Timber Decking Cost

How Much Does Timber Decking Cost?

If you're thinking of installing decking, while you might want to check garden decking costs for other materials, timber remains a popular choice for UK gardens, thanks to its flexibility and warm looks.

In 2026, timber decking installation costs typically range between £1,200 and £4,000, however, the total price depends on the material used, size, and overall design of the decking.

This means that for a standard 30m² deck suitable for an average-sized garden, you can expect an average installation cost of around £2,600 in 2026, using mid-range boards and standard fitter rates - which works out at about £85 per m².

Timber Decking Installation Prices

One of the biggest factors affecting timber decking costs is the type of timber you choose, with premium timber materials significantly increasing the cost of your decking project.

Timber decking costs range from budget-friendly (softwood and pine) to more premium (hardwood and solid teak). If you're looking at installing fairly standard timber decking, then redwood and cedar are among the most common.

Below is a table showing how much the supply and installation of your new timber decking is likely to cost, based on the type of timber you choose.

Timber Decking Installation Costs Per M²

As every garden is different, the table below breaks down the typical decking installation costs of the different timber types per square metre, to help you to budget for your own project. Small projects will have a higher typical square metre price, as bigger projects benefit from economies of scale.

It's worth mentioning that as well as your timber choice for your decking, there are a number of factors that can impact the final cost of your deck build.

• Size: More area means more boards, fixings, and time.
• Complexity: Unusual layouts add complexity and cost.
• Materials: Board type, subframe, rails, and finishing.
• Features: Multiple levels, built-in seating and lighting cost more.
• Labour: Day rates vary by region and access.

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Cost of Timber Decking Materials

If you’re contemplating building your own decking area by laying timber decking as a DIY project, then you may only need to know the cost of timber decking materials.

If you're looking for cheap timber decking, pressure treated softwood is the cheapest option available. It is also likely that the price per metre will drop if you are buying in bulk.

Composite WPC decking is also a great alternative to timber as it's long-lasting, but arguably not as attractive.

The following are supply costs only, without any labour fees or installation charges.

Labour Cost to Lay Timber Decking

The labour cost for timber decking installation is likely to be between £150 and £350 per day, depending on whether you hire a general handyman or a decking specialist, and where you are in the country.

Typical UK rates for a handyman are between £150 and £200 per day, rising to between £180 and £250 per day in London and the South East. A decking specialist could charge £200 to £300 per day across most of the UK, and £250 to £350 per day in London.

So what does this mean for the total labour cost of your decking project?

The table below looks at the typical labour costs for decking installation for different sized project in London and the rest of the UK, with the lower end of the range being the cost for a general handyman, and the upper end the cost for decking specialists.

You should note that these are the day rates for individual tradespeople, and larger projects may need a team of two or more, which will obviously increase the labour costs for your decking installation.

What's Included When Installing Timber Decking?

When you hire a professional to install your timber decking, it's not just a case of paying for the materials and labour involved. As outlined below, these are a few other aspects that should be listed in the initial quote and covered within the overall price of your timber decking installation:

• Groundwork – Before work can start, old paving or decking needs to be removed. Turf will need to be dug out to create foundations and the ground levelled if/where required.
• Weed Membrane – If required, the installation and materials should already be included in the price rather than paying extra.
• Subframe Installation – Before the timber decking is laid, the subframe needs to be put into place. This includes the joists, support brackets, bearers, ground screws or pads to support the decking itself.
• Timber Decking Boards – Whether you've chosen softwood or hardwood, composite or solid, the boards themselves are an integral part of the overall cost. Unless you've agreed to provide the timber yourself, this should already be included within the installation cost.
• Labour Fees – This should cover every aspect of the installation, from delivery of materials and ground preparation to physically laying the decking itself.
• Finishing Touches – This can include any extra features that may have been agreed, as well as treating the timber appropriately (such as staining and oiling the wood panels) and cleaning the area once fully installed.
• Waste Removal – Sometimes this can be charged as extra, but generally speaking waste removal and tidying up the site at the end of the project would be included within the price.

Planning Permission and Building Rules for Timber Decking Installations

If you're completely replacing your timber decking, there are some key building regulations and planning permission rules to be aware of.

• Height and area limits — Keep the surface under 30cm and, together with other outbuildings, cover no more than 50% of the garden. Anything forward of the home’s principal elevation isn’t permitted development.
• Damp-proof course (DPC) — Don’t bridge the DPC. Leave a clear gap at the wall for air and water to pass. Decks can sit below the DPC, or level with thresholds if detailed to avoid bridging.
• Services and access — Keep manholes or inspection chambers accessible (Building Regs Part H). Use recessed lift-out covers if the deck runs over them.

Always check local rules if you’re near a boundary, a highway, in a conservation area, or at a listed property.

What Does Timber Decking Installation Involve?

Timber decks look great, but the build needs a considerable amount of care. Think about hiring a local timber installer so the frame, drainage, and finish last as long as possible. Getting two or three quotes is sensible.

Submit a few details about what you're after and we'll connect you with decking installers near you for free, no-obligation quotes.

Before the Job Starts

• Site survey and measure — Your installer checks access, drainage, manholes, and levels. They measure up to plan the subframe and work out materials.
• Spec and quote — You agree on the board type, joist centres, fixings, rails, and waste removal. Dates, payment stages, and warranties get written down.

During the Job

• Ground prep and subframe — Turf or slabs are lifted. Weed membrane goes down for low decks. Pads, posts, or ground screws are set, then the frame is built level.
• Boards, edges, and safety — Boards go down with consistent gaps (usually 5–8 mm). Any cut ends on treated softwood get an end-grain preservative. Fascia, picture framing, steps, and balustrades are fitted where needed. Check handrail heights against Building Regs if you’re adding guarding.

After the Job

• Finish and clean down — Timber is oiled or stained once dry. The team removes offcuts and waste. You get care notes for seasonal upkeep.
• Problem check and handover — Fixings are inspected, rails feel solid, and water runs away from the house. Any issues are listed and resolved.

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What Different Types of Timber Decking Are There?

Before hiring a professional to install your new timber decking, you will need to think about the quality and style of decking you would like. There are many different types of timber decking available on the market today to suit almost every budget. You can select whether you would prefer soft or hardwoods, untreated or treated woods, as well as average or premium quality boards.

Remember, each of these variations will likely affect the cost of your project. A professional decking fitter will be able to advise you on which products would be better suited for your area and requirements.

Although timber is a great option for your garden decking, bear in mind that other garden decking options are available, like Composite, IPE, Trex and PVC which all offer benefits that timber decking may not.

Softwood Boards

The most popular choice for decking boards amongst homeowners tends to be pressure-treated, softwood boards. Timbers like pine are usually treated to withstand weathering, wood rot and decay.

Treated pine decks are generally much easier to cut and install, compared to hardwood boards. Softwood decking boards are readily available and easy to source, making them cheaper than other timber decking options. On average, the cost for pressure treated softwood decking is around £16 per m².

While softwood decking is much cheaper than hardwoods, it is important to remember that they will require more maintenance, regular cleaning and periodic re-treatment (often annually). Correctly specified and maintained softwood can achieve a 10–15+ year service life. Longer is possible with higher-spec treatment classes.

Hardwood Boards

Hardwood boards have a longer lifespan, thanks to their incredible durability. They’re lower-maintenance than softwood, but you’ll still want seasonal cleaning — and oil/seal if you want to keep the original colour (otherwise they weather to silver). Tropical hardwoods like ipe (often called Brazilian walnut) come from Central/South America, teak (Tectona grandis) is native to South and Southeast Asia or grown on plantations. Both are dense and naturally durable.

Compared to softwood, hardwood decking boards are much more expensive and can be more challenging to install. However, they require less maintenance which may work out more cost effective in the long run.

Hardwood decking boards are commonly sourced from exotic trees and are more desired for their aesthetic properties. Their natural warmer tones give an organic finish, eliminating the need for oiling and treating. With good design and upkeep, quality hardwood decking is often rated for 25+ years (some suppliers warrant 15–25 years).

Timber Decking Comparison

The overarching categories of softwood and hardwood are useful for understanding timber decking prices. You can also see at a glance in the table below how some popular types of timber compare:

Quick tip: For longevity and stability, hardwood wins. For a lower upfront spend and easier cutting, treated softwood is the safe bet.

Maintenance matters. Softwood can reach 10–15 years with yearly oiling, while well-kept hardwood can push several decades.

There are pros and cons to all of these styles, although the overall cost of decking and how it fits into your budget will often be one of the prevailing factors in any decision.

Checklist: Hiring a Timber Decking Installer

If you’re bringing someone in to fit timber decking, double-check these things before agreeing:

• Are the quotes clear? Don’t just look at the price. Make sure it lists the timber, subframe, waste removal, VAT, start and finish dates – and anything that isn’t included.
• Insurance and guarantees? Ask to see proof of public liability cover. Also, check if there’s a workmanship guarantee. It’s also worth asking how they take care of product warranties if anything fails early.
• Seen their past work? If your installer is worth their salt, they should have before-and-after photos or a couple of references. Skim their MyJobQuote reviews. This’ll show you what local customers are saying.
• What’s under the boards? The subframe matters — ask about joist size or centres, ventilation, end-grain treatment on any cut treated timber, and stainless or galvanised fixings.
• How will they prep the ground? Things like garden levelling, drainage away from the house, leaving clearance for damp-proofing courses, and making sure no pipes or cables get hit.
• Are waste and access sorted? Enquire about whether they’re managing parking and getting the materials delivered. And what about garden waste removal or skip hire, also ask whether they’ll take away old boards or turf.
• What are the payment terms? A small deposit and staged payments are normal. By no means will you have to pay it all up front. Get them to explain how problems are fixed and who deals with permissions or balustrades.