UK Renovation Budget Planner
Calculate timber decking, composite decking, Indian sandstone and porcelain patio costs in pounds sterling (GBP). Adjust area in square metres and choose your UK region to model realistic supply and fitting costs.
UK Cost Benchmarks
Average installed costs across typical specifications. Figures include materials and standard UK tradesperson labour.
| Specification / Option | Typical UK Fitted Range | Characteristics & Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Treated Softwood Decking | £140 – £195 per m² | Budget-friendly timber, requires annual staining/sealing |
| Premium Hardwood Decking (Balau/Oak) | £220 – £310 per m² | Dense, durable timber with 20+ year expected life |
| Composite Decking (Capped WPC) | £250 – £350 per m² | Low maintenance, splinter-free, rot-resistant |
| Natural Stone Paving (Indian Sandstone) | £150 – £230 per m² | Traditional rustic aesthetic, permeable jointing |
| Vitrified Porcelain Paving | £210 – £320 per m² | Non-porous, stain-resistant, modern contemporary finish |
HomeProjects.money editorial team reviewed this page on 6 August 2026. HomeProjects.money is an independent planning tool, not a contractor, surveyor or building-control body. Listed sources inform the context and checking process; calculator ranges remain editorial planning assumptions that must be tested against written local quotes.
Planning assumptions
Standard base or framing, finish material, labour and basic edge details. Deck and patio budgets need separate allowances for foundations, drainage, structure, surface, guards, steps and access. Area alone cannot represent height, slope, soil or the number of edges and level changes.
Footings, frost depth, ground preparation, framing or slab build-up determine long-term movement. Concealed structural components should be fully specified.
Raised work adds posts, beams, stairs, guards and engineering. Even a small deck can become a structural project when it is elevated or attached to a building.
Timber, composite, concrete and pavers respond differently to moisture, heat and movement. Falls, gaps, joints and interfaces with the house are critical.
Scope decisions
Cost comparisons are useful only when every contractor prices the same performance, preparation and finishing requirements.
A robust choice where excavation, sub-base, drainage and frost or expansive-soil movement are properly addressed.
Flexible on sloping sites and repairable, but requires detailing and ongoing maintenance appropriate to exposure.
Reduces some maintenance but needs manufacturer-compliant joist spacing, ventilation, expansion and compatible fixings.
Country requirements
The calculator never mixes UK and US prices. The guidance below also follows the selected country; local authorities and code officials remain the definitive source.
In England and Wales, garden decking under 300mm in height that covers no more than 50% of the garden generally falls under Permitted Development. Elevated platforms over 300mm require full planning permission. Building regulations apply to structural balustrades and safety guarding.
Looking for US project planning in USD? Browse our US States & Cities Cost Directory or review our US Home Improvement Planning Guides.
Quote checklist
Common questions
No. Height, footings, framing spans, stairs, guards, edges and access can matter more than surface area.
Only a small optional design allowance. Elevated, unusual or difficult-ground projects may require separate engineering.
That depends on climate, maintenance, expected life and repairability; compare whole systems rather than board prices.
Sources and checks
These sources support regulatory and market context. They do not publish the calculator's exact range and are not presented as contractor quotations.