How much does decking cost?
Decking prices will depend on how much space you need to cover, what materials you will be using plus labour costs.
Garden decking is still a popular choice of outdoor living space.
It transforms an area into something more manageable in terms of maintenance and upkeep, plus it can look attractive with various outdoor décor.
Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with decking:
Cost of decking
If you have chosen not to do the decking yourself and want the job done quickly, then you will need to factor in the cost of hiring a professional.
Cost of labour on decking erection or installation
Lots of gardening companies are available to do this for you and some joiners also specialise in erecting decking.
Ask them what their hourly rates or day rates are and agree a price. Gardening companies tend to charge between £250 and £350 per day.
Remember that you will also have to pay for other materials including railings and steps as well as nails and posts.
Ask for this price to be written in a detailed quote and do not pay upfront for any work.
You can choose to do the decking yourself, but remember to factor in your time for this.
A lot of people opt for professionals as they cannot afford to give up the time it takes to do the work.
A lot of DIY stores will supply the materials you need, and you can buy kits which have pre-defined materials included so you don't have to work everything out yourself.
Decking kit prices
Decking prices start from around £300 per kit and can go up to £2000 for larger decking assembly kits.
Variables include the amount of wood you need and the quality and type of wood you need.
You might also need a working buddy to help you with some of the more labour intensive tasks linked to decking!
Costs of planning permission for decking
You will not need planning permission for most decking projects.
If your decking does not cover more than 50% of your garden area (along with any type of extension) then you will need to speak to your local planning department.
An application for planning is between £200 and £300 depending on whether your home is in a conservation area or is a listed building.
Decking maintenance costs
Any furniture like an outdoor bistro set or a full size picnic bench will of course add to decking prices.
Potted plants look nice but will need replacing and upkeep regularly.
When looking at decking prices you should also remember that your decking will need to be cleaned.
Pressure washers are a good way of cleaning decking and can be purchased from £100 and if you do not have time to do the cleaning yourself or would prefer to use professional services companies specialising in outdoor cleaning can come and do this job for you.
If you clean your decking regularly then it will not be a low cost job for most companies but if the decking has been neglected and needs a spring clean then costs will be higher.
Decking repair costs
Over time you will also find you may need to replace decking boards, particularly if they get damp or get chipped and become damp which leads to rot, and you can buy individual decking boards at your local DIY store too. Individual boards are available for under £20 each and there are a range of qualities and lengths.
Hiring Wooden Decking Specialists
Wooden decking works well in virtually every garden, whether it is modern or classic. If you are thinking of adding wooden decking, there are a few things to think about during the planning stage. First and foremost, is the site level or sloping? Changes in decking level can be utilised to hide uneven or sloping terrain, but they make the construction more difficult. Low-level decks on flat ground are easily constructed by most DIY enthusiasts, but decks on sloping and uneven terrain, or those that rise to a high level, should be left to expert installers. If you are doing it yourself, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter. If your plans involve a raised deck or changes in level, you will need to hire a professional to make sure the deck is structurally sound and safe for the individuals who will be using it.
