Garden decking installer

Design and build timber or composite decks for homeowners, working on your own or with one helper.

Carpenter fitting timber deck boards into a frame in a garden.
Startup cost£1.5k to £7k
Monthly revenue£1.5k to £7k
Time needed15+ h/week
First incomeWeeks

Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.

What it is

Measuring up gardens, agreeing a design, then building raised or ground-level decks in timber or composite, including steps, edging and sometimes lighting.

Your first three steps

  1. Build a sample deck at a friend's or family member's home and photograph it for your portfolio
  2. Get public liability insurance and set up a simple quote template with a deposit and payment terms
  3. Open a local Google Business Profile and ask neighbours and local groups for your first two or three jobs
Who pays

Homeowners, landlords and small property managers who want a usable outdoor space.

How it makes money

Fixed quote per job based on materials, labour and your time, often with a deposit up front. Materials are usually bought for each job and passed on in the quote.

Skills that help
  • Carpentry and accurate measuring
  • Reading a site and planning a build
  • Quoting and talking to customers
  • Working outdoors in all weather
Watch out for
  • Public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you take on staff
  • Planning permission or building regulations may apply to raised decks, so check with the local council before quoting
  • Check for buried services, drainage and boundary issues before digging or fixing posts
  • Weather can delay jobs and cash flow, so set clear terms for deposits and delays
  • Working at height and heavy lifting carry injury risks, so use proper kit and safe methods
  • Check whether you need a van or secure storage for tools and materials

🔒 Full research report for UK

Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.

Coming soon

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start a garden decking business?

Startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your tools, whether you need a van or secure storage, and insurance. These are estimates, so price up your kit before you start.

How much can a decking installer earn?

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how many jobs you complete, their size and your materials. These are estimates, not guarantees, and weather can delay jobs and affect cash flow.

What rules and risks should I check before building decks for customers?

Check public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you take on staff. Check with the local council whether planning permission or building regulations apply to raised decks, and check for buried services, drainage and boundary issues before digging or fixing posts.

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Photo: Engin_Akyurt on Pixabay

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