Cost guide
How much does decking cost?
Decking costs £60 to £110 per square metre supplied and fitted. Softwood sits at the bottom of the range, composite at the top, and a raised deck with steps and balustrade goes above it.
Typical prices
Ranges, not quotes. A quote depends on your room.
| Work | Typical UK price |
|---|---|
| Treated softwood decking, per m² | £60 to £80 |
| Composite decking, per m² | £90 to £130 |
| Hardwood decking, per m² | £110 to £170 |
| Steps, per flight | £150 to £400 |
| Balustrade, per metre | £60 to £120 |
Ask what is under the boards. Two quotes at the same price per square metre can have very different sub-frames, and the sub-frame is what sets the lifespan.
What moves the price
- Board material: treated softwood, hardwood, or composite.
- Height. Ground-level decks are quick; raised decks need posts, bracing, steps and guarding.
- Ground conditions and whether the site needs levelling or clearing.
- Access. Carrying timber through a house adds time.
- Balustrade, steps and any built-in seating or planters.
What the money buys: timber and composite decking.
Who quotes for it
41 of the 1,142 carpenters and joiners listed on this site take on decking.
Where most of them are based: Plymouth (2), Aberdeen (2), Blackpool (2), Bournemouth (2), Newport (2).
Questions about decking
Composite or timber?
Composite for low maintenance and stable colour; timber for lower cost and for a look that weathers. Composite needs wider expansion gaps and closer joist spacing.
Can decking go over an existing patio?
Yes, and it is a good base, provided there is still ventilation under the boards and the finished height stays clear of the damp proof course.