Size and shape
Bigger decks and more complex shapes take more materials and time.
Ground
Soft or uneven ground needs deeper footings.
Height
Raised decks need more posts, railings and steps.
Materials
Softwood is cheapest, larch next, then composite and oak.
Access
Rural gardens are often easy to reach; narrow paths take longer.
Footings for country soils
Out in the Vale, ground conditions can change from one end of a garden to the other. Clay that is firm in summer can be soft in February, and old farmyards can hide rubble just under the turf. Where the ground is soft we dig deeper to firm ground, and that takes extra time and concrete. We'll explain at the visit whether your garden needs it.
Railings and steps
A low deck may need no railings at all. Once a drop gets past 600mm, guarding is needed, and the type you choose makes a difference: simple timber posts and rails cost less than glass. Broad steps that double as seating take more materials than a single narrow step.
Removing an old deck or patio
If there's an old deck or slabs to clear first, we'll include taking them away in the quote.
Lighting
A few low step lights add a little to the cost and a lot to how much you use the deck in the evening. We'll price them as a separate line so you can decide.
How our quotes are laid out
The price depends on the frame and footings, boards, steps, railings, lighting and any removal, so changing the design is the way to bring the cost down. There's no charge for the visit or the quote and no pressure to go ahead.
Questions people ask
Do you charge for a visit?
No, visits and quotes are free.
Can we spread the work?
Yes. We can split larger projects into stages.