How Much Does It Cost to Build a Terrace in 2024? Current Prices

How much does it cost to lay m2 of decking in 2024?

How much we pay to build m² of decking will depend on many factors, such as the complexity of the design, ground conditions and the transport of materials. The choice of material or type of material used to build the deck is also key to the estimate. The cost of laying m² of decking is usually established after the design has been presented to a building contractor, who prepares a detailed quote based on it. An individual quote will provide the most accurate estimate of the amount you will need to set aside to build m² of decking.

How much does a deck made from composite decking boards cost in 2024?

Composite is a durable material that withstands adverse weather conditions and looks like real wood, which is why it is such a popular choice for decking. It is made from a mixture of different plastics and wood dust. This mixture is recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly option. The cheapest composite decking boards can cost from 160-280 zł per m². A major advantage of composite decking is that it does not need treating, as the material retains its original colour for many years without any additional protective treatments. How much does composite decking cost? An example project with an area of 20 m² would cost 5 500-10 000 zł.

Advantages and disadvantages of composite:

Composite is often used for building decking because it has many properties that make it a popular choice with customers. These include:

• weather resistance: composite boards are resistant to moisture, mould and pests. They do not crack when exposed to UV rays and retain their original colour for a long time;
• no need for treatment or maintenance: composite decking does not need regular painting, varnishing or treatment. Regular washing with water and detergent is enough to keep composite boards in good condition;
• the appearance of natural wood: at first glance, it is difficult to tell whether a deck is made of composite or wood;
• safety: composite decking boards are non-slip;
• eco-friendly material: the materials used to make composite decking boards come from recycled sources;
• easy installation: the light weight of composite makes decking easy to install and dismantle.

Although composite decking boards are an excellent material for building a deck, they do have some limitations, such as:

• susceptibility to scratches: despite their high resistance to weather conditions, composite boards can be scratched during everyday use;
• high cost: composite decks cost more than wooden ones. However, as they do not need treating, they may prove cheaper in the long run;
• wood imitation: although composite resembles wood, a trained eye can tell that it is only an imitation of natural wood;
• design limitations: some composite materials may have design limitations.

How much does a wooden deck cost in 2024?

A wooden deck is a place that immediately brings to mind summer barbecues and memories of family get-togethers. The natural, attractive and traditional look of wooden boards complements a range of architectural styles and surroundings, so there is no need to worry that the deck will look out of place with the rest of the building. The most commonly chosen types of decking boards are spruce boards, with their understated, versatile appearance, and pine boards, which are highly resistant to weather conditions. The price per m² of wooden decking varies depending on the material used. So, how much does m² of wooden decking cost? If spruce boards are used, the cost of building m² of decking will be from 90-110 zł, while using pine boards will cost more, at around 240-270 zł per m².

Advantages and disadvantages of wooden decking:

When building a deck, lovers of the natural look of wood choose wooden decking boards, which have several important qualities, such as:

• the natural appearance of wood: the versatile appearance of decking suits a range of architectural styles and complements most buildings;
• weather resistance: decking is resistant to moisture, mould and pests;
• easy to install: wooden boards make it quick and easy to install a deck;
• wide range of applications: thanks to their ease of working, boards can be used in many different projects, such as balconies, patios, gardens and more;
• easy to maintain: if the deck is damaged or stained, or has scratches, a wooden deck can be restored by sanding, varnishing and treating it, bringing back its original appearance;
• abrasion resistance: wooden decking is resistant to abrasion and scratches.

However, wood has a few drawbacks. These include:

• the need for regular treatment and maintenance: to keep decking looking attractive and lasting well, it needs to be varnished, painted and treated regularly;
• loss of colour: sunlight adversely affects the colour of decking, which gradually loses its lustre and colour over time;
• an environmentally unfriendly option: building wooden decks indirectly contributes to tree felling.

Deck installation – maintenance costs in 2024

Maintaining composite decking

The cost of maintaining a deck varies depending on the material used in its construction. The situation is different with composite decking, which hardly needs any treatment at all. Simply clean it with water and a special composite decking treatment to keep it looking its best. Composite decking does not need to be painted or varnished either. In addition, costs associated with mould or pests are far less common than with wooden decking.

Maintaining a wooden deck

Although the initial deck installation (price per m²) is lower, maintenance and regular care and maintenance treatments can make a wooden deck more expensive overall than one made from composite decking. Wood needs to be varnished and painted regularly, as it loses its original appearance and starts to fade over time. A wooden deck is vulnerable to pests, which can lead to potential repair costs. The wood should also be cleaned seasonally using specialist cleaning products.

How much does it cost to build a deck in 2024? – Additional costs

There may be additional costs when building a deck, which are worth considering before starting the project. Most commonly, these involve preparing the site, for example by removing the old surface, levelling the ground, building foundations and other work without which it would be impossible to build the deck. Site preparation costs 1000-3000 zł.

Costs may also be associated with obtaining the appropriate approvals and permits required before starting construction of the deck. The relevant administrative fees will then need to be paid.

Installing the decking floor alone does not mean the deck is finished. You still need to add other features, such as balustrades, handrails, lighting, garden furniture, steps and finishing trims, the cost of which is also worth including in the project budget before work begins. Balustrades cost around 400-600 zł per linear metre, while steps cost a further 1000-4000 zł. Transporting the materials may also incur an additional charge.