# Decking Cost Calculator

> Estimate total decking project cost. Compare softwood, hardwood, and composite pricing, see cost per m², and DIY vs professional installation.

Canonical: https://renoquant.com/decking-cost-calculator
Prices updated: 2026-03

## How Much Does Decking Cost?

Decking costs depend on the material you choose, the deck size, foundation requirements, and whether you build it yourself or hire a professional. This guide breaks down every cost so you can budget your project confidently.

### Cost by Material Type

| Material | Board Cost per m2 | Total Material Cost per m2 | Installed Cost per m2 | Lifespan |
|----------|------------------|--------------------------|---------------------|----------|
| Treated softwood | EUR 15-30 | EUR 30-55 | EUR 80-140 | 10-20 years |
| Hardwood (e.g. cumaru, ipe) | EUR 40-80 | EUR 65-120 | EUR 130-220 | 25-40 years |
| Composite (mid-range) | EUR 25-50 | EUR 55-90 | EUR 120-190 | 25-30 years |
| Composite (premium) | EUR 45-75 | EUR 70-110 | EUR 140-210 | 30+ years |
| PVC / plastic | EUR 30-55 | EUR 55-95 | EUR 120-195 | 20-30 years |

Total material cost includes the subframe (joists, bearers), foundation blocks, fixings, weed membrane, and fascia. Board cost alone is misleading because the subframe and fixings add 40-60% on top.

### Full Project Cost by Deck Size

| Deck Size | Area | Softwood (DIY) | Softwood (Installed) | Composite (DIY) | Composite (Installed) |
|-----------|------|---------------|---------------------|-----------------|----------------------|
| Small (2m x 2m) | 4 m2 | EUR 120-220 | EUR 320-560 | EUR 220-400 | EUR 480-840 |
| Medium (3m x 3m) | 9 m2 | EUR 270-495 | EUR 720-1260 | EUR 495-810 | EUR 1080-1710 |
| Large (4m x 4m) | 16 m2 | EUR 480-880 | EUR 1280-2240 | EUR 880-1440 | EUR 1920-3040 |
| Extra large (6m x 4m) | 24 m2 | EUR 720-1320 | EUR 1920-3360 | EUR 1320-2160 | EUR 2880-4560 |

### DIY vs Professional Cost Breakdown

| Component | DIY Cost (per m2) | Professional Cost (per m2) |
|-----------|------------------|--------------------------|
| Decking boards | EUR 15-50 | EUR 15-50 |
| Subframe timber | EUR 8-15 | EUR 8-15 |
| Foundation blocks | EUR 3-6 | EUR 3-6 |
| Fixings and screws | EUR 2-5 | EUR 2-5 |
| Weed membrane | EUR 1-2 | EUR 1-2 |
| Fascia trim | EUR 2-4 | EUR 2-4 |
| **Materials subtotal** | **EUR 31-82** | **EUR 31-82** |
| Labour | EUR 0 (your time) | EUR 50-100 |
| **Total per m2** | **EUR 31-82** | **EUR 81-182** |

DIY decking saves EUR 50-100 per m2 in labour. A 15 m2 deck saves EUR 750-1500 by doing it yourself. The trade-off is time — expect a DIY build to take a full weekend for a medium deck, versus one day for a professional team.

### Softwood vs Composite: 15-Year Cost of Ownership

| Cost Factor | Softwood (15 years) | Composite (15 years) |
|-------------|-------------------|---------------------|
| Initial material cost (15 m2) | EUR 450-825 | EUR 825-1350 |
| Annual oil/stain treatment | EUR 30-60 x 15 = EUR 450-900 | EUR 0 |
| Board replacements (estimated) | EUR 100-200 | EUR 0 |
| Deep clean (power wash + treatment) | EUR 50-80 x 5 = EUR 250-400 | EUR 20-30 x 5 = EUR 100-150 |
| **Total 15-year cost** | **EUR 1250-2325** | **EUR 925-1500** |

The upfront saving of softwood disappears within 5-7 years of annual maintenance. If you factor in the time spent sanding, oiling, and replacing boards, composite becomes even more attractive. The break-even point is typically around year 6-8.

### Cost per m2 Quick Reference

For fast budgeting, use these all-in rates:

| Scenario | Cost per m2 |
|----------|------------|
| DIY softwood (basic) | EUR 30-45 |
| DIY softwood (quality) | EUR 45-65 |
| DIY composite | EUR 55-100 |
| Professional softwood | EUR 80-140 |
| Professional composite | EUR 120-200 |
| Professional hardwood | EUR 130-220 |

Multiply your deck area in m2 by these rates for a quick estimate. Then use our decking calculator for a precise materials list.

### Extra Costs to Plan For

1. **Steps** — Each step costs EUR 50-120 in materials (or EUR 120-250 installed) depending on width and material
2. **Railing or balustrade** — EUR 40-100 per linear metre for timber, EUR 80-200 for glass or metal
3. **Built-in seating** — EUR 100-300 per bench, depending on length and design
4. **Lighting** — Recessed deck lights cost EUR 5-15 each, plus EUR 50-100 for a transformer and cabling
5. **Building regulations** — Decks over 300mm above ground level may require building control notification in some jurisdictions, with fees of EUR 200-400
6. **Old deck removal** — EUR 10-20 per m2 DIY, EUR 25-45 per m2 professional

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much does decking cost per m2?

Treated softwood decking costs EUR 30-55 per m2 for materials, or EUR 80-140 per m2 fully installed. Composite decking costs EUR 55-100 per m2 for materials, or EUR 120-200 per m2 installed. These prices include the subframe, fixings, and a basic foundation.

### Is softwood or composite decking cheaper?

Softwood is 40-50% cheaper upfront. A 15 m2 softwood deck costs EUR 450-825 in materials vs EUR 825-1500 for composite. However, softwood needs annual treatment (EUR 30-60 per year). Over 15 years, composite can work out cheaper because it needs virtually no maintenance.

### How much does a professional decking installation cost?

Professional installation adds EUR 50-100 per m2 to the material cost, depending on deck complexity, height, and access. A simple ground-level 15 m2 deck costs EUR 750-1500 in labour. Raised decks, steps, and built-in seating increase labour costs significantly.

### What hidden costs are there in a decking project?

Budget for foundation blocks or concrete pads (EUR 50-150), weed membrane (EUR 15-30), fascia trim boards (EUR 30-80), decking oil or stain for the first coat (EUR 25-50), steps if the deck is raised (EUR 100-300), and any building regulation fees for raised platforms.

### Does decking add value to a house?

A well-built deck can add EUR 5,000-15,000 to a property's perceived value and makes gardens more attractive to buyers. However, a poorly maintained or rotten deck is a negative. The return on investment is highest for mid-range decking that is in good condition.

### How much does it cost to remove old decking?

Removing old decking costs EUR 10-20 per m2 for DIY (skip hire for disposal) or EUR 25-45 per m2 if a contractor handles removal and disposal. A 15 m2 deck removal typically costs EUR 150-300 DIY or EUR 375-675 professionally.

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Interactive version with calculator: https://renoquant.com/decking-cost-calculator. Figures are estimates; final quotes vary by site conditions, materials, and region.