How to get a Decking Quotation | Guide for UK Homeowners

How do I get a Decking Quote?

Do you find yourself asking “How do I get a decking quote?”, “Who should I ask?”, or “What’s involved?” This guide walks you through the process and helps you streamline the early stages of planning your decking project.

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Decking quotes from installers near me

Decking projects can be installed by a range of trades:

• Deck Pro – Builds decking platforms every day and is usually endorsed by brand manufacturers.

• Pro Landscaper – Builds decks as part of larger landscaping works.

• Carpenters – May build decks occasionally, but it’s not their core focus.

• Builders – Often subcontract decking out to an unknown installer.

👉 The best decking projects are almost always built by people who construct decks week in, week out. Experience is key to protecting your investment.

👉 how do I get a decking quote should something that a professional decking installer can provide with ease and not after 5 phone calls and a month waiting in silence.

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Types of decking installation companies

Decking installers come in many shapes and sizes:

• One-man band – Usually very hands-on but stretched for time.

• Small team (around 3 people) – A balance of site work and client management.

• Medium team (6 or more) – More capacity and faster turnaround.

• Large company – May have a designer, quantity surveyor, and office support as well as site teams.

Each will charge different rates and work at different speeds depending on their setup, overheads, and resources.

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Why do decking quotations vary so much?

Decking quotations can vary widely because you may be comparing:

• Specialists with deep experience in your chosen brand.

• Installers with limited experience, who may lack technical knowledge.

• Contractors who subcontract, meaning you don’t know who will actually build your deck.

💡 Tip: If you’ve chosen a particular brand, ask the manufacturer to recommend an approved installer. Always check that your preferred contractor is on their official register.

What must be on my decking quotation?

A professional quotation should:

• Be written in clear, understandable language.

• Refer to the agreed specification.

• Include drawings with dimensions.

• List everything included and excluded.

• Estimate the project duration.

• Highlight VAT (all professional installers should be VAT registered).

• Detail payment terms (reasonable deposit, staged payments, or final balance).

• Provide a copy of the company’s terms and conditions.

⚠️ Warning: Avoid contractors who send a quote by text message or ask you to buy materials for them. That’s not professional, and it rarely ends well.

⚠️ Warning: If your cost offering says “Estimate” You should really ask for a fixed price and your document must say “Quotation”

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Information you give to contractors

• Too much detail too soon: If you start discussing lighting, paving, planting, and irrigation, you may confuse the quotation process. Keep things simple until you’ve chosen your contractor.

• Too little detail: Vague requests like “I might want a deck” or “I don’t have a budget” force contractors to guess, resulting in wildly different quotes.

• Be clear about materials: If you know you want Trex, Millboard, or another brand, say so up front. It saves time for both parties.

• Commission a decking design: this removes any ambiguity about what is being quoted for by the contractors.

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Other factors that affect quotes

• Busy contractors – If a contractor is fully booked for 6–12 months, they may price high or decline the project.

• Price perception – Sometimes a quote isn’t expensive — it’s simply more than your budget allows. Discuss your budget early to avoid mismatches.

• Pricing without a design – if you haven’t got a design then it would be reasonable to expect a substantial variation between quotes as everyone is quoting for what they think is best. This will most certainly be what the contractor thinks is best and not necessarily what you are expecting.

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The process of the decking journey from site survey to completion.

Once you have decided that you require a new deck there is a standard process that you would be best to follow:

1. Site Survey

The first step is a site survey, carried out once you’ve chosen your preferred contractor. This is where the project starts to take shape. At this stage, you’ll be offered guidance on the varying costs and options available, helping you decide on the level of investment you are comfortable with. For a small and basic decking layout this first stage is usually free. For a multi layered project with complexities, stairs and balustrades there is usually costs attributed for this service.

2. Structural Design

Every deck needs the right structure. Choices usually include timber, HDPE (high-density polyethylene), or aluminium. The decision is normally based on your investment and long-term performance expectations. Once this has been decided, a structural design can be formally instructed.

3. Materials Choice

With the structure agreed, the next focus is the surface materials. Options include composite decking, modified timber, softwood, or hardwood. Your decision here will determine not only the look and feel of the deck but also its durability and maintenance needs. Most professionals will arrange samples for you, you may wish to order your own.

4. Specification

The specification is the backbone of the entire project. It protects both client and contractor by clearly listing the agreed materials, finishes, and design details. It is based on samples, discussions, drawings (designs) and final agreements. Quite simply,  “if it’s not in the specification, it’s not included”.

5. Written Quotation

A detailed written quotation ensures transparency. Without it, you have no idea what the contractor may charge. A proper quotation should reflect the agreed specification and refer to drawings so you can compare costs accurately and avoid unpleasant surprises. We’ve now got to the nitty gritty of “how do I get a decking quote”.

6. Acceptance and Contract

Once you’re happy with the quotation, the next step is signing an acceptance and a detailed contract. This contract should directly reference the agreed specification, creating a clear and enforceable agreement between you and the contractor.

7. The Build

Next, the exciting part begins — your deck is physically constructed on site. A professional contractor will work efficiently, safely, and with minimal disruption to bring your design to life.

8. Completion

Hooray — the decking is now complete! At this stage, the structure and finishes should match the agreed specification, leaving you with a new space to enjoy.

9. Snagging

Snagging is the process of identifying and addressing small imperfections. It might be something as simple as a missed screw or a board that doesn’t match the others. Therefore, these issues should be fixed quickly, and the finished deck will meet the high standards expected.

10. Hand Over

Finally, the project is formally signed off, and afterwards, it is handed over to you. This includes ensuring you are satisfied with the work, and that all documents, warranties, and care instructions are provided. From this point, your new deck is ready for you to enjoy.

If you’d like to read about the actual cost of a new decking platform do read here

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