How much does decking cost?
Updated 19 Oct 2026
Typical cost per average deck
£1,200 – £3,000
Decking in the UK typically costs £1,200–£3,000 for an average deck, supplied and fitted. Material is the biggest lever: pressure-treated softwood is the cheapest way to get a deck, while composite costs roughly double up front but needs almost no maintenance afterwards. Ground conditions matter nearly as much — a level, firm base is quick, a sloping or soft one adds substructure work before any boards go down.
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Softwood decking, per m² fitted | £70 – £120 |
| Hardwood decking, per m² fitted | £120 – £200 |
| Composite decking, per m² fitted | £150 – £250 |
| Average deck, supplied and fitted | £1,200 – £3,000 |
| Groundwork and levelling | £200 – £800 |
| Balustrade and handrail, per metre | £60 – £120 |
| Steps | £150 – £400 |
| Labour only, per day | £150 – £250 |
Typical UK guide prices — see the note at the foot of this page.
Softwood, hardwood or composite?
Pressure-treated softwood is the cheapest route and still the most common. It looks good when new, takes stain well, and can be replaced board by board. The trade-off is maintenance: cleaning and re-treating every year or two, and boards that will need replacing sooner than the frame.
Composite costs roughly double per square metre, and the argument for it is entirely about the years afterwards. No sanding, no staining, no annual treatment — a wash down and it looks the same. Over a fifteen-year life the total cost often lands close to softwood; over three years it does not.
Hardwood sits between them on price and above both on appearance. It is heavy, hard on tools, and needs oiling to keep its colour rather than fading to silver-grey.
One caution on composite: quality varies enormously. Cheap boards fade unevenly, get very hot in direct sun, and can be slippery when wet. Ask for the brand and look up the warranty before deciding on price alone.
The bit you cannot see costs the most
The substructure — the frame, posts and footings under the boards — is where the quality and much of the cost sits, and it is invisible the moment the deck is finished.
On firm, level ground a deck can sit on a simple frame with paving-slab pads. On a slope, or on soft ground, it needs proper footings, and that means digging and concrete before anything else happens. This is why two quotes for the same square metreage can differ by hundreds of pounds.
Ask what the frame is made of, how far apart the joists are, and how it is supported. Joists at wider spacings make a deck that flexes underfoot. Ask too about ventilation underneath: a deck that traps moisture against the ground rots from below regardless of what the boards are made of.
A good builder will talk about drainage and airflow unprompted. Treat that as a positive signal.
Do you need planning permission?
Usually not. Decking generally falls under permitted development in England and Wales when it is no more than 300mm above ground level, and when it plus other garden buildings covers no more than half the garden area.
Raised decking is where people get caught. Go above that height and permission is often needed, and overlooking a neighbour's garden from a raised platform is a common objection.
The usual exceptions apply: listed buildings, conservation areas, and properties where permitted development rights have been removed. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own rules. If you are anywhere near the limits, a call to your local planning department is free.
Separately, check whether your deeds carry covenants about garden structures — these bind you regardless of planning.
How to keep the cost down
Keep it simple and rectangular. Curves, multiple levels and angled corners all multiply cutting time and waste material.
Build on level ground if you have a choice of location. Groundwork is the most variable line in any decking quote.
Be realistic about size. Decks are frequently built larger than they are used — measure out the furniture you actually intend to put on it before deciding.
Consider softwood with a good frame over composite with a poor one. Boards are replaceable; a bad substructure means starting again.
And get quotes on a written spec — material, board area, frame spacing, footings, balustrade — so you are comparing the same deck rather than three different ones.
Frequently asked questions
How much does decking cost in the UK?+
£1,200–£3,000 for an average deck supplied and fitted. Softwood runs £70–£120 per m², hardwood £120–£200, and composite £150–£250.
Is composite decking worth the extra?+
It costs roughly double up front and needs almost no maintenance afterwards. Over ten to fifteen years the totals often converge; over a short period they do not.
How long does decking take to install?+
A straightforward deck on level ground is usually two to three days. Sloping or soft ground adds time for footings before any boards are laid.
Do I need planning permission for decking?+
Generally not below 300mm high, provided it and other garden structures cover under half the garden. Raised decking often does need permission, and conservation areas and covenants are common exceptions.
What is the cheapest way to get decking?+
Pressure-treated softwood on level ground, kept rectangular and modest in size. Complex shapes and groundwork are what push quotes up, more than the boards themselves.
How long does a deck last?+
A well-built softwood deck with a sound frame typically lasts ten to fifteen years with annual treatment. Composite boards last longer, but only if the frame beneath them was built properly.
Can I supply my own materials?+
Yes, with labour-only day rates around £150–£250. Ordering accurately is harder than it looks though — get the builder to specify quantities before you buy.
Related price guides
Ready to get it done?
Post your fencing & decking job free on BidMyJob and local people will bid. No fees, no commission — you pick who you like.