How Much Does Decking Installation Cost in the UK? [2026 Prices]
Written by Tom Ellis · Senior Trades Editor
Last updated: August 2026
Quick Answer
Softwood decking costs £120-180 per m² supply and fit in the UK in 2026. A typical 20m² deck costs £2,500-4,000. Hardwood decking costs £200-350/m² and composite decking costs £150-300/m². London adds 25-40% to these figures. Railings, steps, and lighting are usually priced separately.
What Does Decking Installation Cost in the UK?
Garden decking is one of the most popular improvements UK homeowners make to their outdoor space. It creates usable flat ground even on sloped gardens, extends the living area of the home, and adds visual appeal to a rear garden. Done well, a quality deck can also add measurable value to a property.
In 2026, decking installation costs in the UK typically range from £120 per m² for softwood on a simple flat site up to £350 per m² or more for premium hardwood or composite decking on a sloped garden requiring a raised subframe. For the most common project, a 20m² softwood deck at ground level, budget £2,500-4,000 on a supply and fit basis.
This guide covers all the main decking types, typical project costs by size, regional price variation, and what to expect from a professional installation. Whether you are comparing quotes from local landscapers or setting your own pricing as a decking installer, the figures below reflect the current UK market.
Decking Cost by Material and Project Size (2026)
The tables below show typical supply and fit costs for decking by material type and project size. All figures assume a straightforward installation on reasonably level ground. Sloped sites requiring a raised subframe and extra joists add 20-40% to the cost.
Cost per m² by decking material
| Material | Cost per m² (supply and fit) | Expected Lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood / treated pine | £120-180/m² | 10-15 years (with annual treatment) |
| Hardwood (Ipe, Balau, Cumaru) | £200-350/m² | 20-30 years |
| Composite (e.g. Trex, Millboard) | £150-300/m² | 25+ years (no treatment needed) |
Typical total project costs
| Project Size | Softwood | Composite | Hardwood |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (10-15m²) | £1,200-2,700 | £1,500-4,500 | £2,000-5,250 |
| Medium (20-30m²) | £2,500-6,000 | £3,000-9,000 | £4,000-10,500 |
| Large (40m²+) | £5,000-8,000+ | £6,000-12,000+ | £8,000-14,000+ |
Figures exclude railings, balustrades, steps, and lighting. Sloped sites and raised decking cost more. London adds 25-40%.
Additional Costs to Budget For
The per-m² cost covers the deck surface and its subframe. Several common additions are typically quoted separately.
| Addition | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Railings / balustrades | £80-200 per metre |
| Steps (per set) | £150-400 |
| Deck lighting | £200-800 |
| Removal of existing decking | £200-600 |
What Affects the Cost of Decking Installation?
Decking material choice
Softwood is the lowest upfront cost. Hardwood like Ipe or Balau is dense, durable, and looks premium but costs significantly more to buy and is harder to cut, adding labour time. Composite is the most popular choice for low-maintenance installs: it costs more than softwood upfront but carries long warranties and needs no annual treatment.
Site conditions: level vs sloped
A deck on level ground simply needs posts and joists sitting on pads or post bases. A sloped garden requires a proper raised frame with posts at varying heights, significantly more timber, and considerably more labour. Sloped sites typically add 20-40% to the cost per m² and require more careful structural design to ensure the deck does not shift or flex.
Deck size and shape
Larger decks benefit from economies of scale: the cost per m² tends to fall as the deck gets bigger because the setup and subframe cost is spread over more surface area. Irregular shapes and 45-degree diagonal laying patterns add labour cost due to extra cutting and wastage.
Railings and balustrades
Any deck raised 60cm or more above the ground level typically requires a safety balustrade. Railings add meaningfully to the project cost: at £80-200 per metre, a deck with 8 metres of perimeter railing adds £640-1,600 before the steps are even included. Glass panel balustrades cost more, typically £200-400 per metre.
Access and location
Tight access restricts how materials can be brought in, adding time to delivery and installation. In London and the South East, parking costs, congestion charges, and higher tradesman day rates push decking quotes significantly above the national average. Urban areas in other regions are generally priced closer to the national figures.
Removal of existing decking or hard landscaping
If old decking, a patio, or a concrete slab needs to be removed first, this adds labour and skip hire cost. Removing old timber decking adds around £200-400 for a typical 20m² area. Breaking out concrete adds considerably more depending on thickness.
Regional Decking Installation Costs Across the UK
The table below shows typical supply and fit costs for a 20m² softwood deck at ground level by region. All figures are for 2026 and exclude railings, steps, and lighting.
| Region | Typical Cost (20m² softwood, supply and fit) |
|---|---|
| London | £3,500-6,000 |
| South East | £3,000-5,200 |
| South West | £2,500-4,500 |
| Midlands | £2,400-4,200 |
| North West | £2,200-4,000 |
| North East | £2,000-3,800 |
| Yorkshire | £2,200-4,000 |
| Wales | £2,200-3,900 |
| Scotland | £2,300-4,100 |
| Northern Ireland | £2,000-3,600 |
Figures assume level ground and no removal of existing hard landscaping. Sloped sites, composite material, and railings all add to the total.
Planning Permission for Garden Decking
Garden decking is permitted development in England and Wales in most cases, meaning you do not need planning permission if:
- The deck is at the rear or side of the house and is under 30m² in total area
- The deck is not raised more than 30cm above the existing ground level
- The property is not a listed building
- The garden is not in a conservation area with additional restrictions
Raised decking of any significant height is more likely to require planning permission because it can impact the privacy of neighbouring properties. If your deck will be more than 30cm above ground at any point, or if you are in any doubt, contact your local planning authority before starting work. In Scotland and Northern Ireland, permitted development rules differ and should be checked separately.
Composite vs Timber: Which Is Worth It?
The most common question homeowners ask when getting decking quotes is whether composite is worth the premium over softwood. The answer depends on how you weigh upfront cost against long-term maintenance and lifespan.
Softwood decking costs less upfront but needs annual treatment with a quality decking oil or preservative to stop it greying, splitting, and growing algae. Without annual treatment, most softwood decks look tired within 5-7 years and need replacing within 12-15 years. Factor in the cost of a yearly treatment product at £30-80 and the time to apply it, and the total cost of ownership of softwood over 20 years starts to look less attractive.
Composite decking from a reputable brand carries a 25-year structural warranty and needs nothing more than an occasional wash with soapy water. It does not warp, split, or go slippery in wet weather in the way timber can. The upfront premium is real, but for a deck in a prominent position or in a location where ongoing maintenance is inconvenient, composite is often the sensible choice.
Hardwood decking sits between the two in character: it looks exceptional, is naturally hard-wearing, and lasts 20-30 years. It does benefit from occasional oiling to maintain its colour, and the upfront material cost is high. For most residential projects, composite delivers a similar low-maintenance outcome at a lower cost than premium hardwood.
How to Find a Reliable Decking Installer
Decking installation does not require a trade qualification, but a good decking installer will have experience in both carpentry and landscaping, and will understand the importance of correct joist spacing, adequate ventilation under the deck, and proper post or pad foundations. Here is what to look for.
- Ask to see photos or visit a recent completed project, ideally one that has been in for a season or two
- Get at least three written quotes that specify the same material, board size, joist centres, and subframe design
- Check that the quote specifies the brand and grade of decking board, not just "composite" or "hardwood" generically
- Confirm what is included: subframe, posts, fixings, post bases or concrete pads, all need to be in the quote
- Ask about drainage: a good installer will ensure the deck does not hold water and that there is adequate airflow under it to prevent moisture build-up
For related cost information, see the tradesman day rates guide for typical landscaper and carpenter rates, and the fence installation cost guide if you are also pricing boundary work as part of the same project.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does decking cost per m² in the UK in 2026?
Softwood decking costs £120-180/m² supply and fit. Composite decking costs £150-300/m². Hardwood decking (Ipe, Balau) costs £200-350/m². These figures cover the decking boards and the subframe. Railings, steps, and lighting are priced separately.
Does decking add value to my home?
A well-constructed deck in good condition can add to a property's appeal and value, particularly in garden-focused housing markets. Estate agents typically cite well-maintained outdoor living space as a positive factor for buyers. A poorly built or rotting timber deck, however, can do the opposite: buyers see it as a cost to fix. Quality of construction matters more than the material choice.
Do I need planning permission for a garden deck?
Usually not for a ground-level deck under 30m² at the rear or side of a house. If the deck is raised above 30cm, fronts a highway, or the property is listed, planning permission may be required. Always check with your local planning authority if in any doubt before starting work.
How long does decking installation take?
A small deck of 10-15m² takes 2-3 days to install. A medium deck of 20-30m² takes 3-5 days. Larger or more complex decks with steps, railings, and unusual shapes take longer. Composite decking with clip-based hidden fixings takes slightly longer per m² than face-screwed timber boards.
Can I install decking myself to save money?
A competent DIYer can install softwood decking at ground level. The subframe is the critical element: incorrectly spaced joists or inadequate post footings lead to a springy, uneven deck that deteriorates quickly. If you are confident with carpentry basics and are working on level ground, DIY can save £50-80/m² in labour. For raised decking or composite with clip systems, professional installation is strongly recommended.
Is composite decking slippery in wet weather?
Good quality composite decking boards have a textured or embossed surface that provides grip in wet conditions. Cheaper composite boards can become slippery with algae growth, in the same way as smooth timber. A reputable brand with a brushed or grooved surface profile performs well in wet UK conditions. Ask the installer to show you their preferred board's wet-weather grip rating before committing to a product.
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