How much is garden decking? Cost breakdown 2026

Looking for a stylish yet practical solution for your garden? Read on to discover the average cost of garden decking in the UK.

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The average cost of garden decking currently starts at around £70 per m² for softwood decking.

However, calculating the total cost varies depending on factors like the decking material and project complexity. Read on for more.

How much does garden decking cost in 2026?

The cost of garden decking varies depending on the type of material you opt for, the size and scope of your project, and whether you choose a tradesperson for decking installation or decide on a DIY approach.

Average decking prices per m²

• Softwood decking costs: Expect to pay between £70 - £90 per m²

• Hardwood decking prices: Typically range from around £110 - £130 per m²

• Composite decking prices: You could pay up to £90 - £110 per m² for composite decking

• Pallet decking costs: You might only need to cover the cost of a packet of screws (if you're taking the DIY approach)!

These figures are average costs to act as a guide and include both supply and installation.

Decking installation day rates

• Landscape gardeners tend to charge somewhere between £260 - £340 per day

• Depending on the size and style of your decking, and how many contractors are laying it, expect the job to take between 1-2 days

If your landscaper works with a team, you'll likely need to pay a similar day rate for each person. But don't worry, the more workers, the quicker your garden decking will be completed.

Decking maintenance costs

Decking lifespan and maintenance are key considerations when planning your decking project.

• Hardwood has a higher upfront cost than softwood, but it typically has a longer lifespan

• Composite is one of the most expensive decking materials, but you'll enjoy minimal ongoing maintenance costs

The sun's UV rays will fade and dry out a timber deck, causing it to split, warp, and crack.

Meanwhile, too much water in the timber will cause it to decay and allow fungal infection and rot to take over - as will too much dirt.

Decking maintenance requirements

• Softwood decking: Regular staining or sealing once a year for weatherproofing. You can also use a stain to change the colour of your deck, e.g. a Walnut stain

• Hardwood decking: Oil treatments enhance the wood's appearance and provide a protective finish without changing its colour

• Composite decking: Minimal maintenance needed, just periodic cleaning

Expect to pay between £150 - £350 to have decking cleaned with a light pressure wash. Deck staining or oil treatment can cost between £350 - £800.

Cost of garden decking by material

Figuring out the most suitable decking material for your garden can feel like a daunting task. In this section, you'll find a handy breakdown of pros, cons, and costs to help provide some guidance.

Softwood decking

Softwood decking boards are mostly made of softwood timber - usually pine or spruce. These are standard boards that are widely available and in stock at most suppliers.

Softwood decking cost: Expect to pay around £1,350 for a small deck that's up to 15m² in size or up to around £4,200 for a larger deck of between 30-60m² (labour and materials).

Hardwood decking

Hardwoods are excellent if you're looking for a high-end, ‘designer’ decking solution. 

They can look naturally darker or more classic and can come in smooth boarding. Just check that the timber is sustainably sourced, as most hardwoods are imported.

Hardwood decking cost: Costs vary from type to type. However, you can generally expect to pay around £1,950 for a small deck that's up to 15m² in size or up to around £6,600 for a larger deck of between 30-60m² (labour and materials).

Composite decking

Composite boards are typically a mix of (often recycled) plastics, sawdust, and timber with a deep timber-effect grain on top. This is an innovative material that is practical and durable.  

Composite decking cost: Expect to pay in the region of £1,650 for a small deck that's up to 15m² in size or up to around £5,400 for a larger deck of between 30-60m² (labour and materials).

Take a look at our guides on Trex decking and AZEK decking for the average costs of installing these popular brands of composite decking.

Pallet decking

With the right preparation, pallet decking creates a warm, rustic, and inviting alfresco dining area that will last a good few years.

Pallet decking cost: Pallet decking costs next to nothing compared to other decking timber types. Many businesses will give pallets away for free or in exchange for a small donation, so the cost of materials is dramatically reduced.

Your biggest cost will be labour unless you're building pallet decking as a DIY job. Decking typically takes 1-2 days to install (depending on its size and the number of contractors on the job). Labour normally costs around £260 - £340 per day.

When budgeting for the cost of pallet decking, factor in the following items:

• Timber for the framework (this is not essential, but it will provide a stronger foundation)

• Strips of wood if your pallets have gaps and you want to fill them

• Wood preservative and decking oil (applied on all sides of the pallets before installation to preserve them for longer)

• Nails and sandpaper

• Wood stain (as a topcoat)

Every Checkatrade job is backed by our £1,000 guarantee

Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Factors affecting garden decking costs 

Several factors can affect the overall cost of your garden decking project. Here are a few points to bear in mind:

• Size and design complexity: Larger or multi-level decks, or those with bespoke design features will need more materials and labour

• Decking material: Softwood, hardwood, composite, and pallet wood all sit at different price points - making decking a versatile garden improvement

• Labour costs: Installation costs will vary depending on the complexity of the installation, ease of access, and regional variances in rates

Garden decking cost calculator

Use our garden decking cost calculator to get an idea of the cost of your project.

Input the size of decking you require and your chosen material to get an instant estimate.

n.b. This figure is only for reference purposes and should not be treated as the final amount.

Complete our request a quote form to receive accurate quotes from decking installers in your area.

Cost of hiring a landscaping contractor vs DIY

If you’re a skilled DIYer with a lot of handy experience, you may be able to install decking yourself. 

The ground surface, materials and supporting frame must all be properly prepared to ensure the stability and longevity of your decking. 

With that in mind, hiring a checked landscaping contractor can help make sure that you don’t have to spend unnecessary money on repair or replacement costs in the near future.

Rather than cutting corners, consider other ways to reduce the cost of your garden decking project – such as:

• Make a clear plan to avoid wasted materials 

• Stick to a simple design to help reduce installation costs 

• Choose materials that sit within your budget 

• Keep an eye out for decking material sales 

• Prepare the ground yourself (if opting for a tradesperson for installation)

It’s a good idea to get a selection of quotes from experienced tradespeople, to ensure you receive a fair and competitive price for the work. 

Use our request a quote form to get estimates from checked decking installers covering your local area. 

Decking vs patio cost

Often, when homeowners are considering garden decking, they're keen to learn how it stacks up against the cost of a patio.

Is it cheaper to lay a patio or decking?

Whether it's cheaper to lay a patio or decking will depend on the specifics of your project, particularly:

• The materials you choose

• The condition of the ground

• The size and shape of the area you want to cover

• Additional features

If you look at materials alone, decking typically costs less. Installation can be easier, too, especially in a sloped garden. This means it's often a cost-effective option.

Ultimately, it’s a good idea to get bespoke decking quotes from checked landscapers covering your local area. 

What adds more value: a deck or a patio?

Whether you are installing a garden deck or a patio, you'll typically add value to your home. Either addition could see you add around 3-4% to your property's value.

Out of the two, patios are generally considered to add more value compared to decking, on average. This is likely because they're easier to maintain and, therefore, seen as more permanent.

When considering which addition might add more value to your home, bear in mind your property's character and style.

Whether you're looking for tips on how to lay decking, a guide for planning a decking project, the latest trends and ideas or help finding a local decking installer, we're here to help.

Should I go for garden decking?

Still wondering whether you should install decking in your garden?

Here are some of the main considerations:

Pros of garden decking

• Timber is a natural material that complements almost any home, while composite decking allows you to achieve a stylish, practical, and low-maintenance garden finish

• In most cases, it's quicker and simpler to install than a patio

• It's usually cheaper overall than a patio

• There are different laying and design options to give you flexibility: steps, railings, and ramps to name a few

• Decking is a quicker and cheaper way to create a level outside seating area in a sloped garden – you don't need to level the subfloor before installing decking - it sits on raised joists that are secured to the ground as mini-piled foundations

Cons of garden decking

• Timber decking requires a lot of maintenance

• Poorly maintained decking will crack, warp, and become unusable

• Can become very slippery if not maintained properly

Just bear in mind that composite decking solves many of these problems. For instance, it shouldn't become slippery in wet months and won't decay, warp, and crack over time. It also needs much less maintenance than timber decking.

Head over to our composite decking vs wood cost guide to learn more.

Find checked decking installation services near you

Installing decking requires skill and experience for long-term structural integrity as well as a smart finish.

So, it’s always a good idea to get in touch with a checked and reviewed decking company. 

• Checked - Every Checkatrade tradesperson must pass up to 12 checks and commit to upholding the Checkatrade Standard

• Reviewed - Over 6.2 million reviews have been published on Checkatrade

• Guaranteed - We guarantee Checkatrade tradespeople's work, up to £1,000 - T&Cs apply

Hire a decking contractor who’s rated & reviewed in your area.

FAQs

How much does it cost to install garden decking in the UK?

You can expect to pay around £260 - £340 per day in labour costs to have decking installed in the UK.

Material costs range from around £70 per m² for softwood decking up to around £90 per m² for composite decking. This is for a large decked area approx. 30 - 60m².

What is the most cost-effective decking?

Softwood decking costs the least. That said, it will require more maintenance.

Although composite decking is more expensive than softwood decking, it could be argued that it's more cost-effective in the long run since it requires less maintenance and is longer lasting.

Is decking cheaper than a patio in the UK?

Yes, it's usually cheaper to install decking than patio slabs. However, this depends on your decking design and the materials you choose.

Does decking add value to my property in the UK?

Yes, decking could add around 4% to the value of your home in the UK. 

However, how much it will add will depend on the specifics of your decking and the property itself. Things like the style of your home, the quality of your decking and the size of your garden will all play a part.

Do I need planning permission or building regulations for garden decking?

You won't usually need planning permission for garden decking, as it comes under your permitted development rights. This assumes that your deck sits no more than 300mm above the ground level, and that it doesn't cover more than half your garden.

That said, if you're building an elevated deck, building regulations will apply. This will place requirements on balustrading, steps and the deck’s loading.

How long does garden decking last?

Timber decking typically lasts between 10-15 years whereas composite can last up to 30 years – both are dependent on the care and maintenance they receive over their lifetime.

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