The short answer
In the UK, a typical garden deck supplied and fitted tends to land somewhere around £100 to £250 per square metre, so a common 15 to 20 m2 deck often falls roughly between £2,000 and £5,000. The headline figure depends heavily on the material: pressure-treated softwood sits at the cheaper end, hardwood and composite cost more per metre but last longer with less upkeep. Price also reflects the subframe, groundworks, height, access and finish, not just the boards. A small, ground-level softwood deck on flat ground is the most economical; a raised hardwood or composite deck with balustrades costs considerably more. Always confirm whether a quote is supply-only or supply-and-fit.
Decking prices cover a wide span because a deck is a small structure, not just a layer of boards. Once you know what goes into the build, the range starts to make sense and quotes become easier to compare.
Decking cost in the UK at a glance
- Typical supply-and-fit rangeAround £100–£250 per m2
- Common 15–20 m2 deckRoughly £2,000–£5,000
- Lowest-cost materialPressure-treated softwood
- Premium materialsHardwood and composite
- Biggest cost driversMaterial, height, subframe, access
What goes into the price of a deck
A deck is a layered build, and each part carries cost. The boards are only the visible top; most of the work and a large share of the spend sits in the structure and groundworks beneath. A realistic supply-and-fit price usually accounts for the following:
- Ground preparation: clearing the area, levelling, and often laying a weed-control membrane with gravel underneath to keep the ground stable and free-draining.
- Foundations: concrete pads, post anchors or ground screws that the frame sits on, sized to the deck's height and span.
- Subframe: the joists and bearers that carry the boards. This is the skeleton of the deck and a major cost in its own right.
- Decking boards: softwood, hardwood or composite, plus a cutting and wastage allowance.
- Fixings and finishing: screws or hidden clips, fascia boards, and any balustrade, steps or skirting.
- Labour: usually the largest single line on a fitted deck, covering setting out, building the frame and laying the boards.
A quote that looks unusually low per metre often signals a thinner subframe, wider joist spacing or minimal groundworks — fine on paper, but a common cause of bounce and sag later.
How material changes the total
The single biggest variable is what the boards are made of. Pressure-treated softwood is the budget choice and is widely used, but it needs regular cleaning and re-treating. Hardwood is denser and more durable but costs more and is harder to work. Composite boards, made from recycled wood fibres and plastic, cost the most up front but resist rot and need only occasional cleaning.
The figures below are indicative supply-and-fit ranges for a straightforward ground-level deck, offered for guidance only. Real quotes move with region, access, height and design.
| Decking material | Indicative cost per m2 (supplied and fitted) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated softwood | Around £100–£150 | Lowest up-front cost, needs regular re-treating |
| Hardwood | Around £150–£250 | Dense and durable, higher material cost |
| Composite | Around £150–£250 | Higher up front, low ongoing maintenance |
Indicative UK figures for guidance only; obtain itemised quotes for your site. Sources: Checkatrade and MyJobQuote 2026 decking cost guides.
Why the same garden gets different prices
Two decks of the same area can be priced very differently because several practical factors push the total up or down:
- Height and raising: a deck raised above ground needs taller posts, more bracing, and often steps and a balustrade for safety. This adds material and labour and can move a build into territory where building regulations apply.
- Ground condition: sloping, soft or uneven ground needs more groundworks, deeper foundations or a more substantial subframe than a flat, firm site.
- Access: where materials and spoil can be moved easily, labour is quicker. Carrying everything through a house or down a narrow side passage adds time.
- Shape and detail: a simple rectangle is the most economical. Curves, multiple levels, picture-frame borders and inset lighting all add cutting, waste and skilled time.
- Extras: balustrades, steps, fascia boards, skirting and lighting are often quoted separately and can add a meaningful amount.
Because of this, the most useful thing to ask for is an itemised quote that separates the subframe, boards, groundworks and labour, so you can see where the money goes and get the work priced up on substance rather than headline price.
Frequently asked questions
Is composite decking worth the higher cost?
It depends on how you weigh up-front price against upkeep. Composite costs more to buy and fit than softwood, but it resists rot, does not need staining or re-oiling, and only needs occasional cleaning. Over many years the maintenance saving can offset the higher initial cost, though softwood remains the lower up-front choice.
Does decking need planning permission?
Often a deck is allowed under permitted development, but there are limits. A deck more than 30cm above ground, or one that takes the total of decking and other extensions over half the garden area, can need planning permission. Listed buildings and conservation areas have tighter rules, so check with your local planning authority before building.
How long does a deck last?
It varies with material and care. Pressure-treated softwood can last around 15 years or more if cleaned and re-treated regularly. Hardwood and quality composite decking can last longer, often 20 to 30 years, with composite needing far less maintenance to get there.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific garden. They are guidance, not a quotation.