Costs & pricing
What Does Garden Decking Cost?
Around half of a good decking price is under the boards. Substructure, levelling and ventilation are what decide whether a deck lasts five years or twenty.
Homeowners compare decking quotes on board type, but the frame beneath is where quality and cost really sit. A deck built on correctly spaced, treated joists with airflow beneath will outlive a deck with premium boards laid on an undersized frame every time.
Figures below are indicative guide ranges based on the kind of work we quote across London and Hertfordshire — they are not a quotation. Every job is priced after a free site visit, and the written price we give is the price you pay.
Board options and what they cost you over time
Choose on maintenance appetite as much as budget.
| Board | Up-front | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated softwood | Lowest | Clean and re-oil annually; expect movement |
| Hardwood (balau, ipe) | High | Oil once a year to hold colour, or let it silver |
| Composite | Highest | Wash down only; no oiling, no splinters |
The substructure line
Joist centres depend on the board: composite typically needs tighter centres than softwood, and diagonal laying tightens them further. We build on treated joists with a ventilation gap, positive drainage falls and proper ground preparation with a weed membrane and compacted base or concrete pads.
Raised decks, steps and balustrades
Anything raised significantly above ground level moves from a deck to a small structure: posts on pads, bracing, a compliant balustrade, and steps with consistent riser heights. That is a substantial part of the cost on sloping gardens — and the reason a sloping-garden deck cannot be priced per square metre over the phone.
Frequently asked
Is composite decking worth the extra?
If you hate maintenance or the deck sits in shade and stays damp, yes. If budget is tight and you enjoy an annual oiling, quality softwood is still good value.
Do I need planning permission for decking?
Usually not, provided the deck platform is no more than 300mm above ground level and, with other garden structures, covers no more than half the garden. Raised decks and overlooking issues need checking with your council.
How long does a deck take to build?
A straightforward ground-level deck is typically a two to three day job; raised decks with steps and balustrades run longer.
Can decking be laid over an old patio?
Often yes, if the slab drains and we can achieve airflow beneath the frame. We check falls and levels at the survey.
Want this priced properly for your garden?
Free site visit across London and Hertfordshire, a written specification, and a fixed price. No obligation.