The short answer
In the UK, timber decking supplied and fitted typically costs around £100 to £250 per square metre, with the figure resting mainly on the wood. Pressure-treated softwood is the lowest-cost mainstream decking, often around £100 to £150 per m2 fitted, while hardwood such as oak, balau or ipe sits higher at roughly £150 to £250 per m2 because the timber is denser, more durable and harder to work. The rate covers the subframe, groundworks, boards, fixings and labour, not just the planks. Softwood's lower up-front price comes with more upkeep — regular cleaning and re-treating — whereas hardwood is more durable but costs more to buy. Always confirm whether a quote is supply-only or supply-and-fit.
Timber is the traditional decking choice and usually the lowest-cost to install, but softwood and hardwood sit far apart on both price and lifespan. The right comparison weighs the up-front figure against years of maintenance.
Timber decking cost at a glance
- Softwood (fitted)Around £100–£150 per m2
- Hardwood (fitted)Around £150–£250 per m2
- Lowest-cost optionPressure-treated softwood
- Most durable timberDense hardwoods (balau, ipe, oak)
- Main ongoing costCleaning and re-treating
Softwood versus hardwood
Timber decking splits into two broad camps, and the gap between them drives most of the price difference. Pressure-treated softwood, usually pine or spruce, is treated under pressure with preservative to resist rot and insect attack. It is widely available, easy to cut and fix, and the lowest-cost mainstream decking to install. Hardwood is denser and naturally more durable, often with attractive grain, but it costs more, is heavier and harder to work, and can need pre-drilling.
The figures below are indicative supply-and-fit ranges for a straightforward ground-level deck, for guidance only. Real quotes move with region, access, height and design.
| Timber type | Indicative cost per m2 (supplied and fitted) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated softwood | Around £100–£150 | Lowest-cost, needs regular re-treating |
| Higher-grade softwood | Around £120–£160 | Smoother finish, longer-lasting treatment |
| Hardwood (balau, oak, ipe) | Around £150–£250 | Dense, durable, premium look, heavier to fit |
Indicative UK figures for guidance only; obtain itemised quotes for your site. Sources: Checkatrade and MyJobQuote 2026 decking cost guides.
What the timber rate includes
As with any deck, the boards are only the visible top. A realistic supply-and-fit price for a timber deck accounts for the full build:
- Ground preparation: clearing and levelling, often with a weed-control membrane and gravel beneath.
- Foundations: concrete pads, post anchors or screws sized to the deck's height.
- Subframe: the joists and bearers, usually pressure-treated softwood even under a hardwood surface, because the frame is hidden and protected.
- Decking boards: softwood or hardwood, with a cutting and wastage allowance.
- Fixings: screws, or hidden fixings on some boards. Hardwood often needs corrosion-resistant fixings and pre-drilling.
- Finishing: fascia boards, steps, balustrade and an initial treatment or oil.
- Labour: usually the largest single line on a fitted deck.
A common saving is to use a hardwood surface on a softwood frame, since the frame is protected from weather and does not need the more expensive timber.
The maintenance that comes with timber
Timber's lower up-front price carries a longer-term cost that composite avoids: upkeep. Wood is a natural material, so it weathers, can split or warp, and silvers in the sun unless treated. Keeping a timber deck sound and presentable means ongoing work, and that work has both a money and a time cost. The main tasks are:
- Cleaning: sweeping off debris and washing the deck, typically once or twice a year, to stop algae and dirt building up and making the surface slippery.
- Treating: applying decking oil, stain or preservative, often every year or two, to protect the wood and refresh its colour. Softwood needs this more than hardwood.
- Repairs: replacing the occasional split or cupped board, and checking fixings as the timber moves with the seasons.
Hardwood is more forgiving — it is naturally durable and many owners let it silver gracefully rather than oiling it — but softwood relies on regular treatment to reach its full lifespan. When comparing timber with composite, factor in the materials and effort this upkeep takes over the years, not just the day-one price. A softwood deck that is never maintained will not last as long as the headline figures suggest.
Frequently asked questions
Is softwood or hardwood decking better value?
It depends on your timescale. Softwood is much cheaper to install and is good value if you maintain it and are comfortable replacing it sooner. Hardwood costs more up front but is naturally durable and can last longer with less treatment, so over a long period it can work out closer in value than the initial prices suggest.
How often does timber decking need treating?
Pressure-treated softwood usually benefits from cleaning once or twice a year and re-treating with oil, stain or preservative every one to two years. Hardwood needs less frequent treatment and many owners let it weather to a silver-grey, though oiling keeps its richer colour.
Can you use hardwood boards on a softwood frame?
Yes, and it is a common way to save money. The subframe is hidden and protected from the weather, so pressure-treated softwood joists are fine beneath a hardwood surface. This gives the look and durability of a hardwood deck without paying for hardwood in the frame.
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.