How much does decking cost with materials and installation?

What garden decking should you get?

If you’re thinking of getting a garden deck, you’ve probably already thought through your options, and decided you don’t want a patio (the other popular garden landscaping option).  

The next decision you’ll need to make is what decking boards you want your deck to be made of. There are plenty of options for you to choose from.  

Wood decking is by far the most popular choice, and is also considered the most aesthetic, though it can be more expensive to have installed and to maintain than some other decking materials.  

On the other hand, PVC requires little maintenance, but has a synthetic look and feel to it that a lot of people consider unattractive. 

The most popular options are:  

Decking is a good option for sloped gardens, as it can be elevated to level your ground. If you have a sloping garden, decking might be your best, and sometimes only, solution. 

How much does garden decking cost?

Installing high quality garden decking can add up to £11,000 to the value of your property, making it a smart investment. 

If you have a busy lifestyle, you probably don’t have time to mow your lawn frequently. Decking also requires less frequent cleaning than a patio. All you need to do is sweep your deck every now and then, with an annual pressure washing and sealing of your deck covering the rest. 

No matter the shape or size of your garden, your tradespeople will be able to cut and fit your deck to size, making it a great, versatile option. A professionally installed deck can last you upwards of 15 years. 

The below prices look at installation for a range of un-elevated deck sizes and include cost of labour and materials. 

When it comes to wooden decking, prices will also range depending on the type of softwood or hardwood you buy. Softwood options include yellow pine, larch, redwood, and cedar, whereas oak and balau are the most common hardwood choices. 

The average decking job takes one to two days to complete. 

How much you spend will depend on a lot of different factors, including your choice of design for your deck, and the complexity of the installation (will your tradespeople have to build around things like trees?). Costs will also rise if you want handrails, or if you want your deck elevated. For a more accurate quote, let us know what you have in mind, and speak to a skilled deck installer today.

Additional decking prices

You might want your deck installed with a railing, with individual handrails costing between £15 and £25. On the other hand, decking balustrades start from around £100 for a 20-piece balustrade kit, but can go up in price to several hundred pounds, or even more, depending on the size and material you want. Individual decking spindles cost as little as £2 to £4, whilst decking post caps cost as little as £1.50 to £3.50 each. 

Decking stairs usually cost anywhere from £200 to £400. An anti-weed membrane (to protect your decking) will cost anywhere from £10 to £30 per item. 

If you want decking lights, you will need to install garden landscape wiring, which a professional can do in around four to eight hours, and for anywhere between £150 and £500. You will then have to pay for the outdoor lights, which come in a wide range of prices that start from around £20 to £50 per light, including installation.  

If you don’t want to do this, you could opt for solar and waterproof wireless deck lights that you stick to your deck with tape, and which cost anywhere from £30 per light.  

How do you maintain decking?

There are several maintenance requirements when it comes to decking, to ensure that your deck continues to look good for many years. 

The most important thing you can do is wash your deck. This helps prevent mould and mildew forming, which in turn can cause rot. 

In order to do this, first sweep your deck to get rid of debris and leaves. You can use a knife or another tool to get rid of rubbish that has gotten stuck in between deck boards. You might want to move plants out of the way to keep them protected.  

Next, you’ll need a deck cleaner. The one you get will depend on the type of deck (material) you have. Whether the floor needs to be wet first will depend on the cleaner you purchase – just follow the instructions on the label. Deck cleaner costs around £15 to £35, depending on the type of deck you have and the brand of cleaner you get. 

Use a broom, brush, or garden sprayer to apply the product. Make sure you don’t use too much water, then scrub the deck clean. You will probably need to let the deck soak for a handful of minutes before rinsing with clean water. Wait two days before you seal your deck. 

In order to then seal your deck, you will need to purchase a sealer to create the perfect finish. You can get clear sealers for wooden decking, toners that add more colour and protect against sunlight, or even semi-transparent or solid stainers. 

Sealer should be applied once a year, over the course of two days. You should go for days with good weather and clear skies. First, lightly sand the deck to remove imperfections. Then apply the sealer with a roller. If any screws need replacing, do this before you apply the deck sealant.  

You can buy sealers online for around £40 – £50 for a five litre sealant. 

Make sure to inspect your deck every so often for signs of rot, cracks, rotten boards, or joist damage, so you know when it needs maintenance work. This will maintain the look and health of your deck for as long as possible. 

If you fail to look after your deck, it could get damaged. On average, decking repair costs between £150 and £500, depending on the extent of damage, and where you live in the UK (cost of labour ranges). 

Do you need planning permission for a deck?

Putting up decking in your garden is permitted development, which means you don’t need to apply for planning permission to have one installed, as long as: 

• The deck is less than 30cm above ground 
• The deck doesn’t cover more than 50 per cent of the garden area (including extensions and outbuildings) 

• The decking isn’t on land that is forward of a wall forming the principal elevation.  

Other rules apply if you live in a listed building or in flats, converted houses, or areas with other restrictions. For more information, access the Planning Portal decking page. 

How to save money on a new garden

Decking is one of the more budget-friendly landscaping options, but it still requires you to budget and plan ahead for how much you might spend. Though we don’t recommend you try and cut corners to save money, there are some tips you can follow to make smart, budget-friendly decisions during your decking installation. 

1. Wood is the most popular option for decking, but it is also the most expensive to maintain, with annual cleaning and staining. For those looking to save money, composite decking is considered the best alternative, saving you time in maintenance as well. 

2. Make the most of seasonal deals and offers, and make sure you make smart purchases and only buy what you need, to avoid overspending and creating waste. The best way to do this is by planning ahead and making sure you get all the right measurements for your garden deck ahead of time.  

3. Don’t over-complicate your deck design. It’s easy to get carried away during the planning stage, but the more complex your design is, and the more your tradespeople will have to work around things like trees, the more the overall project is going to cost. Stay away from add-ons as well – you can always purchase those further down the line, as they’re not necessary during the initial installation and you might find that you don’t want or need them later. 

4. Think twice before going with softwood decking. Softwood is cheaper than hardwood (up front) but it costs more to maintain and has a shorter lifespan. If you do want wooden decking, spending a bit more on hardwood will save you money in the long run. 

5. Always hire skilled labour. You might think you’re saving money by hiring more cost-friendly tradespeople, but this can lead to problems down the line if your decking isn’t installed properly. Hiring professionals with experience and expertise is always a good idea, even if it might cost you a little more to begin with. 

If you’re thinking of getting a garden deck, let us know what you have in mind, and get some free quotes today.