Choose hardwood decking species.

Hardwood decking is the premium choice for UK gardens — longer-lasting, denser, and more weather-resistant than pressure-treated softwood. But "hardwood" covers everything from iroko at £70/m² to ipe at £140/m², with very different looks and properties. This guide compares the species commonly available in the UK in 2026, their costs, and which suits your garden.

All true hardwoods carry FSC certification when sourced responsibly — always look for it; tropical hardwood without certification supports illegal logging.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Same install method as softwood — joists, frame, board fixing.
• Pre-drilling essential for hardwood — they split if screwed without pilot holes.
• Stainless steel screws (not zinc-plated) for hardwood — galvanic reaction stains some species.
• Tighter joist centres (300–350 mm) to support stiff boards.
• Optional oil treatment in the first year.

Typical Costs by Species

Above costs are for the boards alone. Add £15–30/m² for joist frame, plus £30–60/m² labour for installed cost.

How Long Does It Take?

• Hardwood decks take 30–50% longer than softwood to install due to pre-drilling.
• 20 m² hardwood deck: 4–6 days.
• Annual maintenance: 1 day (lighter than softwood).

DIY or Professional?

Hardwood demands more precision than softwood — pre-drilling, stainless fixings, and the cost of waste if you mis-cut a board makes DIY higher-stakes. For premium hardwoods, hire a specialist. For oak or larch, DIY is achievable.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Ask about FSC certification — they should source it as standard.
• Confirm stainless steel fixings throughout.
• Look at completed hardwood jobs aged 3+ years — patina is the test.
• Discuss oil schedule — some species are best left to silver naturally; others look best maintained.

UK Regulations

• Same as softwood decking — under 300 mm permitted development, over needs planning.
• FSC chain-of-custody certificates may be required for some local-authority projects.

Common Problems

• Tannin staining — fresh hardwood (especially oak, ipe) bleeds tannins that stain stone or render. Allow weathering or wash off promptly.
• Surface checking — small surface cracks as wood acclimates. Cosmetic only.
• Movement — hardwood moves with humidity. Tight installation is wrong; leave 4–6 mm spacing.
• Splitting at fixings — pre-drill every screw.
• UV greying — natural and attractive but unexpected for owners who wanted the rich colour to last. Oil prevents.

Frequently Asked Questions