TL;DR — Decking Installation Cost At A Glance
- Most decking is installed for £120–£220 per m² all-in (materials plus labour), depending on the material and the groundwork.
- Softwood is the cheapest at around £40–£120 per m² installed, while composite runs £100–£220 per m² and lasts far longer with less upkeep.
- A typical 20 m² composite deck costs roughly £2,800–£4,400, with London and the South East adding around 20–30%.
- The main cost drivers are the decking material, the deck size, ground preparation and levelling, and whether the deck is raised.
- Raised decks need a sub-frame, posts, steps and balustrades, which add cost over a simple ground-level platform.
- Composite costs more upfront but saves on maintenance — no annual staining or sealing — so it often works out cheaper over its life.
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Add to Preferred Sources How Much Does Decking Installation Cost In 2026?
Installing decking in the UK costs £120–£220 per square metre all-in, covering both materials and labour for a typical job. The material choice sets the base: softwood (pressure-treated pine) is the most affordable at £40–£120 per m² installed, hardwood sits at £120–£200 per m², and composite (wood-plastic) runs £100–£220 per m². London and the South East add roughly 20–30%. For a real-world figure, a mid-range 20 m² composite deck usually lands at £2,800–£4,400 fitted.
The material is only part of the story. A ground-level deck laid on a prepared, level base is the simplest and cheapest build. A raised deck — to meet a back door, level out a sloping garden or create a seating platform — needs a proper sub-frame, footings, support posts, steps and balustrades, all of which add labour and materials. Two decks of the same area can therefore cost very differently depending on the ground beneath and the height above it.
Groundwork is where budgets are often underestimated. A firm, level site is quick to build on; a sloping, soft or uneven plot needs digging, levelling, footings and sometimes hardcore before a single board goes down. Access matters too — carrying materials through a narrow side return or the house adds time. Choosing between softwood and composite is really a choice between a lower upfront price and a lower lifetime cost, since composite avoids the yearly staining, sanding and sealing that softwood needs.
Here's what you can expect to pay per square metre installed:
| Decking type | Rest of UK (installed per m²) | London & South East |
|---|---|---|
| Softwood (pressure-treated) | £40–£120 | £60–£150 |
| Hardwood | £120–£200 | £150–£250 |
| Composite (wood-plastic) | £100–£220 | £130–£280 |
| Typical all-in installed | £120–£220 | £150–£280 |
Figures include VAT where applicable and reflect 2026 market rates. Your exact price depends on the material, size, groundwork and access, and your postcode — get a fixed quote here.
Decking Cost By Project Size And Extras
Total project cost scales with area, height and the extras a deck needs. Here's a typical breakdown:
| Project | Approx. size | Typical installed cost |
|---|---|---|
| Small softwood deck | 10 m² | £1,200–£2,200 |
| Medium composite deck | 20 m² | £2,800–£4,400 |
| Large raised deck | 30 m²+ | £4,500–£8,000+ |
| Balustrade / railing | per linear metre | £40–£120 |
| Steps (per flight) | — | £150–£500 |
| Old deck removal and disposal | — | £150–£400 |
| Board / joist repair | — | £100–£500 |
Removing an old deck, building over an awkward slope, or adding lighting and screening all sit on top of the base build.
What Affects The Cost Of Decking Installation?
Several factors decide where you land in the ranges above.
1. The Decking Material
Softwood is cheapest upfront; hardwood and composite cost more but last longer. Composite carries the highest material price but the lowest maintenance, so the "cheapest" option depends on how long you intend to keep the deck.
2. Deck Size And Shape
Larger decks cost more overall but often less per square metre, as set-up is spread across the area. Curves, multiple levels and cut-outs around trees or fixtures add labour compared with a simple rectangle.
3. Ground Preparation And Levelling
A firm, level base is quick to build on. Sloping, soft or uneven ground needs digging, levelling, footings and hardcore first — often the biggest hidden cost in a decking quote.
4. Raised Versus Ground-Level
A raised deck needs a sub-frame, posts, steps and balustrades to meet building safety guidance, which adds significantly to a simple ground-level platform.
5. Extras And Finishes
Balustrades, steps, integrated lighting, skirting and screening are priced on top. Removing an existing deck and disposing of the waste is a separate line too.
6. Your Location
London and the South East run roughly 20–30% higher than the rest of the UK, reflecting higher labour and material costs.
What's Included — And What's Not
| Typically included in a decking installation | Usually charged separately |
|---|---|
| Setting out and preparing the base area | Significant groundwork, levelling or footings on a difficult site |
| Building the sub-frame and joists | Balustrades, railings, steps and screening |
| Supplying and fitting the decking boards | Integrated deck lighting and electrical work |
| Fixings, edging and a basic finish | Removing and disposing of an old deck |
| Clearing the work area on completion | Staining or sealing softwood after installation |
Confirm whether groundwork and levelling are in the quote, as an uneven site can change the price considerably.
Can You Do It Yourself?
A simple, ground-level softwood deck on firm, level ground is within reach of a confident DIYer, and decking kits are widely available. Doing the labour yourself saves a large part of the cost, and for a small platform it's a realistic weekend project.
The trade-offs show up with groundwork, height and finish. Getting the base level and the sub-frame square and solid is where amateur decks go wrong — a poorly built frame sags, twists or rots early, and a raised deck built without proper footings and balustrades is a genuine safety risk. Professionals prepare the ground correctly, build a sub-frame that lasts, and handle slopes, steps and balustrades to the right standard. For anything raised, large, or on uneven ground, a professional install is the safer investment and usually lasts far longer.
How To Save Money On Decking Installation
- Choose softwood if budget is tight, or composite if you want to avoid years of maintenance costs.
- Keep the shape simple — a rectangle is far cheaper to build than curves and multiple levels.
- Build at ground level where the garden allows, to avoid sub-frame, posts and balustrade costs.
- Prepare and clear the site yourself so paid time goes on building, not clearing.
- Book in the off-season — autumn and winter are quieter for landscaping trades than spring.
- Get 2–3 quotes and compare what each includes, especially groundwork and balustrades.
How To Hire A Good Decking Installer
Choose an installer who inspects the ground and explains the sub-frame they'll build, since that's what determines how long the deck lasts. Confirm they're insured, ask to see examples of previous decks, and check whether groundwork, steps and balustrades are included or extra. For a raised deck, make sure they build to safe structural standards. Read recent reviews and get the specification and price in writing.
With Fantastic Services, you get vetted, insured fitters who prepare the ground properly, build a solid sub-frame and install softwood or composite to your brief — plus repairs to existing decks — with transparent pricing and online booking.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does Decking Cost Per Square Metre?
Installed decking costs £120–£220 per m² all-in on average. Softwood is cheapest at £40–£120 per m², hardwood £120–£200, and composite £100–£220. London and the South East add roughly 20–30%.
Is Composite Or Softwood Decking Cheaper?
Softwood is cheaper to buy and install, but needs annual cleaning, sanding, staining or sealing. Composite costs more upfront yet needs almost no maintenance and lasts 25 years or more, so over its life it often works out cheaper.
Do You Need Planning Permission For Decking?
Usually not — most decks fall under permitted development. Permission is generally needed if the deck is raised more than 30 cm above ground, if it (with other extensions) covers more than half the garden, or if the property is listed or in a conservation area. Check with your local council.
How Long Does Decking Installation Take?
A small ground-level deck takes 1–2 days; a larger or raised deck with steps and balustrades can take 3–5 days or more. Groundwork on a sloping or uneven site adds time before the boards go down.
How Long Does Decking Last?
Pressure-treated softwood lasts around 10–15 years with regular maintenance. Hardwood lasts 20–25 years, and composite commonly lasts 25 years or more with minimal upkeep. Good ground preparation and a sound sub-frame extend the life of any deck.
Can You Lay Decking Yourself?
A simple, ground-level softwood deck on firm ground is a realistic DIY project. Raised decks, sloping sites and balustrades are best left to professionals, as a poorly built frame sags or rots early and a raised deck without proper support is a safety risk.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair Decking?
Replacing damaged boards or joists typically costs £100–£500, depending on the extent and material. Localised repair is far cheaper than a full replacement, so tackling rot or loose boards early keeps costs down.
