Cheap Decking in the UK
The great outdoors are no longer an afterthought — they’re an extension of your home. Dreaming of long, lazy afternoons in your garden, throwing a little soiree or setting up a peaceful and inviting escape? decking is a truly versatile option for transforming your outdoor living area. But if you’re on a budget, you may wonder if stylish can be achieved without breaking the bank.
Good news — it absolutely is. To help make your decking dreams a reality, we have put together this step-by-step guide to decking in the UK, from material options to finishing touches, so you can also get the most out of your outdoor space. Raiding the sales – with a little help from an expert – we show you how to create a city garden that looks a million pounds, without costing it.
Why are Decking Boards Good For Our Gardens?
Before we answer the question what is cheap decking, we would be remiss not to explains why decking is such a popular choice:
Versatility: Decking is such a good choice for all types of homes, from period cottages to contemporary new builds.
Aesthetic: It gives you an elegant looking entertainment or gathering space.
Value-adding: A stylish deck can increase the value of your property.
Low maintenance – Today’s decking materials are built to last in British weather, with little or no maintenance required.
But, while the advantages are numerous, the cost can also be a worry — especially if you are trying to keep a renovation budget in check.
Is Cheap Decking Worth It?
Yes — as long as you are savvy about which items you select. A lot of folks have the misconception that “cheap” means low quality; but not in the universe of deck building, where with new composites, even “cheap” options don’t sacrifice durability.
With the proper approach, you can find inexpensive decking that not only looks great and it’s strong as well. It’s just a matter of knowing what to look for.Cheap decking
What Are the Best Materials for Cheap Decking?
When it comes to keeping costs down, your choice of material plays a massive role. Here’s a look at the most popular options for affordable decking in the UK:
1.Softwood Decking
Pine or spruce softwood wooden floors are among the most cost effective. It’s also readily available, easy to manipulate and, when properly treated, impervious to wear and tear.
Pros:
- Cost-effective
- Classic, natural look
- Available in a range of finishes to customize with stains or paints
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance
- If left untreated, it may be prone to rot
2.Composite Decking
If you want a more contemporary decking solution then try composite decking, a blend of recycled wood fibres and plastics that provide a lasting, modern image. While still more expensive than standard metals, entry-level carbon fibre is now more accessible than it was in the past.cheap decking
Pros:
Low maintenance
Long lifespan
Slip-resistant surfaces
Cons:
May be less natural to the touch
Colours may degrade over time (although more recent models have better protection)
If you already love the thought of something smart and snazzy like parquet engineered wood flooring indoors, you’ll love the sleek, contemporary look that composite decking brings to outdoor space.
3.PVC Decking
Another choice for bargain hunters is pure plastic decking (PVC). It is frequently the least expensive material available, but caution is likely warranted — some of the lower-end products are not as durable.
Pros:
- Extremely low maintenance
- Moisture, rot and insect resistant
Cons:
- Does not work with traditional homes
- Not as eco-friendly as other methods
How to Save Even More on Discounted Decking
Locating inexpensive materials is only the beginning. Here are additional tips for how to keep your project on budget:
Shop Around
Decking materials prices range from inexpensive to costly. Keep an eye out for end of season sales, clearance deals, and trade discounts. Local suppliers often offer the best deals.
Think About Second-Hand Choices
As with reclaimed wood floors, reclaimed decking may be a way to save on costs — and perhaps save a piece of history. Watch online marketplaces or local salvage yards.
Simplify Your Design
The more complicated your deck, however (multiple levels, all butting up against one another, elaborate seating or plants built in), the pricier it gets. Keeping the shape of your deck simple — such as a basic square or rectangle — can save on costs and bring style to even the smallest outdoor space.
If it’s the elaborate look of parquet engineered wood flooring that you’re a fan of, you can echo its bold pattern by carefully positioning deck boards — just bear in mind that the more straightforward the layout, the cheaper it will be.
DIY vs Professional Fitting
If you ve got the basic carpentry skills, a deck is going to save you a cookie. But for a smooth, durable finish — particularly if the ground is lumpy — paying for professional help might be the wiser choice.
Comparing Cheap Decking vs Premium Decking
| Feature | Cheap Decking | Premium Decking |
| Material | Softwood, basic composite, PVC | Hardwood, luxury composite |
| Lifespan | 5–15 years | 20+ years |
| Maintenance | Moderate to high | Low |
| Aesthetic Appeal | Good with the right finish | Outstanding without much effort |
| Cost | £15–£40 per m² | £60+ per m² |
Cheap doesn’t have to mean ‘cheap-looking’ — with a little care in your design and installation, your budget deck can look as good as one costing double.cheap decking
Cheap Decking And Styling It Up!
Longing for a show stopping outdoor space without a showstopping price? Here are some ideas:
Paint It
Painting your deck a dramatic colour (such as deep blue, charcoal grey or sage green) can mask out budget boards, creating a look that’s sleek and contemporary.
Add a Rug
An outdoor rug is a great starting point for an outdoor room — one that brings the comfort of indoors outside on a budget (let’s face it, you may not be able to get an intricate floor pattern the way you can with parquet engineered wood flooring.)
The Power of Lighting
Solar powered string lights or spotlights running alongside the edge of your decking will not only keep the deck well-lit even in the darker hours of the day, but also add a bit of ambience and sophistication, helping your cheap decking feel a little less low rent.
Mix Materials
Mix deck surfaces with gravel, pavers or artificial turf, for visual interest and reduced costs.
Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Low Cost Decks
Although it’s important to save money, being too penny-pinching in some areas can end up being expensive somewhere down the line. Avoid these common pitfalls:
- Skip the treatment: If you prefer softwood, choose a variety that’s been pressure-treated for rot resistance.
- Shoddy subframe: If the subframe isn’t up to scratch, the best decking material in the world will warp and sag.
- Ignoring drainage: Water pooling below your deck can lead to rot and a shorter life span.
Overlooking warranties: Before purchasing, be sure to find out if there’s a warranty on the materials.
Why We Are Experts with Wood Floor And Why That Benefits You
At Point of flooring, we are experts in all things to do with wood floor installation – from detailed designs including parquet engineered wood flooring, to more durable everyday options. That wisdom and understanding of natural wood, engineered lumber and composite materials directly translates to creating Amardecks and Amartiles as well.
Whether you need help selecting the perfect material for your project, need expert fitting to make a brilliant cheap decking project, or just some advice on choosing from our huge range of materials, you can trust us to help.Cheap decking
Conclusion: Make Your Garden Dreams a Reality with Cheap Decking
Designing a fabulous garden deck needn’t break the bank. By making smart material choices, planning carefully, and adding a touch of style even on a budget, you can have an outdoor space that is stylish yet comfortable and doesn’t break the bank.
By exploring choices like softwood, composite and second-hand materials — and learning from the premium finishes such as the parquet engineered wood flooring you covet, there’s no need to exceed any reasonable budget to get the look you want.
Ready to get started? Whether you are thinking about professional installation or DIY Decking Installation, [Your Company Name] is the company in Cheltenham you should hopefully choose. Call us now for a free quote and professional advice specific to your requirements.
Let’s make something beautiful — together.
