Guide

How Much Does Decking Cost in 2026?

Decking costs vary enormously depending on whether you choose timber or composite, and whether you build it yourself. Here's what to expect in 2026.

Timber vs composite materials

Softwood decking boards are the cheapest option, often £8 to £15 per board. Hardwood costs considerably more. Composite decking — the low-maintenance option — typically runs two to three times the price of softwood per board, but never needs staining or oiling.

Don't forget the frame

The sub-frame of joists, bearers and posts is easy to overlook but often costs as much as the deck boards themselves, plus screws, joist feet and possibly concrete for the posts. Our decking cost calculator lets you add a frame-and-fixings allowance so the total is realistic.

DIY vs hiring

A competent DIYer can build a simple ground-level deck over a weekend, keeping the cost to materials only. Hiring a professional typically adds a few hundred pounds per day of labour, and raised or multi-level decks take longer and cost more.

The long-term view

Softwood is cheaper upfront but needs treating every year or two, and lasts perhaps 10 to 15 years with care. Composite costs far more initially but skips the maintenance and lasts longer, so over a couple of decades the gap narrows. If you hate garden chores, composite often justifies its price.