{"id":43075,"date":"2023-05-30T16:25:41","date_gmt":"2023-05-30T15:25:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/?p=43075"},"modified":"2026-04-02T12:25:42","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T11:25:42","slug":"how-much-does-decking-cost-with-materials-and-installation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ratedpeople.com\/blog\/how-much-does-decking-cost-with-materials-and-installation","title":{"rendered":"How much does decking cost with materials and installation in 2026?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The prices in this guide are accurate as of 2026*<\/em>\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A well installed garden deck can create the perfect place for you to enjoy your outdoor space. Whether you want to relax with a good book, or host a dinner party, a garden deck is an aesthetic addition to your home. It\u2019s not surprising that adding an outdoor entertainment area is such a popular home improvement project<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The great thing about garden decking is that it doesn\u2019t take long to install and is easier to build than a patio, another common garden landscaping option.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are loads of material and design options for you to choose from, giving you a lot of creative licence for how you want your garden to look.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You will need to look after your decking if you want to avoid it warping, splintering, or cracking, especially if you opt for a wooden deck. This guide also includes maintenance costs and considerations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You could spend anywhere from \u00a31,500 <\/strong>to \u00a315,000<\/strong> <\/strong>on a new deck, depending on a few factors: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Your choice of materials\u202f <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. The size decking you want\u202f <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. How complex the design is\u202f <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Where you live in the UK (cost to hire labour rises in London and the South East) <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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          1. Preparation work, such as excavations\u202f <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

            This guide will always clarify where prices include cost of labour and <\/strong>materials, and where it refers to them separately. They do not include VAT. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

            <\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

            What garden decking should you get?<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n
            \"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n

            If you\u2019re thinking of getting a garden deck, you\u2019ve probably already thought through your options, and decided you don\u2019t want a patio (the other popular garden landscaping option).\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

            The next decision you\u2019ll 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.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

            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.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

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

            The most popular options are:\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

            Type of decking\u202f<\/strong> <\/td>Pros<\/strong> <\/td>Cons<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
            PVC decking<\/strong> <\/td>Weather resistant\u202f 
            Eco-friendly\u202f 
            Easy to install 
            Little maintenance or finish needed <\/td>            		Prone to UV damage\u202f 
            Has a synthetic look 
            Difficult to repair\u202f <\/td><\/tr>
            Composite decking<\/strong> <\/td>Lightweight\u202f 
            Doesn\u2019t stain, warp or splinter <\/td>            		Prone to mould and mildew\u202f 
            Has a synthetic look\u202f <\/td><\/tr>
            Trex decking<\/strong> <\/td>Made from 95% recycled materials \/ eco-friendly\u202f 
            Doesn\u2019t warp\u202f 
            Resistant to rot\u202f\u202f <\/td>            		You can\u2019t refinish it after installation\u202f 
            Expensive to repair\u202f <\/td><\/tr>
            Hardwood decking<\/strong> <\/td>Resistant to rot 
            Fire-resistant\u202f 
            Long-lasting\u202f 
            Low maintenance\u202f <\/td>            		Can be difficult to source and install 
            Regular maintenance <\/td><\/tr>
            Softwood decking<\/strong> <\/td>Resistant to rot\u202f 
            Doesn\u2019t warp <\/td>            		Shorter lifespan (10-15 years) 
            Requires most maintenance\u202f <\/td><\/tr>
            IPE decking<\/strong> <\/td>Long-lasting\u202f 
            Low-maintenance\u202f 
            Durable material <\/td>            		Harder to install\u202f 
            Prone to rusting\u202f 
            Heavy\u202f <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
            Types of garden decking and their pros and cons<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

            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. <\/p>\n\n\n

            FIND A LANDSCAPE GARDENER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

            How much does garden decking cost? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n
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            Installing high quality garden decking can add up to \u00a311,000 <\/strong>to the value of your property<\/a>, making it a smart investment. <\/p>\n\n\n

            If you have a busy lifestyle<\/a>, you probably don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n

            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. <\/p>\n\n\n

            The below prices look at installation for a range of un-elevated deck sizes and include cost of labour and <\/strong>materials. <\/p>\n\n\n

            Decking material<\/strong> <\/td>Total cost for 15 square metres<\/strong> <\/strong><\/td>Total cost for 30 square metres<\/strong> <\/td>Total cost for 60 square metres<\/strong>  <\/td>Total cost for 90 square metres<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
            uPVC <\/td>\u00a32,325<\/strong><\/td>\u00a34,650<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a39,300<\/strong><\/td>\u00a313,950<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
            Composite <\/td>\u00a32,400<\/strong><\/td>\u00a34,800<\/strong><\/td>\u00a39,600<\/strong><\/td>\u00a314,400<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
            Trex <\/td>\u00a33,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a36,000<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a312,000<\/strong><\/td>\u00a318,000<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
            Hardwood <\/td>\u00a33,300<\/strong><\/td>\u00a36,600<\/strong><\/td>\u00a313,200<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a319,800<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
            Softwood <\/td>\u00a31,875<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a33,750<\/strong> <\/td>\u00a37,500 <\/strong><\/td>\u00a311,250<\/strong> <\/td><\/tr>
            IPE<\/td>\u00a33,075<\/strong><\/td>\u00a36,150<\/strong><\/td>\u00a312,300<\/strong><\/td>\u00a318,450<\/strong><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
            Costs for decking<\/em> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

            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. <\/p>\n\n\n

            The average decking job takes one to two days to complete. <\/p>\n\n\n

            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.<\/p>\n\n\n

            FIND A LANDSCAPE GARDENER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

            Additional decking prices <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n
            \"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n

            You might want your deck installed with a railing, with individual handrails costing between \u00a318 <\/strong>and \u00a330.<\/strong> On the other hand, decking balustrades start from around \u00a3110 <\/strong>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 \u00a32 <\/strong>to \u00a34, <\/strong>whilst decking post caps cost as little as \u00a31.50 <\/strong>to \u00a33.50 <\/strong>each.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n

            Decking stairs usually cost anywhere from \u00a3200 <\/strong>to \u00a3400. <\/strong>An anti-weed membrane (to protect your decking) will cost anywhere from \u00a310 <\/strong>to \u00a330 <\/strong>per item. <\/p>\n\n\n

            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 \u00a3150 <\/strong>and \u00a3500. <\/strong>You will then have to pay for the outdoor lights, which come in a wide range of prices that start from around \u00a340 <\/strong>to \u00a3120 <\/strong>per light, including installation.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

            If you don\u2019t 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 \u00a330 <\/strong>per light.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

            <\/p>\n\n\n

            FIND A LANDSCAPE GARDENER<\/font><\/a><\/center><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

            How do you maintain decking? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n
            \"Picture<\/figure>\n\n\n

            There are several maintenance requirements when it comes to decking, to ensure that your deck continues to look good for many years. <\/p>\n\n\n

            The most important thing you can do is wash your deck<\/strong>. This helps prevent mould and mildew forming, which in turn can cause rot. <\/p>\n\n\n

            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.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

            Next, you\u2019ll 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 \u00a315 <\/strong>to \u00a335, <\/strong>depending on the type of deck you have and the brand of cleaner you get. <\/p>\n\n\n

            Use a broom, brush, or garden sprayer to apply the product. Make sure you don\u2019t 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. <\/p>\n\n\n

            In order to then seal your deck<\/strong>, 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. <\/p>\n\n\n

            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.\u202f <\/p>\n\n\n

            You can buy sealers online for around \u00a340 – \u00a350 <\/strong>for a five litre sealant. <\/p>\n\n\n

            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. <\/p>\n\n\n

            If you fail to look after your deck, it could get damaged. On average, decking repair costs between \u00a3150 <\/strong>and \u00a3500, <\/strong>depending on the extent of damage, and where you live in the UK (cost of labour ranges). <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

            Do you need planning permission for a deck? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n
            <\/div>\n\n\n

            Putting up decking in your garden is permitted development, which means you don\u2019t need to apply for planning permission to have one installed, as long as: <\/p>\n\n\n