How much does garden decking cost?

Before bringing out your new patio furniture for your new garden deck, it’s good to get familiar with how much it costs to deck your garden. That way, you can get the most out of your set budget.

The average cost of garden decking is $7,500. The cost of decking your garden depends on the material you use, the size of the deck, and the cost of labor. This guide will walk you through some things you need to know before going ahead with construction.

Garden decking materials and their costs

The most significant factor when determining how much it costs to replace decking is the material. Garden decks come in various materials, which have pros and cons. These can cost about $8 to $15 per square foot, depending on your material grade.

Below is a chart to give you an idea of how much each type of material will cost for your garden deck. Note that installation and labor fees are not part of this price list.

Bamboo

This is one of the least expensive materials you can use for your garden. Despite its low price, you can expect it to look beautiful. It requires yearly maintenance like common wooden materials. Still, it has a longer life span if you live in an area with infrequent rainfall.

Pressure-treated lumber

This is the most common type of decking material used in the US because of its resistance to insects and rot. However, this material can split, crack, and warp when exposed to the elements. You need to maintain this deck yearly. On top of that, you need to sand and oil it to maintain its sleek appearance.

Cedar

A good thing about cedarwood is its rot resistance, not just its sophisticated look. However, just like other materials made of softwood, you can expect this decking material to be prone to dings and scratches as time passes. 

Redwood

This is another wooden decking material resistant to damage and warping. However, you need to maintain it yearly for aesthetics. Sunlight can make its color fade. So you need to paint and stain redwood to retain its beautiful finish. 

Ipe

This is known to be an indestructible hardwood, hence its higher price. It is also resistant to weather damage, insect infestation, and rot. However, it requires annual lubrication.

Composite

This decking material is made from recycled timber fiber and plastic. It's a greener option than wooden materials since it doesn't require yearly maintenance. 

Factors affecting the cost of garden decking

How much does it cost to deck a small garden? When figuring out the price of your garden deck, consider four factors:

Your terrain

Building a garden or deck is not as simple as laying out wooden panels. Carpenters will look at whether your garden is flat or sloping. It can affect the time or labor it will take to install your garden deck.

Decking size and material 

Extensive gardens require more materials for decking. Also, the type of material you choose has a significant effect on your total expenses. 

Additional Features 

Installing more features on your deck adds more to its price. These additional features can come in the form of elevation and railings. 

Types of garden decks and their costs

The design of your deck depends on the style and aesthetic you are aiming for in your garden. Here are the common types of decks in the US:

Platform decks

These are your standard garden decks at ground level. They are excellent for bungalows and homes with the first floor at ground level, costing about $20-$60 per square foot. 

Raised decks

These sit a few feet above the ground and usually come with railings and stairs. Installing those additional features can raise the overall price of the garden deck. Raised decks cost $30 to $60 per square foot. 

Multi-level decks

If you want to go a little extra on the design of your deck, you can also install a multi-level one. Multi-level decks are good if you have walkways or stairs adjoining multi-level garden decks. They cost more than $20,000. 

Garden decking installation costs

Once you’ve decided on your deck's materials and additional features, you can now consider the labor cost. A landscape gardener, carpenter, or joiner can install this garden deck for you. They charge about $15 to $35 per square foot on average. You can expect a standard 300- to 400-square-foot deck to have a total labor cost of $4,500 to $10,000.

Posting a task for garden decking

You're ready to post a task now that you know how much it costs to install garden decking! You'll soon receive offers from Taskers near you. You can compare their profiles, ratings, and reviews and select the best Tasker for your requirements. Do you need more information on how to go about it? Check out how it works.

Here are some details to include on your list:

• Your budget
• Your location
• Decking material and size
• Schedule or time frame

Ultimately, the more details you share, the easier it is for Taskers to give you exact estimates.