Decking gives you a level, dry area outside the back door without the digging and concrete of a patio. It is priced per square metre, and the two things that move the price most are the board material and how high off the ground the deck sits.
We don't build decks ourselves. You tell us the rough size, material and level, send photos, and we show an indicative range. We then pass your enquiry to one local specialist who covers your postcode, and they confirm a fixed price.
Timber or composite
- Timber. Pressure-treated softwood boards are the most common choice. It looks natural, is easy to cut and fix, and is cheaper to buy. It needs cleaning and treating every year or two, and it gets slippery in shade.
- Composite. Boards made from wood fibre and plastic. They cost more, but don't need staining, don't splinter and keep their colour better. Good composite boards have a grip surface. Both types sit on a treated timber or aluminium frame.
What it costs
Prices are per square metre, supply and fit, waste included, indicative for the West Midlands.
| Decking | Ground level | Raised or stepped |
|---|---|---|
| Timber | £120–£200 per m² | £144–£240 per m² |
| Composite | £200–£300 per m² | £240–£360 per m² |
Taking up and removing old decking adds £10–£20 per m². As a guide:
| Size | Timber, ground level | Composite, ground level |
|---|---|---|
| Small (about 8m²) | £960–£1,600 | £1,600–£2,400 |
| Medium (about 15m²) | £1,800–£3,000 | £3,000–£4,500 |
| Large (about 28m²) | £3,360–£5,600 | £5,600–£8,400 |
Jobs likely to go over £8,000 get a free site visit rather than an online range. The decking cost guide breaks the figures down further.
What affects the price
- Height. Raised or stepped decks need more frame, more posts set in concrete, and often steps and a balustrade. They are priced at about 20% more per m².
- The ground. Slopes, soft ground and old concrete underneath change how the frame is supported.
- Board choice. Grooved softwood is cheapest. Smooth hardwood and premium composite sit at the top of the range.
- Edges and extras. Fascia boards, steps, handrails, built-in seating, lighting and planters all add.
- Access. Boards and frame timber are long. A carry through the house or down a narrow side path adds 15–20%.
Raised decking and the 30cm rule
Decking is usually permitted development, but not if any part of the platform is more than 30cm above the ground. A deck higher than that needs planning permission. The measurement is taken from the ground level beside it, so a deck on a sloping garden can be fine at the house end and over the limit at the far end.
Other things to check:
- Listed buildings and properties in some conservation areas have tighter rules.
- Flats and maisonettes don't have householder permitted development rights, so any deck needs permission.
- A raised deck can overlook the neighbours. Even where it is allowed, a screen along the edge is often sensible. See trellis and screening. A screen that acts as a boundary or enclosure is measured from the ground, not the deck, and still has to stay within the 2m limit.
Raised or stepped decks always get a closer look at the photos before a price is confirmed, and very high or multi-level decks get a free site visit.
How a deck is built to last
A good deck sits on a frame that is off the soil, with weed membrane and gravel underneath, joists at the right spacing for the boards, and a slight fall so water runs off. Posts go into concrete or on ground screws. Boards are fixed with stainless or coated screws and a small gap for drainage and movement. Ask the specialist what spacing and fixings they use.
What to photograph for a quote
Good photos mean a closer price, and a shorter visit to measure up. How to measure.
- The whole fence line or area, end to end, standing back as far as you can
- From above if you can: an upstairs window shows the size and levels best
- The way in from the road: the drive, side gate, steps and where a lorry could park
Where we cover
We pass decking enquiries to specialists in Sutton Coldfield, North Birmingham, Solihull, South Birmingham, Edgbaston and Harborne, Lichfield and Tamworth, Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley and Stourbridge and Coventry. If you are weighing up a deck against paving, see patios and the patio cost guide.
Questions about decking
Is decking cheaper than a patio?
At ground level, timber decking at £120–£200 per m² is in the same range as a sandstone patio at about £110–£160 per m² plus excavation. On a sloping garden, decking is often cheaper because it avoids retaining walls and steps.
How long does timber decking last?
With a well-built frame and regular treatment, 10–15 years is typical. Boards in constant shade or sitting close to wet soil fail sooner.
Does composite decking get hot?
Darker composite boards can get warm in full sun. Lighter colours stay cooler. It is worth asking for a sample to leave outside for a day.
Can new decking go over my old patio?
Often, yes. A low frame can sit on sound paving, which saves digging. The specialist checks the drainage so water doesn't sit under the frame.
How do I measure for decking?
Measure the length and width of the area in metres and multiply them. Note any steps or change in level and take photos from both ends.