How much does deck building & repair cost in Ireland?
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Key takeaways
- Most deck building & repair jobs in Ireland land between €250–€15,000 — known locally as garden decking.
- Most ground-level garden decking in Ireland is exempt development, but raised platforms that overlook neighbours can require planning permission. There is no statutory licence for deck installers, so insurance and references are the vetting tools.
- Prices below are researched national ranges, updated July 2026 — not quotes.
Deck Building & Repair prices by job size in Ireland
| Job size | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Repair and re-seal Board replacement, cleaning and re-sealing | €250 | €600 | €1,200 |
| Small deck (15m²) Treated softwood deck on a timber frame | €1,800 | €3,500 | €6,000 |
| Large or composite deck 30m²+ composite deck with balustrade | €6,000 | €9,500 | €15,000 |
Per-unit rates
| Unit | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| per m² (softwood, installed) | €130 | €220 | €320 |
What affects the price
- Job size and scope — bigger or more complex jobs move you up the ranges above.
- Access and condition — hard-to-reach areas, older properties or neglected maintenance add labour time.
- Materials and quality level — where materials are involved, the grade you choose often matters more than labour.
- Urgency — same-day or out-of-hours work usually carries a premium.
- Where you live — large metros in Ireland typically run above the national range; smaller towns below it.
How to save
- Get at least three quotes and compare like-for-like scopes, not just totals.
- Be flexible on timing — off-peak slots are often cheaper.
- Bundle related tasks into one visit to spread call-out costs.
- Agree the scope in writing up front to avoid change-order surprises.
How to hire a deck building & repair pro in Ireland
- Find installers with verifiable reviews (Onlinetradesmen, local recommendations) — no licence exists for decking in Ireland
- Check planning: decking raised significantly above ground level or in front gardens may need planning permission; most low garden decks are exempt development
- Ask for public liability insurance
- Confirm treated timber grade for the sub-frame and a ground membrane
- Get a written quote separating sub-frame, boards, balustrade and waste removal
- Ask about slip resistance — grooved or composite boards suit the wet Irish climate
Red flags
- Lays the frame on unprepared ground without pads or membrane
- Cash-only with no written quote
- No insurance
- Vague 'decking' quote with no board specification
- Demands full payment before starting
How Handld researches prices
These are researched estimates, not quotes and not our transaction data. We compile ranges from published sources — national statistics, trade bodies and incumbent cost guides — normalise them to EUR, and adjust city pages by a population-based cost tier. Last updated July 2026. Basis: Onlinetradesmen.ie job estimates; Irish landscaping contractor quotes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a deck build take?
A simple ground-level deck takes 2-4 days. An elevated deck with footings, stairs and balustrades typically takes 1-2 weeks, plus any permit or inspection lead time before work can start.
How much does it cost to build a deck?
Deck cost is driven by area, height off the ground, and material. Ground-level softwood decks are the cheapest; elevated decks need engineered footings and balustrades, and composite or hardwood boards can double the board cost. Most quotes are priced per square metre or square foot, with stairs, balustrades and lighting as line items.
What should a deck quote include?
A complete quote lists demolition/removal of any old structure, footings, framing timber and spans, board type and grade, fixings (hidden vs face-screwed), balustrades, stairs, waste removal, and whether permit fees and engineering are included. Missing line items are where cheap quotes grow.
Can an old deck be repaired instead of replaced?
If the frame (joists, bearers, posts) is sound, boards and balustrades can be replaced individually and the structure re-stained for a fraction of a rebuild. If posts are rotting at the base or the ledger connection to the house is corroded, replacement is usually safer and not much more expensive than piecemeal repair.
Composite vs timber decking — which is cheaper long-term?
Timber is cheaper to install but needs sanding, staining or oiling every 1-3 years. Composite costs 50-100% more upfront but only needs washing. Over 10-15 years the totals often converge, so the decision usually comes down to upfront budget and how much maintenance you will actually do.
Does decking make sense in the Irish climate?
Yes, but algae and slip are the main issues — grooved boards, annual washing and anti-slip treatments matter more than in drier climates. Composite boards have grown popular for this reason despite the higher upfront cost.
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