There are lots of good reasons to install garden decking for your home. These include providing an extra social space for children playing, dining, entertaining, or just simply relaxing. Whatever the reasons for creating a timber deck, it’s one of the most attractive additions that can be made to a home.
Recently we carried out a garden decking price survey. We asked some tradesmen on our website to let us know roughly how much would it cost, excluding vat, to install a 6m x 6m decking in a garden, presuming the site is already prepared and level. We also asked them for some tips on getting the best job done. Here are some replies we got below:-
John from Laois: You are looking at €3750 approximately for that decking without a railing etc. Clients should factor in the fluctuation of prices with timber etc. Even items such as screws has increased on an ongoing basis. Checking with a builders providers can give them a realistic idea of what timber etc will be before they look for a tradesman. All other costs must be factored in. Is the decking being fixed to a house etc which will require heavy duty bolts.
Colman from Offaly: Presuming site is level and ready to go. Labour only. Any decking I have done in the past 12 months have been priced at €30/€40 per m2 for straight forward design to €70/€80 per m2 for various designs e.g.-; diamond or angled designs.
Advice: All experienced tradesmen will have a good idea of what looks good and will advise appropriately, but it is the customer who knows what they want and, importantly, knows their budget. It is frightening how fast material prices are changing and labour is increasing in line. So, know what you want, take advice and act provided it’s within your budget and proceed with selected Tradesman within an agreed time frame.
David from Meath: Softwood deck around €100.00 per square meter. Composite decking €130-160 per square meter depending on customer requirements.
David from Westmeath: Cost of timber for 6m x 6m flat deck with no railings or steps would be approx €3,000. Labour costs would be €1,200 (2 men for 2 days). All prices incl Vat.
On posts, I think people need to be realistic on their budget when they put up a job. It seems that a lot of posts recently that people are hoping to grab a bargain and not putting in the budget that the job description requires. I think it should be taken more seriously by the potential client as if the budget does not tie in with the job description its a big negative in terms of replying. They need to understand that it is a tradesman they are reaching out to and not a young lad looking for a nixer.
Conn from Dublin 9: I’ll give you 2 versions of costs, standard treated timber decking and composite decking. As per your brief, 6x6m with site prepped and level and new deck having no steps, rail or other special features. Std treated timber deck 6x6m supply and fit = €3000. Composite deck 6x6m supply and fit = €4000.
Keith from Kildare: I would say the cost of the 6m x 6m decking would be €2,000 depending on the types of rails the customer has decided on. Some tips for customers would be:
– In Irish weather it may be advisable to use composite decking as it increases the longevity of the job done.
– try to get at least three quotes.
– make sure to read through the tradesmen references
– don’t buy any materials until you have consulted with your tradesman as
he may be able to pass on a better discount and then you will be sure of
the correct quantities being bought for the job.”
Craig from Dublin: For a 6mx6m timber deck on a level ground without handrails you would be around the €3350 ex vat. I would advise doing a bit of research first into what board you want as there is a vast choice of timber and composite deck boards to choose from. Ask for pictures of previous work so you can see finish to be expected.
Conn from Dublin: I’ll give you 2 versions of costs, standard treated timber decking and composite decking. As per your brief, 6x6m with site prepped and level and new deck having no steps, rail or other special features. Std treated timber deck 6x6m supply and fit = €3000. Composite deck 6x6m supply and fit = €4000.
I hope this helps some of you who are considering putting in some decking in the near future. If you decide to go ahead with it be sure to post your decking job here . To subscribe to our blog and be notified each time we publish an article, click here
Cheers
Oliver Dempsey
General Tips for hiring a tradesman
Here are some tips to consider when hiring a tradesman:-
1. Ask for phone numbers of references so that you can check them out
2. Check insurance of the tradesman where insurance is required
3. Hire a suitably qualified architect, building surveyor or building engineer if the job is anything to do with a new build, building renovation or extension
4. Agree on some sort of stage payments for the job. Remember that full payment should not be made until the job is complete and has been inspected by you, and if necessary by a certifier.
