Lay a timber deck patio.

A timber decking patio gives a UK garden warmth and texture that no stone or concrete can match — and it's still one of the most popular outdoor surfaces, despite the rise of porcelain. This guide focuses on real-wood decking (softwood and hardwood); composite is covered separately. It walks through what installed decking actually costs in 2026, the wood choices, the install detail that prevents rot, and the honest maintenance reality of timber in the British climate.

Pressure-treated softwood is the default UK choice. Hardwood gives a premium look and lifespan but at significantly higher cost.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Concrete base or pad foundations for the support posts.
• Joist frame — typically C24 graded pressure-treated timber.
• Ventilation gap (50 mm minimum) below joists for airflow.
• Deck boards screwed (not nailed) at 4–8 mm spacing for drainage.
• Fascia / skirt boards to finish edges.
• Optional balustrade for raised decks (Building Regs apply over 600 mm).

Typical Costs

Raised decks add £200–£800 to the total depending on height (balustrade and structural calcs required over 600 mm).

How Long Does It Take?

• Ground-level 15 m² softwood deck: 2–3 days.
• 20 m² hardwood with steps: 4–6 days.
• Annual maintenance: 1 day for cleaning + reoiling/staining.

DIY or Professional?

Decking is the most DIY-friendly of all "patio" types — modular components, predictable methods, and plenty of online guidance. A confident DIYer with one helper can lay a 15 m² ground-level softwood deck over a long weekend. Raised decks with balustrades, complex shapes, or hardwood timber are better hired out.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Look for a carpenter or specialist decking installer, not a generic landscape contractor.
• Confirm joist centres are 400 mm or less for solid feel underfoot.
• Ask about hidden fixings (clips) vs face-screws — clips look cleaner, face-screws hold longer.
• Verify Building Regs compliance for raised decks (over 600 mm needs balustrade; over 30 cm with adjacent drop needs handrail).
• Get warranty in writing — 5–10 years on the frame, lifespan varies on boards.

UK Regulations

• Decks under 300 mm high and under 30 m² are permitted development.
• Raised decks over 600 mm need balustrades to Building Regs (1,100 mm height typical).
• Decks within 2 m of a boundary that exceed 300 mm need planning permission.
• Listed buildings and conservation areas have stricter rules.

Common Problems

• Slipperiness when wet — UK rain + algae makes timber decks dangerously slick. Annual treatment with biocide essential.
• Cupping and twisting — wrong moisture content at install, or boards not weight-loaded as they dry.
• Joists rotting — poor ventilation under the deck. The 50 mm gap is non-negotiable.
• Surface splitting — softwood eventually splits as UV dries it. Annual oil treatment dramatically slows this.
• Slip-fall claims — algae on shaded decks is a real liability. Maintain regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions