If you love having friends and family over at your house and are unsure how to create a social space, timber decking may be the solution you have been searching for. Since the turn of the century, many homes in the UK have begun adopting timber decking.
Timber decking, if done correctly, can become a fun part of any house structure. It can be a place where you go to enjoy good weather and barbecues. Similarly, you can host small parties or simply sit and enjoy a delicious coffee.
Moreover, the best deckings can hide many imperfections in your garden’s structure. Similarly, with deckings, you do not have to level the designated portion of your garden completely; you can pin down some weed suppressant membrane and mount your structure over the top. This will create ample space or several terraces if your garden is moderately steep.
Additionally, constructing a garden deck is not a difficult task, particularly if you are eyeing a timber garden decking installation. With some basic carpentry skills and the right tools, you should be able to erect one yourself. However, if you feel you are not up for it, you can hire the services of a professional. In the United Kingdom, timber garden decking installation is quite affordable and should fit most budgets.
Shortly, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about timber garden decking. Additionally, we’ll also look at the styles available, installation duration, and, most importantly, how much it will cost.
Furthermore, we’ll explore the cost of timber decking, factors that influence the price of timber decking, and how you can save some money. We’ll also look at the type of timber decking that’s right for your garden, the basics, and how to pick the right professional to get the job done.
Thus, if you are ready to begin enjoying the benefits of timber garden decking, read on to find out how to get one done and how much it would cost you.
What Is The Cost Of Timber Decking In 2022?
When erecting an area of decking, you can use two significant types of timber: hardwood and softwood. Moreover, the wood you choose will go a long way in determining the total cost of a timber decking installation.
Hardwood
Some excellent wood to choose from if you want hardwood for your timber decking include cherry, oak, maple, and teak. With hardwood, there is a range of finishes and colours that you can choose from. Furthermore, hardwood is a dependable option for timber decking and can be a little expensive compared to softwood.
You can expect the following price ranges if you want timber decking with hardwood.
| Proposed Size | Cost of Material per square metre | Cost of labour for each day | Duration | Total estimated cost |
| 45 square metres (large deck) | £66 to £100 | £150 | 4 days | £3600 to £5100 |
| 30 square metres (medium deck) | £63 to £100 | £150 | 3 days | £2350 to £3350 |
| 15 square metres (small deck) | £60 to £100 | £150 | 2 days | £1200 to £1800 |
From the table above, it is pretty clear that erecting timber decking using hardwood may require a big budget. However, when you look at the finished product, it’s hard not to see why it is so expensive.
It is durable and provides excellent resistance against splitting, rotting, or warping. Ultimately, it is a significant investment that pays off. Also, you’ll save a lot since you won’t have to spend on replacements often.
The only downside is that the decking will require frequent maintenance, like every hardwood flooring. Also, installation is not easy; you’ll need to hire a professional if you want a perfect job done. However, once the job is done, the decking will have a hard-wearing finish that will stand the test of time.
Softwood
When it comes to softwood, popular options that you can choose from include pine, cedar, and spruce. Although they do not offer the same strength as hardwood, they are cost-effective and should produce good timber decking. Also, they’ll need more care than hardwood, and you or the professional has to treat them before use to prevent long-term damages like warping.
Below are some prices you should expect if you choose to use softwood for your timber decking construction.
| Proposed Size | Cost of Material per square metre | Cost of labour for each day | Duration | Total estimated cost |
| 45 square metres (large deck) | £37 to £102 | £105 | 4 days | £2300 to £5200 |
| 30 square metres (medium deck) | £40 to £106 | £105 | 3 days | £1650 to £3650 |
| 15 square metres (small deck) | £36 to £106 | £105 | 2 days | £850 to £1900 |
You should also note that softwoods are more eco-friendly since they come from fast-growing trees. Also, they are a lot easier to install than hardwood.
Unfortunately, as the name suggests, softwood deckings will wear out faster than the hardwood variant. Similarly, in high-traffic areas, the colours may fade quickly and require a replacement sooner. So, the initial cheap cost may eventually lead to future expenses if you consider the frequent replacements and repairs needed.
However, using softwood for your timber garden decking installation is cost-effective in the short term, and it is an excellent option for people working with a tight budget.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Some Factors That Affect The Cost Of Timber Decking Installations:
The cost of timber deckings isn’t fixed since there are many influencing factors; even the simple choice of whether to use soft or hardwood can affect the price, as we have just seen. You can find some of the major cost-influencing factors below. However, depending on your budget, these factors can either increase or decrease the total costs.
Design
The design you pick will either add to the total cost or reduce it. However, this does not need to stop you from choosing a complex design in place of a simple design.
You can completely transform your garden by adding simple heights and new levels to the decking design. Also, depending on the structure and with these additions, you can create new passages to low areas of your garden that were inaccessible before.
Furthermore, mixing design patterns and materials from soft and hardwood can completely change the outlook of a uniform space in your garden. Softwood provides the needed support while hardwood ages well with time.
Choice of Timber
We’ve already established that hardwood is not more expensive than softwood. However, each type of wood has a category that will spoil you with options. Depending on the intended use of the decking space, you can choose to use hard-wearing hardwood, especially if you reside in high-traffic areas. If you are only looking to create a timber garden decking at the back of your house for occasional use, it may be wise to settle for softwood since it is cost-effective.
Below are some prices you should expect for a broader range of timber decking options (in no particular order).
| Wood Type | Small Deck (15 square metre) | Medium Deck (30 square metre) | Large Deck (45 square metre) |
| Oak (hardwood) | £900 to £1200 | £1900 to £2500 | £3000 to £3700 |
| Balau (hardwood) | £1200 to £1500 | £2300 to £3000 | £3200 to £4500 |
| Yellow pine (softwood) | £800 to £1100 | £1600 to £2100 | £2300 to £3200 |
| Cedar (softwood) | £1400 to £1600 | £3000 to £3200 | £4300 to £4600 |
| Redwood (softwood) | £650 to £900 | £1300 to £1800 | £1900 to £2600 |
| Douglas fir (softwood) | £800 to £1100 | £1600 to £2200 | £2500 to £3200 |
| Larch (softwood) | £550 to £700 | £1200 to £1500 | £1700 to £2200 |
Note: Prices may not be the same at the time when you read this publication. Also, estimates in the table above may include VAT.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
It is noteworthy that working with and cutting hardwood is a lot more complex than softwood. Additionally, with the raw material already costing a lot, making mistakes during construction will significantly drive the total cost up.
If you plan to do it yourself, we recommend using softwood to reduce the extra costs that may arise from mistakes. Furthermore, this precaution applies even more if this is your very first decking project.
Size
Whether you choose softwood or hardwood, the size you opt for will ultimately determine the total cost of your timber garden decking installation. Moreover, a larger deck will not require more decking boards, and you’ll also need more installation materials.
For terraced deck construction, you will have to cover the cost of accessories like stringers and steps, railings, or handrails. However, purchasing these accessories can quickly drive up the price. Furthermore, the situation becomes even dire if you want to build an elevated deck or your garden is steep.
Accessories
After selecting the type of decking you want, you still have to choose accessories to give the space the perfect outlook. A few of the accessories you’ll need are a decorative trellis and LED lights to brighten up the walkway and other poorly lit areas.
The table below shows estimated prices for randomly selected decking accessories:
| Accessories | Estimated price |
| Balustrade kits or Timber railings | Depending on the design you are working with, this could cost £50 to £150 |
| Postcrete cement | It costs £5 per 20kg bag |
| Handrails | £5 to £25 depending on the size and design |
| Timber newel post | £8 to £20 |
| Newel post caps | £2 to £10 |
| Supporting joist | Depending on the size, £2.50 to £25 |
| Trellis panels for extra decoration | Depending on the design, £2 to £35 each |
| Stringer kits and steps | £50 to £400 |
| Timber spindles | £1.50 to £3 |
| Timber fascias | Depending on timber and size, £5 to £40 |
| Screws for stringers, handrails and deck boards | £10 to £35 for each pack |
| Individual stringers | £15 to £45 for each one |
| LED lights | £15 to £50 for each pack |
| Gravel | £40 to £60 for each bulk bag |
| Risers for levelling | £5 to £40 |
| Anti-weed membrane | £10 to £30 |
Preparation
Apart from the actual construction process, the pre-planning stage can equally be time and money-consuming. Additionally, this extra cost comes to play, especially when you are trying to erect a decking in a portion of space where there wasn’t one before. In addition to that, planning and material procurement can drive up cost significantly.
If you can, you can cut costs by positioning the deck on an already-present patio area. Furthermore, you can reduce costs by clearing the site days before construction. You should do this even if you have plans to hire a professional.
Similarly, you need to determine if there is a need to dig up areas before laying. You need to factor this into your budget preparation as the cost and time needed to get this aspect of the job done can be high. Furthermore, if you want to remove an old deck altogether, ensure that you factor in the additional cost for skip hire and removal. Doing this may save you the cost of visiting and revisiting recycling centres.
Deck Maintenance
Finally, making adequate plans for after-construction maintenance is a massive part of the timber garden decking installation process. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to spend money on constructing a new decking only to leave it to waste away.
You should apply oil or a suitable sealant after the construction, and it should be re-applied annually to keep the wood in excellent condition. Furthermore, it will also ensure that the decking can survive the pressure from the elements.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
How Can I Reduce The Cost Of A Timber Decking Construction?
In addition to picking the most cost-effective timber and accessories, there are other simple ways to save money when constructing a new deck.
First, if you have an existing deck that’s somewhat still good, you can change its parts instead of a complete overhaul. Furthermore, finding workers who will charge £300 (excluding material costs) for deck renovations is also easy. Also, it is more cost-effective to repair an already existing deck than to construct a new one from scratch.
Secondly, you can stick with simple designs that will require little expertise and few materials. Simple techniques require shorter construction time, fewer materials, and expertise. In the long run, these will reduce the overall construction cost and save you money. In some cases, fast construction may require that you put the installation of some accessories on hold.
Depending on your garden type, you may be lucky enough to have only flat ground to work on. This type of ground does not require stairs or different levels; hence, the overall cost drops significantly.
The initial cost for hardwood may be high compared to softwood, but they have a longer lifespan and require little repairs post construction. This means hardwood will save you money in the long run if you have the capital to install them. Additionally, choosing quality materials that will last long is another way to save costs.
Lastly, taking personal responsibility for adequately caring for the deck will ensure that it has a very long life span. Ensure that you take all preventive and maintenance measures. Furthermore, make sure to conduct yearly oiling exercises and clean the deck as often as possible. Doing all of these consistently will reduce the chances of warping and will keep the deck looking clean and fresh.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
What Is The Best Timber For Deck Construction?
The timber you settle for will be determined by your personal preferences and the size of your budget. We discussed soft and hardwood earlier; now, let’s examine some advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of Hardwood
- Hardwood is generally seen as a long-term investment because of its high quality
- Hardwood is wear-resistant; hence, its deckings are resistant to warping, rotting, and splitting.
Disadvantages of Hardwood
- Requires annual maintenance to keep the deck clean and in excellent condition
- Hardwood comes from slow-growing trees, so it is not eco-friendly
- Hardwood is of very high quality, so it is generally more expensive
- It is a much harder material to work with, so its installation will take longer to complete, particularly for beginners.
Advantages of Softwood
- Softwood is very eco-friendly since it comes from fast-growing trees
- Very cost-effective and suitable for a deck project with a small budget
- Softwood is relatively easy to install. It is an excellent raw material for a DIY procedure that will save you extra cost.
Disadvantages of Softwood
- Softwood is prone to splitting, warping, and rotting
- With repeated use, the colour will fade off gradually
- Annual maintenance is required to keep the deck clean and in great shape.
- It is not as durable as hardwood, so it is widely used as a short-term solution for decking problems.
Timber Strength
Timber is measured based on its strength. You can conduct analysis visually or through the use of machines. Measurement or grading depends mainly on the type of tree and the quality of the final timber product.
In practice, timber from fast-growing trees that produce less dense wood receives low grades. Examples include most types of softwood and timber with knots and other uncommon characteristics.
Higher grades are wood derived from slow-growing trees capable of producing denser timber like most hardwood. Also, hardwood has options with little knots.
The grading range for softwood like yellow pine, Douglas Fir, Larch, cedar, and Redwood is C14 to C24. On the other hand, hardwood like balau and oak have a range of D30 to D70.
However, you should bear in mind that not all timber can be graded. For instance, yellow pine is usually associated with C24 (structural) or C18 (general building) grades. Oak, in particular, has the D30 and D40 grades.
In unclear situations, standard recommendations include using structural-grade timber for your decking construction.
Basics Of Timber Deck Building:
Whether you are undertaking the project yourself or looking to hire a professional to get the job done for you does not matter. The following steps remain relevant.
- You need to map out the chosen decking area with a string and wooden pegs
- Dig out a lawn if it is required, level the space, and cover it with anti-weed materials and gravel if you can
- If you have soft ground, you can lay paving slabs
- If you plan to fix the deck to an external wall, you can include timber wall plates too
- Construct an outside frame and fix it to the wall plates if necessary.
- Mount joist to support the decks that will be above
- Use rust-resistant screws to join the decking boards to each joist
- Carefully fit the remaining board while ensuring that there is a 5 to an 8-millimetre gap between the boards
- For a more polished appearance, you can use fascias boards
- You can use sandpaper to trim down rough edges
- For untreated timber, use sealant or oil to protect against rot and the effect of the elements.
Remember that the steps above apply if you want to build a flat deck. For more elaborate designs, you’ll need to make provisions for stairs, handrails, spindles or trellis, and more.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
How Do I Find Someone To Help Build My Deck?
With so many merchants available on the market, it’s hard to pick the right one for your home renovation.
First, we recommend contacting friends or family members who have hired a similar tradesperson recently to do a job for them. Moreover, this is one of the most effective ways to find trustworthy merchants. Also, you get to see what they can do before you hire them.
Second, you can check trade associations for installer and supplier recommendations. Thanks to professional opinions, there’s a good chance that you’d find experienced tradespeople to help you complete the job.
Lastly, you can ask the tradesperson or the agency for a quotation for the installation process. Moreover, by comparing quotes from multiple sources using the right tools and directory, you can save up to 40% on costs.
Ensuring The Tradesperson Is The Right Fit:
The first step towards ensuring that you are working with the right professional is to get a written quote. This legally binding document contains the terms of your deal, completion dates, and other additional services needed in the long run.
Next, you must confirm your tradesperson’s experience in handling timber garden decking installation. If you have a complicated garden landscape, your professional should be able to navigate through the terrain to get the job done.
Furthermore, you should never be afraid to ask for proof of previous work. Photos and videos should do the trick in most cases. While you are at it, you can proceed to discuss possible designs for the deck. The tradesperson’s expert advice could be a pointer to their ability to complete the job. Additionally, it could also be the confirmation you need that they know what they are doing.
Finally, the tradesperson should have insurance that covers them and your materials before they begin work. This ensures that every aspect of the work has adequate cover in case damages or accidents happen. Also, check to see if they have guarantees that ensure they will come back to fix any issue that may arise dates after the completion of the project.
Final Checklist
Timber garden decking installation can completely transform the appearance of any garden. It can make it a great social space in warm seasons. Our checklist below will ensure that you have everything you need to get started on the construction:
- Get the accurate measurements of the space to ensure you get the right quotes for materials and labour time
- Select the suitable timber based on your budget and personal preferences (hardwood is the preferred choice since it offers the best quality, softwood is the cheap alternative with less quality)
- Pick a design that works well for your garden space and budget
- If you don’t intend to take on the project by yourself, you can hire the services of an experienced tradesperson
- Get additional accessories like LEDs or decorative trellis if needed
- Ensure that you observe all maintenance procedures to prolong the lifespan of the decking materials.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Timber Deck Installation:
- Can I build a timber deck by myself?
If you have basic carpentry experience and plan to use softwood, you can take up the project yourself. Moreover, it would help if you request the assistance of a family member or friend.
Also, ensure that you study online journals and every material you can lay your hands on. However, you should hire a professional if you intend to use hardwood.
- How long can my deck last?
This depends on the type of timber that you use. Softwood should last 10 to 15 years. Hardwood would last considerably longer, up to 40 years in most cases, if properly maintained
- Can timber decks be slippery?
When wet, timber decks can be slippery. If this is not something you want, there are ways to get around it. First, you have to choose good timber. Moreover, for high-traffic areas, grooved anti-slip timber is a great option to help stop slipping. You can also use anti-slip coatings to help provide some friction.
- What are some alternatives to timber decking?
If you are not a lover of timber, there are other options that you can try. Some composite materials can give you the feel of wood without the accompanying upkeep needs. Additionally, paving is also a great option to help add another dimension to the outlook of your garden space.
Comparing Quotes Could Save You Upto 33%:
