Paving slabs are usually more affordable than decking, both in terms of upfront material costs and maintenance. But the overall price of this particular landscaping project will also depend on the size of the area, the specific materials, and whether you hire a landscaper to help or are planning a DIY project.
Looking for a breakdown of the costs for different slab and decking types? Our guide has everything covered to help you make the best decision for your requirements.
Slabs vs Decking: a Breakdown of the Costs in Northamptonshire
As a rough guide, if you’re planning to fit a standard paved patio in Northamptonshire, it will tend to cost between £50 and £150 per square metre installed. In comparison, decking typically comes in at approximately £100 to £200 per square metre once labour is factored into the equation.
Paving Slabs
Paving slabs offer a wide range of price points depending on whether you go for basic slabs, natural stone or higher-end porcelain. Concrete slabs are the most budget-friendly entry point, while natural stone and porcelain sit at the premium end of the scale.
Typical Costs For Paving Slabs
Slab Type | Material Cost (per m²) | Installed Cost (per m²) |
Concrete Slabs | £10 to £25 | £50 to £80 |
Natural Stone | £30 to £80 | £80 to £130 |
Porcelain Slabs | £40 to £100 | £100 to £150 |
Decking
Decking costs more upfront and also carries higher ongoing maintenance costs, particularly if you opt for softwood timber, which needs regular treating and staining to stop it from rotting. Composite decking costs more to buy but is far lower maintenance over time, which can make it a better value in the long run.
Typical Costs For Decking
Decking Type | Material Cost (per m²) | Installed Cost (per m²) |
Softwood Timber | £15 to £30 | £80 to £120 |
Hardwood Timber | £40 to £80 | £120 to £180 |
Composite Decking | £50 to £120 | £150 to £200 |
Side-by-Side Comparison
Factor | Paving Slabs | Decking |
Average Installed Cost | £50 to £150 per m² | £100 to £200 per m² |
DIY-friendly | Yes, with some experience | Moderate to difficult |
Lifespan | 20 to 30+ years | 10 to 25 years |
Maintenance Required | Low | Medium to High |
Suitable Slopes | No | Yes |
Adds Property Value | Yes | Yes |
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain?
Over time, a patio is nearly always going to be cheaper to maintain than decking. This is simply because slabs just need the occasional jet wash and weed treatment between joints. Timber decking, on the other hand, will need sanding, treating, and staining every year or two to uphold its condition and prevent rot.
If you’re looking for a low maintenance decking option, composite decking cuts out most of the maintenance, but it will cost more. So, essentially, you’d be paying for that convenience upfront.
Can Decking Actually be the More Cost-Effective Choice?
There are situations where decking makes more financial sense than slabs. If your garden has a significant slope, levelling the ground for a patio can be expensive and require a lot of work, whereas a raised deck can be built over the slope without major groundwork. Decking is also generally quicker to install, which can reduce labour costs on certain projects.
It is also worth noting that composite decking has improved significantly in recent years, and while it costs more than basic paving slabs upfront, the near-zero maintenance requirement means total costs over a 10 to 15 year period can be broadly comparable. So, if you’re planning years in advance, don’t be deterred by the initial cost of composite decking.
Find Landscaping Supplies at Joseph Parr Northants
If you want the most affordable option from the outset, paving slabs win on both material costs and ongoing maintenance. A patio laid with concrete or mid-range natural stone slabs will typically cost less to install and far less to keep in good shape over the years.
Here at Joseph Parr Northants, we stock premium and affordable landscaping supplies, including paving and decking. Use us as your trusted Kettering merchant, or get in touch to find out more about our products or access bespoke guidance.