Costs of installing decks
Installing decking costs on average between €35 and €110 per m² for materials, plus €50 per hour for the professional. A deck is a wooden or composite outdoor floor installed clear of the ground, ideal as a terrace, walkway, or jetty. The price depends on the chosen material, dimensions, and the complexity of the project. In this price guide, you can read exactly what installing a deck costs and what to consider for your situation.
Table of Contents
How much does installing a deck cost?
Installing a deck costs an average of €80 per m² for materials, excluding installation. For a complete deck of 20 m², you will pay approximately €1,200 in material costs. Labour costs are added to this: the professional charges €50 per hour for laying and assembly.
Average costs for installing a deck
Description | Price |
|---|---|
Decking installation per m² | €80 |
Decking 20 m² (excl. assembly) | €1,200 |
Professional hourly rate | €50 per hour |
The table shows standard material costs per square metre and a calculation example for a 20 m² deck. The hourly rate applies to installing the sub-structure and mounting the decking boards.
Do you have a more complex design in mind? Then you can count on €300 to €900 for a professional design, depending on the scale and details. If you choose composite as an alternative to wood, you pay approximately €80 per m², comparable to high-quality hardwood.
The mentioned costs include 21% VAT. Please note: labour costs are always added separately to the material costs. The total price for installing a deck depends on the size, the chosen material, and the time the professional needs to realise your deck.
Decking costs per wood type
The costs for installing a deck heavily depend on the wood type you choose. Impregnated European softwood is the most budget-friendly option at €35 per m², while Bankirai smooth (19 cm wide) is the most expensive at €110 per m². Hardwood and Bankirai last longer (up to 25 years) but require a higher initial investment.
Type of wood | Board thickness | Board width | Price per m² |
|---|---|---|---|
Impregnated European softwood | 2.8 cm | 14.5 cm | €35 |
Douglas or larch wood | 2.8 cm | 14.5 cm | €40 |
Hardwood grooved | 2.5 cm | 14.5 cm | €80 |
Bankirai grooved | 2.8 cm | 14.5 cm | €80 |
Hardwood grooved | 2.8 cm | 14.5 cm | €100 |
Bankirai smooth | 2.8 cm | 14.5 cm | €100 |
Bankirai smooth | 2.8 cm | 19 cm | €110 |
Price-determining factors for decking installation
The costs for installing a deck vary per project. This is because various factors influence the price, from the chosen wood type to the complexity of the design. Below you can read which aspects determine the total price and why costs can differ.
Surface area of the deck
The larger the decking surface, the more material you need. For a deck of 40 m², you therefore pay twice as much for boards as for 20 m². Labour time also increases with larger surfaces, which raises the total costs.
Material choice
Hardwood such as Bankirai costs €80 to €110 per m², while impregnated softwood starts at €35 per m². Hardwood lasts up to 25 years but requires a higher investment. Composite costs about €80 per m² and combines durability with low maintenance.
Board thickness and width
Thicker boards (2.8 cm versus 2.5 cm) and wider boards (19 cm versus 14.5 cm) increase material costs. They do offer more stability for intensive use and ensure fewer seams in the surface.
Subsurface and preparation
With hard or damp ground, 20 cm often needs to be excavated for drainage. This requires extra labour hours and materials such as weed membrane and gravel, which increases the costs.
Complexity of the design
A professional design costs €300 to €900. Diagonal patterns or herringbone motifs require more time and precision during cutting and placement, leading to longer labour duration and higher costs.
Height differences and construction
Decks at height or with stair constructions require a sturdier sub-structure and more material. The professional also needs more time to level and secure the beams.
Permits
For large decks, elevations above 30 cm, or placement by water, a planning permit may be required. The application takes time and sometimes incurs fees, affecting the planning and price.
Region
In large cities, labour costs are often higher than in rural areas. This difference is due to higher living costs and greater demand for professionals in urban zones.
Urgency versus planned work
Urgent jobs are more expensive because the professional must adjust their schedule. For planned work, they can fit the job in more efficiently, which reduces costs.
Weekend or weekdays
Work during the weekend costs more due to surcharges. Schedule your decking during the week for the best rate.
Accessibility of the workplace
If the workplace is difficult to reach due to a narrow passage or many stairs, transporting material takes extra time. Clear and easy access saves labour hours.
Good preparation
Ensure that garden furniture and plants are moved beforehand. The professional can then start immediately, limiting the total labour duration.
Use a fair platform
At Zoofy, you know what you pay upfront, without surprises and without call-out charges. You get direct insight into the costs and the affiliated professionals work at transparent rates.
Additional costs and surcharges for decking installation
At Zoofy, you pay no call-out charges. Additional costs depend on your specific situation and wishes.
Urgency surcharge: A surcharge applies to urgent jobs because the professional must adjust their schedule
Weekend surcharge: Work during the weekend is more expensive than during the week
Installing drainage: For damp ground, extra costs for drainage are necessary
Decking lighting: Solar-powered spotlights or those connected to the mains cause additional costs; for mains connection, an outdoor cable must be laid beforehand
Edge finishing: A neat edge finish at the end of the deck slightly increases the costs
Stair construction: Decks with stairs for height differences require extra material and labour
Weed membrane: Necessary to prevent weeds, a small additional cost item
How does the professional work when installing a deck?
Installing a deck follows a fixed sequence of steps.
Preparing the subsurface: The professional excavates approximately 20 cm. 10 cm is filled with yellow sand, the other 10 cm remains open for ventilation and drying after rain. For damp ground, drainage is installed.
Staking out and placing posts: The posts are marked on the ground with 40 cm spacing in both width and length. Holes are bored and posts are driven deep into the ground.
Applying weed membrane: Weed membrane is spread over the surface to prevent weeds. A cross is cut at the posts so the membrane slides over them.
Placing joists: Wooden beams (for example 45 x 68 mm) are mounted upright against the side of the posts with size 8 carriage bolts for maximum strength.
Mounting decking boards: The first board is placed at least 1 cm from the wall. Hardwood is pre-drilled with a countersink bit. Spax screws are used. For large decks, boards are laid in a random pattern.
Finishing: Optionally, an edge finish is applied. Decking lighting can be installed with spotlights. Move garden furniture beforehand and clear access for materials.
How can you save on decking installation?
There are various ways to reduce the costs of installing a deck without compromising on quality.
Choose durable material: Hardwood or composite require little maintenance and last up to 25 years. Cheaper wood types such as impregnated softwood seem economical but require regular oiling or impregnating, which increases costs over time.
Clear the workplace: Move garden furniture and plants beforehand, and ensure easy accessibility. The professional can then start immediately, saving labour hours.
Plan during the week: Do not book in the weekend or with urgency. A planned job during the week results in the lowest rate because no surcharges apply.
Choose a simple pattern: Diagonal patterns or herringbone motifs are labour-intensive and require more time and precision. A standard pattern keeps assembly costs low.
Book via Zoofy: You get a fixed rate upfront, without call-out charges and without surprises. You only pay after completion of the job.
Common problems with decking
Decks can develop various problems that affect lifespan and safety.
Inadequate ventilation
Without 10 cm of space under the deck, wood can warp extremely due to accumulated moisture. This leads to twisting or bulging boards that eventually come loose. This problem occurs mainly with decks that are too low or when the subsurface does not allow for good air circulation.
Moisture problems
With damp ground without drainage, mould and rot occur in the wood. Recognisable by dark spots and a musty smell around the sub-structure. Ignoring this leads to structurally weakened beams and higher replacement costs.
Green deposits
Algae and moss make the deck slippery and dangerous, especially in shaded and damp conditions. Regular cleaning prevents slipping and limits repair costs.
Find the best professional for decking installation
Installing a deck requires professional knowledge: correct ventilation and construction techniques determine the lifespan.
No call-out charges: You only pay for the actual work, never extra for the professional's arrival.
Fixed price upfront: You know exactly what the costs are, without surprises afterwards.
Quick booking without quote hassle: Arrange a professional directly and choose a time, without waiting for multiple quotes.
Payment via QR code after completion: You only pay when the job is done and you are satisfied with the result.
Reliable, vetted professionals: All affiliated professionals are verified and score an average of 9.2.
Expertise with complex decks: The professional masters subsurface preparation, prevents common mistakes such as inadequate ventilation or wrong screws that rust, and always pre-drills hardwood to prevent splitting.
Frequently asked questions about decking installation
How long does it take to install a deck?
For a deck of 20 m², the professional averages 1 to 2 days, including preparation of the subsurface. For larger areas or complex designs, the duration can increase to 3 days.
What does it cost to install a wooden terrace?
Installing a wooden deck costs an average of €80 per m² for material. For a terrace of 20 m², you pay about €1,200 for boards, plus the labour costs of €50 per hour. The total costs depend on the chosen wood and complexity.
What do you put under a deck?
The professional excavates 20 cm and fills 10 cm with yellow sand. The remaining 10 cm stays open for ventilation and drying. Weed membrane prevents weeds, and drainage is installed for damp ground.
How slippery do decks get in the rain?
Smooth decking boards can become slippery in the rain. Grooved boards significantly reduce the risk of slipping and are therefore safer in wet weather.
Can pets damage decking?
Dog nails can damage soft wood types. Hardwood or composite is more resistant to scratch damage and maintains its appearance longer.
How do I prevent splinters in my deck?
Choose composite (splinter-free) or treat wooden decks regularly with oil. Hardwood splits less than softwood and stays smoother with good maintenance.
Is a deck suitable for a slope?
Yes, with adjustable pedestals or a modified construction, a deck can be installed on sloping ground. The professional ensures everything is level.
What do I do about green deposits on my deck?
Clean the deck with a special decking cleaner or a pressure washer on a low setting. Preventive treatment with an anti-slip or anti-moss product helps against algae.
Do I need a permit for a deck?
For large decks, elevations above 30 cm, or placement by water, a planning permit may be required. Always check with your municipality beforehand to avoid extra costs for subsequent adjustments.
What is the difference between hardwood and composite?
Hardwood has a natural look and lasts up to 25 years with maintenance. Composite is splinter-free, low-maintenance, and ideal for swimming pools. Both cost approximately €80 per m².
Book a professional for decking installation
Ready to have a deck installed? At Zoofy, you book a professional directly, without quotes and without call-out charges. You see exactly what it costs beforehand, and Zoofy connects you to a reliable, vetted professional. You only pay once the work is completed. Book a professional directly now.