Decking is one of the best square-metre-for-money upgrades you can make to a South Wales garden — if it is built right. Here is an honest guide to what it costs and what actually moves the figure.
As a UK ballpark, timber decking runs about £40–£100 a square metre supplied and fitted, and composite about £90–£135 a square metre (2025 trade-guide averages, not a quote). A small ground-level deck in easy access sits at the lower end; a large raised deck with steps and awkward levels sits higher. A deck built dead level on a properly supported, airflow-fed frame — the way Ben builds — sits towards the upper end of those ranges rather than a quick, cheap deck that flexes or rots from below.
The frame is where a deck is won or lost, and where the money quietly goes. Proper support, level, and airflow underneath to stop it rotting is the difference between a deck that lasts and one that is spongy in three years. What moves your price is the size, whether it is raised or ground-level, the ground and access, the board (timber vs composite), and any steps or balustrade.
Composite costs more up front than timber but skips the yearly sanding and staining, so as with fencing it often works out the cheaper option over its life. Ben measures the area, checks the levels and access, talks both options through honestly, and gives you a written fixed price with the materials spelled out — free, no obligation.
As a UK ballpark, timber decking runs about £40–£100/m² supplied and fitted, composite about £90–£135/m² (2025 averages). Size, raised vs ground-level, the ground, access and board type all move it. Ben measures up and gives an exact fixed price free.
Yes, up front — composite costs more to buy and fit. Over its life it often works out cheaper because timber needs yearly sanding, staining and the odd board replaced, while composite just needs a wash and lasts 25 years or more. Ben lays both out honestly on the visit.
A raised deck with steps, balustrade and awkward levels costs more than a small ground-level one, and the frame — proper support, level and airflow — is where a lasting deck earns its price. The board (composite over timber) and difficult ground or access also push it up.
More on our common questions page.
Raised and ground-level garden decking in timber and composite — built dead level and solid underfoot.
Garden decking →Low-maintenance composite decking, built dead level on a properly supported frame, fitted across South Wales.
Composite decking →The look of timber with none of the upkeep — composite that will not rot, warp or fade.
composite fencing cost →See all the areas we cover, or read our common questions.
No call-out fee, no obligation. Tell Ben what you are after and he will arrange a free site visit, then quote you a fixed price.