without the need to be replaced, and around 25 years for good quality composite decking. Treated wood can last much longer, but you will see an increase in price for the added durability.
Adaptable
Decking isn’t just restricted to seating areas, it can be used to cover any awkward garden space. You may wish to smarten up your roof garden or balcony space, why not consider decking for your finished look?
Decking installation cost per m²
| Decking type | Cost per m² |
| Wood | £50 – 100 |
| Composite | £80 – 150 |
| uPVC | £100 – 200 |
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Costs are approximate and based on averages.
How much does wooden decking cost?
Both hardwood and softwood timber decking materials are available, with the cost of softwood being the more budget-friendly option.
| Wood type | 10m² decking | 20m² decking | Benefits |
| Softwood | £150 – 500 | £300 – 1,000 | More budget-friendly, widely available. |
| Hardwood | £500 – 1,000 | £1,000 – 2,500 | Beautiful, natural-looking design quality, lasting durability. |
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Softwood decking is traditionally made from pressure treated pine or spruce, and allows for smart effective results without breaking the bank. It will, however, require more regular treatment and staining to keep it looking fresh.
Hardwood options are usually derived from oak, beech or ash. The overall cost of hardwood decking will be higher as the material costs are of a higher quality, expect to pay more per m².
How much does composite decking installation cost?
You can expect to pay around £1,200 – 3,500 for a medium-sized composite decking.
Composite decking is made from a mix of both wood and plastic, and allows for a durable low-maintenance, natural-looking finish without the need for regular staining or treatment.
Labour costs for composite decking are typically around £200 – 300 per day, depending on your location, with materials forming the bulk of the overall cost of the job.
The overall cost of composite decking is generally more expensive than wooden decking, but it can be considered more cost effective in the long-run due to its high weather resisting properties and strong, durable finish.
How much does uPVC decking cost?
The cost of installing uPVC decking will be around £1,500 for a 10m² decking area.
UPVC is a great option if you’re seeking something that is also strong and long-lasting against the elements, and is available in a range of colours and finishes.
Made entirely of reinforced plastic, it also doesn’t require the same maintenance as timber because no staining or treating is required.
The cost of this type of decking is usually higher than the other options.
What impacts the cost of decking installation?
- Decking size: The larger your decking area, the more materials and labour required to complete it and of course, the higher the cost.
- Material choice: Decking is available in a range of materials and grades to suit your needs and budgets.
- Complexity of design: You may wish to consider a more complex or awkward design that may take additional time to plan or install, resulting in higher labour costs.
- Location: Expect to pay more if you live in London or the south-east.
Additional costs
There are a few other factors that can affect the cost of your decking installation that you may want to keep in mind.
Garden clearance
If your garden has any old patio stones or decking that needs removing before your installation can start, or you require a more extensive garden clearance, you will need to factor this cost into your overall budget.
Garden clearance costs around £50 per hour on average.
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Planning permission
In some cases you may need to apply for planning permission before installing decking, although this is rare.
You don’t need to apply for planning permission unless:
- You live in a conservation area or listed building
- You are planning on adding decking to the front of your property
- Your decking will cover over 50% of your garden
- Your decking will rise over 30cm above ground level
Labour costs
Expect to pay somewhere between £200 – 350 per day for labour for your decking installation, this will increase if more than one person is employed, but of course, the more hands on deck the faster the job will be completed.
The average decking installation is completed within 1-2 days.
To keep costs down, shop around.
Post a job to get quotes from a selection of carpenters and discuss the options available for you today.