The addition of garden decking to your property can have some unexpected hidden costs, often stretching your budget. Stay ahead of the curve and ensure your decking project has as few unexpected costly additions as possible through careful planning and thorough research.
Adding decking to your garden has a plethora of advantages, including:
- Creates a large, spacious area to entertain friends and family.
- Decks are easy to maintain, creating a low-maintenance garden.
- Adds more outside living space to your home.
- Reduces the amount of mud and debris in your garden.
- Could increase your property's value.
In this article, we will break down the cost of decking boards per m², how much it may cost for any additional trims and fixings, and general installation costs you may need to consider before completing your next decking project. Most decking can be installed either by a professional installer or by yourself as a DIY project.
How much does installing decking cost?
Materials: Composite, timber, plastic, and PVC decking boards all differ in price, which we will explore further in this article. As well as the decking boards themselves, additional materials to consider include: a weed mat/concrete for the decking substructure, joists and screws as well as trims and fixings.
Labour: If you're hiring someone to install your garden decking, prices will vary depending on the person's skill set, the square meterage and design of the deck, the material used, and your location in the UK — as labour rates often differ between the north and south.
Maintenance: While composite decking does not require extensive maintenance, a composite decking reviver or cleaner, like our Cladco Ultimate decking cleaner, is an additional cost to consider in the long run. Timber decking, however, demands regular upkeep through sanding, painting, and varnishing, which should be factored into your initial decking plans.
For the average UK garden (which is between 100-180m²), the cost of composite decking materials, installation and post-maintenance costs roughly £90-£110 per square metre.
And don't forget – if you plan on adding decking to more than 50% of your garden (or if you have existing garden buildings which, along with the decking, will equal 50% of your garden space), then you will need planning permission.
Average garden decking costs
The average UK decking size is roughly 15m² for a small deck, 30m² for a medium, and 60m² for a large decking area.
So, you've decided to add decking to your garden, you know the size of your garden, and you also know roughly how many boards you will need. All you need to do now is find out where the best-priced timber, composite, PVC and other decking materials can be sourced.
The cost per m² of decking also varies depending on the brand of decking you decide to use. Below is the average cost of composite decking boards per m² for small, medium and large UK gardens.
| Brand | Avg. cost for 15m² | Avg. cost for 30m² | Avg. cost for 60m² |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cladco | £660 | £1,320 | £2,640 |
| Envirobuild | £990 | £1,980 | £3,960 |
| Evodek / DeckPlus | £824 | £1,648 | £3,296 |
| Dino Decking | £650 | £1,300 | £2,600 |
| Neo Timber | £725 | £1,425 | £2,850 |
To calculate the size of your decking area and the approximate cost of boards, simply measure the length and width of your proposed deck area (in metres) and multiply them together.
Next, multiply your area by the decking cost per m². Finally, the answer will give you an approximate cost for your decking. This doesn’t take into account the cost of other materials, such as trims, joists, and fittings, as these are dependent on your site conditions, but it’s a good place to start.
You can use our Cladco decking calculator to estimate the costs of Cladco composite decking boards as well as additional accessories you may need.
Garden decking costs will vary for many reasons, some of which are:
- Cost: The price of manual labour for installation.
- The price of the raw materials: Decking boards, fixings and the frame.
- Location: Typically, installation costs can increase by up to 20% if you live in or around London..
- The ground you wish to lay your decking on: Flat ground requires less work than a garden with an unlevel surface, and the cost of levelling out the ground can increase the overall decking price.
- Base: Do you require a concrete base or a weed mat base?
- Height of your decking: Do you need planning permission or a taller-than-average frame?
At Cladco Profiles, we offer multiple composite decking boards, including hollow and solid core Signature composite decking and our ProDeck composite decking for even greater protection. We also have Nordeck, our premium PVC decking boards. Prices start at £13.90 for a hollow core 2.4m Signature Composite Board.
Take a look at the Cladco Decking calculator here, which can generate a quote for you depending on the size of your garden and the type of decking board you are planning to use.
What are the benefits of adding decking to your garden?
Cladco Composite Decking
Cladco composite decking comprises our Signature and ProDeck ranges. Cladco Signature composite decking is made up of environmentally-friendly materials, 60% FSC-accredited wood fibres, and 40% recycled plastic, and has a range of benefits to bring to your garden, including:
- Low maintenance: Boards do not require any sanding, varnishing, or painting. Simply keep it clean and free of debris.
- Low water absorption rate.
- Rot, warp and splinter resistant.
- Anti-UV agent: Boards should not fade. However, in some cases, if the boards are exposed to increased areas of sunlight/UV, a slightly weathered look may occur.
- Available in a range of eight colours.
- FREE Sample Packs available.
For projects that require all of the above benefits, plus a greater level of protection from weathering and fading, our capped ProDeck composite decking boards could be just what you need. Available in seven natural tones, each reversible board features an authentic woodgrain finish on one side and a narrow-grooved surface on the other.
Cladco Nordeck Decking
Cladco Nordeck boards are the most premium quality, long-lasting decking boards within the Cladco decking range, and are made from a solid PVC core with a durable strong ASA resin casing.
- Very low-maintenance.
- Authentic woodgrain-effect texture.
- Suitable for heavy loads such as furniture, ornaments, and high footfall.
- Superior UV protection.
- Scratch-resistant.
- Will not warp, splinter or rot.
- Resistant against moisture damage and is ideal for installation around hot tubs, pools and water features.
- Available in a range of six natural colours.
- FREE Sample Packs available.
Cladco Timber Decking
While both PVC and composite decking boards recreate the look of authentic timber boards, traditional timber decking still has a range of benefits.
- Can increase your home's kerb appeal.
- Has good strength and durability.
- Attractive traditional timber appearance that can only be achieved with real wood decking.
Timber decking can be made using either soft or hardwood. You can find out more about Timber Decking vs Composite Decking here.
Despite the rise in the popularity of composite and PVC, timber decking is still the most common decking material used in UK gardens. The average cost per m² for the boards alone (not the joists, fixings, ground or framework) is roughly £22/m².
Timber decking can be installed either at ground level or as a raised platform. When installing timber decking yourself, ensure each board has plenty of room to expand and contract with changes in temperature and that the correct installation guides have been followed.
Labour costs and time frames
Whether using composite, PVC or timber decking, be sure to know the accurate size of your proposed decking area - as this will assist you in estimating the correct price for both professional fitters and DIY projects.
To find the square meterage of your allotted space, simply measure both the width and length and multiply them together. Once you have this you can approach a professional decking installer with the size and design of your outside area.
The average cost and time required for a standard timber decking installation can vary depending on several factors - such as the height of your decking or whether the ground needs to be cleared of shrubs, trees, roots, or stones.
For ground-level decking, the area will need to be properly levelled. If the deck is raised, a stable substructure will be necessary, and you may also need to apply for planning permission.
On average, most professional installers can complete a medium-sized decking project within 2-3 working days, depending on site conditions. If you're taking on the build as a DIY project, the time frame may vary based on your availability, level of experience, and the tools you have at your disposal.
When installing decking yourself, it's essential to follow the supplier's installation guidelines closely to ensure your product warranty remains valid.
Additional decking material costs
Unfortunately, decking projects can be full of surprising add-ons if not properly budgeted for. As it is not just the decking boards themselves you will need to buy, joists, screws, weed mats, and trims also need to be considered, which is something people often forget - making their project potentially go over budget.
Additions include:
- Joists/Battens: Timber, composite, and PVC decking boards all require a sturdy substructure and the support of joists/battens.
- Balustrades: These can be added to your decking as a decorative feature that also enhances safety.
- Trims: Corner trims, skirting trims and fascia boards can be added to hide the structure and joists beneath the deck. They also add seamless details to the edges of your new decking structure.
- Fixings and Screws: Make sure you’re using the correct screws and fixings to secure your decking. While traditional wood screws are suitable for hardwood boards, composite decking should be fixed using specialist composite screws.
- Weed Mat: If you are installing your deck in your garden without first laying a concrete base, it is advised that a membrane or material be put down to ensure no weeds or vegetation will grow up beneath the deck and penetrate through any gaps. A weed mat prevents any weeds from growing, while still allowing water and nutrients to reach the soil below.
Below, we have compared the costs of additional materials across popular decking companies. Please note that these accessories are only compatible with their respective decking boards—so, for example, boards purchased from Cladco will not be compatible with trims from Dino Decking.
| Material | Balustrades | Joists/Battens | Trims | Fixings & Screws | Weed Mat |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cladco | £86.40 | £10.80 | From £10.20 | From £9.60 | £23.40 |
| Envirobuild | N/A | £16.79 | £12.59 | £14.99 | £26.39 |
| Evodek / DeckPlus | N/A | £41.80 | £17.34 | £14.52 | N/A |
| Dino Decking | £49.99 | From £8.99 | From £7.99 | £9.99 | N/A |
| Neo Timber | £110 | £18.50 | From £16.00 | N/A | N/A |
Other cost factors to consider
Now you have your decking boards, joists, fixings, and other accessories sorted, it's time to think about any additional costs you may need to take into account before installing your decking.
While installation should only take 2-3 days on average for a professional to fit, if any unexpected steps need to be taken, time, labour cost and supply costs may increase.
- Skip: If you are having to level out your garden surface, the additional cost of a skip may be required for waste disposal.
- Delivery: If you are unable to collect your decking materials in person, the cost of delivery may need to be factored into your budget.
- Sander: If you have purchased any timber decking, you may need to sand, varnish, and stain it before installing it to suit your desired look.
- Varnish: Timber often needs to be varnished or sealed once installed to ensure the boards stay looking high-quality for years to come. This is an additional cost you can expect to pay on top of the boards themselves.
- Cleaner: All decking types can accumulate dirt during installation. For a perfect finish, use a specialist cleaner once the deck is complete—many of which can be used for ongoing maintenance in the years to come.
- Concrete: If you're planning to install your deck on a concrete base, be sure to factor in the additional cost of purchasing and professionally laying the concrete.
- Landscaping: For ground-level decking, it's important to have a flat, even surface. This may require landscaping or levelling work before installation can begin.
Aftercare
Cladco composite decking has a ten-year warranty, with Cladco Nordeck decking having a 20-year warranty. Both should not rot, warp, splinter, fade, or stain. Boards may simply need the occasional cleaning.
Timber decking will need regular maintenance over the years it is installed, with wood also being susceptible to staining, splitting, warping, rotting, and fading.
Planning your decking installation and cost
Before you start your decking project, here is a list of the key steps you may want to follow.
- Plan your decking area and decide on the height, size, and location of your deck.
- Check to see if you need planning permission. See our blog for further information.
- Choose your preferred supplier, the type of decking, and the colour that will suit your garden.
- Once you have purchased all the necessary equipment, prepare your base. You may need to level it out, to which you can then lay your concrete or a weed mat.
- Create your substructure following the supplier's guide.
- Install your decking either with professional installers or by following the correct guides provided by the supplier.
Calculate your decking cost
Start calculating the typical cost of your new deck using our user-friendly Cladco decking calculator.
Simply enter your decking shape and length, and choose your boards and colour. The Cladco calculator will then estimate how many boards, joists, trims, and fixings you may need.
For further help and assistance with your new decking area, please see our website, or contact our sales team either via email at [email protected] or by calling 01837 659901.
