Caravan Decking Cost

In this guide, we’ll look at what's involved in laying caravan decking, what it tends to cost and explore other related topics, such as whether you can do it yourself.

Do you need someone to install your caravan decking? Have a look through MyJobQuote's professionals and request a quote today!

How Much Does It Cost to Lay Caravan Decking?

Park living provides a variety of luxuries that are difficult to find in a typical housing estate, the most notable of which is the scenic surroundings. Because all park homes are in beautiful parks, it's natural for you to want to take advantage of the sights that surround your home.

Decking is an excellent way to improve the views from your home. Many of our static caravans include exterior decking, but it is a simple change to make if yours does not. We will go over the various costs for laying a caravan with decking and everything you need to know before installing one!

The size of the project is the most important factor that influences the average cost of the project. Obviously, the bigger the decked area needed, the more materials required, and the job will be more expensive. For example, terraced decks with steps and balustrades will significantly increase the cost of a project.

Aside from the size of your decking area, the next most expensive factor is the cost of timber caravan decking. Many types of wood can be used for decking, ranging from inexpensive softwood to elegant hardwood, which can be clicked into place with no noticeable screws.

uPVC is the most cost-effective option, costing around £12 per square foot. Composite and timber wood decking cost £50 per square metre on average, making them a more expensive option than uPVC.

The cost of installing caravan decking is around £1,500; however, price estimates range from £1,200 to £1,600.

You must decide whether you want decking just at the front or sides of your caravan or if you want decking around the entire perimeter.

Because hardwood is more expensive to install and has a higher material cost, labour costs will be higher as well. If you're doing your decking, softwood material will be easier to work with and less expensive if you make a mistake.

However, if you're on a budget, you could consider installing uPVC caravan decking, which is much cheaper and has the advantage of durability and low maintenance; however, it's difficult to repair and can suffer UV damage.

Carvan Decking Prices

Supply Only Costs

You'll be relieved to know that decking does not have to be costly. There are many caravan decking ideas that can be quite within budget. Timber decks can be quite affordable when you choose the right landscaping ideas for your space.

Composite decks are more costly, but they require very little maintenance and last longer since the elements do not damage them.

Here we will go over the different supply costs for laying static caravan decking, so if you're thinking of DIY, you will find everything you will need for the job!

Hardwood timber decking costs around £75 per m² to purchase, while composite decking costs slightly more. Different types of wood are used for decking and there are many different caravan decking designs, ranging from inexpensive softwood to hardwood that can be hyperlinked into place with no visible screws.

Aluminium is usually £200 per per m², whereas composite decking is around £50 per m², uPVC is around £12 per square foot, and timber is around £50 per m².

This top-of-the-line hardwood decking, such as composite and timber, is undoubtedly much more expensive, so keep your budget in mind. Expect to pay around £50 per m² for hardwood.

You will need a tape measure which will cost £5 to £10. Plumb lines are a simple way to mark straight lines for decking projects, and these will cost you £4 to £7, club hammers will cost you £6 to £7, edgers will cost you £17 to £20, a spade will cost you £15 to £20, and a spirit level will cost you £10 to £15.

Concrete is made up of fine sand, aggregate cement, and water. These materials, in various proportions, produce concrete of varying strengths for various applications. This will cost between £7 and £18.

You will also need a trowel, which costs between £3 and £10, damp proofing, which costs between £16 and £25, weed control fabric, which costs between £4 and £36 and gravel which costs around £50.

Decking screws are weather resistant and can withstand the elements. They are available in carbon steel or stainless steel, which provides high corrosion resistance and costs between £13 and £20.

Additional Costs

Other factors to consider with static caravan decking prices include additional jobs, which may raise the total cost of your caravan decking. This section will go over the various extra costs that may be added to your total bill.

Laying Turf

To complete the transformation of your garden, you could consider laying new garden turf. You can expect new turf costs between £2.40 and £6.90 per m², which equates to between £240 and £690 for 100m².

Meadow turf, which is rich in natural wild seed, is also available. But, again, you can expect to pay around £25 per m² if you want to incorporate this into your garden. Finally, you will pay different rates for your contractors, but £150 to £200 per day is a good starting point.

Garden Maintenance

Another ongoing fee could be garden maintenance costs. Unfortunately, except for quarterly lawnmowing, most people are guilty of neglecting garden maintenance.

If you regularly maintain this area, your property will be in much better shape. In addition, larger garden jobs are typically priced as a fixed quote, whereas routine maintenance is frequently charged by the hour on a repeated retainer basis.

Regular garden maintenance costs vary greatly depending on where you live, the size of your garden, the amount of work required, and the service company or tradesperson you hire. However, hourly gardener rates typically range between £14 and £25.

Elevated Decking

Posts will be required for elevated decking to prevent the boards from sinking into the ground. Posts should be spaced eight feet apart, so the number of posts you'll need at the cost of around £6.30 each will depend on the size of your decking area.

However, keep in mind that if you plan on having your decking professionally installed, you will be given an overall figure rather than being informed of the cost of each post individually.

Glass Balustrade

A glass balustrade is a modern type of railing that can improve the appearance of your deck while also providing safety. Although they are an expensive feature, costing between £1,120 and £1,800 depending on the length or width of your decking area, they can truly add a luxurious finishing touch to the project.

This figure includes labour costs, as installing the balustrade without the proper knowledge and health and safety training is extremely difficult.

Decking Lights

Decking lights are an excellent way to add atmosphere to an outdoor space, trying to bring the inside out and create an additional garden room that can be used late into the evening. LED decking lights are popular due to their energy efficiency, which reduces bills and a property's carbon footprint.

Deck lighting kits are recessed into decking for a clean look with no trip hazards, and they have IP ratings and rust resistance for weather protection. This will typically cost between £30 and £40.

Labour Costs and Timescales

If you are unsure about installing your decking, your best bet is to hire a professional to ensure that the job is done correctly. The labour costs will vary depending on the work that needs to be done.

When completing a complex project like caravan decking, time delays are expected. Trying to communicate with different labourers' availability and material deliveries can change time frames, but the fit of the decking should take no more than two days by an expert tradesman at a starting price of around £225 for labour only.

Some projects may necessitate hiring additional tradespeople, which may raise the cost.

A small decking installation could be completed in one day by a single tradesperson for around £225. A larger decking installation could take two days and involve an extra tradesperson, costing around £900. Fixtures and any tipping fees are included in these costs.

The size of your area will influence the cost because the larger the garden, the more space will be used for decking, which will take more time to install.

As a poor decking area, the decking area's condition may necessitate additional groundwork or prep and the accessibility to your garden, as time spent heading back and forth will lengthen the duration.

A deck is an example of an outdoor project. As a result, the contractor must work around the elements, which may or may not cooperate. For example, if it starts to rain, you may have to postpone the process until the weather improves in the area. Even if no rain is predicted, always plan for a weather delay.

The average decking installation takes 1 to 2 days to complete, but this will vary based on the scale of the garden, the materials used, and the number of tradesmen on the job. For example, a small garden of about 15 square metres may only take two or more tradesmen one day to complete.

Softwood decking installation takes about 1 to 2 days, while hardwood, uPVC, and composite decking installation take about the same time. Installing low-cost 20m² decking boards takes about 2 to 3 days.

Cost Factors of Laying Caravan Decking

There are several factors to consider when calculating the cost of caravan decking installation. We will go over all the costs of laying caravan decking in this section.

Size

The size of your garden will also have a significant impact on the cost, as the larger your garden, the more materials you will require. Larger decking will also take much longer, resulting in higher labour costs, as professional installers typically charge £33 per m².

Decking Material

The material you select also has a significant price impact, as some decking materials are pricier than others. If you have a budget, you may want to stick to timber decking, which typically costs between £1,000 and £1,500.

If you are thinking long-term, you may be better off with composite decking, which is more expensive and can cost up to £10,000 for larger gardens. While this may appear expensive, you will get your money's worth because it can last up to 30 years.

Decking Removal

If you already have decking around your caravan that needs to be replaced, you must also consider the replacement costs. It is possible that you only need some of your decking replaced, which can cost around £300, but a full replacement should cost around £4,000 or more.

Location

The location of your caravan has a significant impact on installation costs. As a result, the further you are from the project, the more expensive it may become.

This is because many tradespeople and businesses charge from when they leave the job site. So, if it takes them longer to get to the job site, it will be reflected in their final bill.

As a result, hiring a local tradesperson who will arrive on time is preferable. On the other hand, finding a competent expert nearby may be difficult, and you may have to pay more to get the best service.

Accessibility

The job's complexity is also considered when calculating the cost of laying decking in your caravan. How easy is it to get there?

And how simple is it to get started? These simple questions could add a few pounds to your total bill. As a result, the cost will rise if you live in a remote area that requires drastic steps to reach.

What's Involved in Installing Caravan Decking?

Purchasing the material is one thing, but you must also consider the installation cost. While it is possible to install decking yourself, hiring a professional is the best way to ensure a refined, high-quality finish.

Any gaps in the decking could allow dampness and moisture to enter, resulting in mould growth. This could be costly to repair in the future, so take every precaution to avoid such problems during the decking construction stage. We'll go over what's involved in laying decking in your caravan here.

The foundation, which consists of pouring the deck pad and protecting the decking posts in concrete to retain the weight of the entire garden deck, is the first step in installing caravan decking. Professional installers could also install waterproof flashing to protect your home and decking from water leaks or mould growth.

The installers will then attach the joists or beams to your concrete-secure posts, which will serve as an anchor to support the rest of the decking. Finally, the decking will be positioned in a floorboard formation in any direction, ensuring that everything is straight and evenly proportioned.

With your caravan raised so high off the ground, you'll likely need stairs added to your decking. You must ensure that each step is the same height by estimating your rise and run.

If your decking is only a couple of inches off the ground, you can build stairs using precut stringers to make the job easier. Make sure the wood used to build the stairs is of the highest quality and durability, as it will be prone to more damage than the rest of your decking.

If desired, the installer will install balusters on each side of your decking to serve as a safety barrier.

They will then add stairs, which will give the room a homier feel. After that, they will seal the decking and add any finishing touches such as post caps or any furnishings, including hot tubs, customised furniture, and more.

Can I Lay Caravan Decking Myself?

If you consider yourself a DIY expert, you might try installing the decking yourself to save money. However, you must ensure that the ground is levelled before proceeding, or the entire project will prove difficult.

When it comes to decking, ventilation is one of the most important considerations, and if you're not too knowledgeable about it, it's highly recommended that you contact a professional instead.

You could replace the decking on your caravan. However, unless you have prior experience doing so, we recommend that you refrain from doing so. The three most difficult aspects of doing this yourself are levelling the ground, making the decking last, and the upfront costs.

Levelling ground can be difficult if you don't have access to many professional-grade tools and equipment. If you're laying decking on something already level, such as paving slabs, the process may be simpler. However, laying decking on grass or earth can be more difficult – we strongly advise hiring a contractor for this task.

One of the reassuring aspects of hiring a professional to build and install your decking is that they will almost certainly provide some kind of guarantee after they've built your deck.

Likewise, it's reassuring to know that the contractors believe in their work, whether it's three-year quality control or a period of guaranteed repairs.

This guarantee is not available if you build your decking. Instead, you'll be held accountable for any errors, from coordinating decking planks to waterproofing the floor. Any mistakes you make can be very costly, so we recommend hiring a contractor.

We recommend hiring a contractor. They will most likely be able to obtain materials at a reduced cost because they are in the trade. This implies that their important skill will come at a low cost because you'll pay less for the materials alone.

Building Regulations & Planning Permission for Caravan Decking

The holder of the caravan park where your caravan is located regulates caravan decking and skirting. They're a privately owned company that owns the land privately, so you shouldn't have to go through too many legal hoops aside from safety ones that everyone must follow.

Different Park operators will have different requirements for tenants who want to build decking, but they all need written consent. The only way to be certain of what they require and desire is to review your contract.

When considering your decking application, the park owner is likely to prioritise three factors: ventilation, space, and favoured contractors. First, of course, any caravan park owner will be worried about ventilation under your caravan.

There are a variety of static caravan decking regulations governing the amount of ventilation required in various caravan parks, and your park owner will most likely be able to provide you with a list of requirements.

These requirements will be based on the law, and you must follow them exactly – safety laws regarding gas build-up and ventilation are implemented to keep people safe, so make sure you fully understand the rules before you begin building.

The owner and manager of your caravan park may have a preferred set of contractors or materials for the project that you're embarking on.

While their suggestions may not be ideal for you, they are worth considering. For example, a deck only needs to be built once, but the park operator will have many experiences.

When considering building a deck, the last thing the park operator might be concerned about is how much space you might take up. Unfortunately, many caravan parks are built-in places where space may be limited, so you may only get a garden's allotted portion of land.

Types of Caravan Decking

Adding decking to your caravan can completely change the appearance of your vacation home. It provides more space for relaxing, a dining area, or a playground for children to play outside.

Numerous options are available when designing your decking, making it difficult to select the best option for you. One of the most important decisions is which decking boards to use. Your budget or your needs can determine this.

You must select the best type of decking for your caravan and needs. Therefore, we will go over the various types of caravan decking and their benefits and drawbacks to help you decide which is best for your caravan.

Wood Decking

Because of its versatility and affordability, wood is the most used decking material. Because of its availability, many people consider wood decking to be the best type of decking for them.

Traditional decking is available in various dimensions and colours, giving you more options for creating exactly what you want for your decking. With such a wide variety of timber available, there is a price to suit every budget.

The disadvantage of wood decking is the amount of upkeep required. Wood decking requires wood preservatives and staining regularly. Unfortunately, water can seep into the wood without this maintenance, causing rotting, splintering, and decay.

Another issue with timber decking is that the boards become slippery when wet. This is easily remedied with decking mats, but it conceals your traditional wood decking.

Pros

✔ Natural looking, with a rustic aesthetic.

✔ Affordable, priced lower than composite caravan decking.

✔ Available in different colours, making it endlessly customisable.

Cons

✖ High maintenance, requiring regular staining, sealing, and painting to prevent damage.

✖ Not as long-lasting as other caravan decking materials and can be prone to rotting.

✖ It can become slippery when wet.

Composite Decking

Composite decking has emerged as a viable option for wood decking. Because of its ease of maintenance and long-lasting durability, many people consider composite decking the best type.

Unlike wood decking, composite does not fade when exposed to the elements and retains the look and feel of natural wood. In addition, the decking boards do not splinter and are fully recyclable due to the combination of wood and plastic, making them environmentally friendly.

Even though composite decking allows for a low-maintenance vacation home, the decking can be more expensive than timber decking, depending on the type of wood used.

In addition, many people dislike the appearance of composite decking. Even though many companies try to replicate the look of traditional timber decking, some decking has a plastic, shiny appearance that many people dislike.

Pros

✔ Large colour variety to match your caravan's aesthetic.

✔ Long-lasting and resistant to fading, unlike wooden caravan decking.

✔ Low maintenance, and just needs cleaning every now and again.

Cons

✖ More expensive than wooden caravan decking.

✖ It can look unappealing if you're after a natural look.

✖ Slippery when wet and can be affected by temperature changes causing expansion and contraction in the material, leaving gaps between the decking and caravan.

uPVC Decking

uPVC is a proven performer that provides modern decking with little to no maintenance. This low-cost, all-plastic material adds a stylish and luxurious look to your static caravan while staying within your budget.

uPVC decking is lightweight and durable, and it does not absorb water, ensuring long-lasting decking with no rotting or decay.

While uPVC decking is easily recyclable and repurposed, some people prefer this version of timber decking for their vacation homes. Compared to wood, the installation process for uPVC can also be more difficult.

Because it is less flexible, it may necessitate specialised tools to bend the decking boards. This would imply hiring a contractor to install or remove your uPVC decking.

Pros

✔ Affordable, with a lower cost compared to wooden and composite caravan decking.

✔ Lightweight material, making for easy installation.

✔ Stylish and long-lasting, with good colour retention.

Cons

✖ Susceptible to temperature changes, which can cause the deck to warp if installed incorrectly.

✖ Hard to repair if sections become damaged.

✖ Lacks the natural aesthetic of wooden caravan decking, and can get hot underfoot when the sun is out.

Aluminium Decking

Aluminium is the least commonly used type of decking and is completely overlooked as a go-to option by consumers; however, it offers many benefits if you're looking for another decking alternative. The most expensive version is aluminium, which costs £200 per square metre.

Pros

✔ Great durability, and it won't crack, warp, or rot like other caravan decking materials may.

✔ Low maintenance, requiring no sealing, painting, or staining.

✔ Slip and fire-resistent.

Cons

✖ Expensive compared to other caravan decking materials.

✖ Can be noisy underfoot and lacks the natural aesthetic of wooden caravan decking.

✖ Not much room for customisation, with fewer colour options when compared to uPVC and composite.

Hiring Contractors to Install Caravan Decking

A great deck will allow you to make the most out of your outdoor space, giving you a great place to relax and entertain guests. A new deck can also increase the value of your home.

However, you should consider a few things before looking for a contractor to build your new deck. Here are our top tips for hiring a decking installer so that you can select the best for your decking installation!

Recommendations Based On Research

The more informed you are before starting the process, the more likely you will make the best choices when hiring a deck builder. Examine individual deck building contractors' online reviews and see if those you're considering can provide evidence of their work.

Check if the deck builders you're considering hiring are licenced and meet state regulations.

Before you employ a contractor to work on the exterior of your home, you want to know if everyone would recommend them and how good their work is.

Installers Comparison

Don't rush to decide when you've found several experts for your deck construction. Make some basic comparability between those you've found instead.

• Are the contractor's permit and insurance up to date?
• Request a reference list from each contractor.
• Compare reviews to see where you'll get the most value for money.
• Interview the deck builders to determine their ability to deliver what you want while staying within your budget.
• Request a written estimate from potential contractors.

Contracts

When you've chosen the contractor who best meets your requirements and would seem to do the best job, there's just one thing left to do: sign the agreement! You should carefully evaluate this document and receive the following items before signing off:

• Obtain a copy of your insurance policy.
• Obtain a duplicate of the contractor's licence.
• Make certain that a completion date is set.
• Are there any additional fees or costs for project changes? Total pricing breakdown.
• An acknowledgement that they will be held accountable for any unintentional damage.

Request to See Previous Work

Ask your decking expert for references and photos. Ensure your installer is up to the task before you commit. Seeing examples of their previous work will allow them to prove their abilities and give you peace of mind.

Experience

Finding out a tradesman's experience is an important part of the quoting process because you want to find somebody with the skillset to provide you with the best possible result.

For example, if you have a difficult multi-levelled garden that requires landscaping to level out, you'll want to find someone with skillsets to help assure that the job will be done correctly.

Sources

https://caravansleeps.com/caravan-decking/
https://blog.sellmygroup.co.uk/static-caravan-decking/
https://bigoutdooradventure.com/static-caravan-decking-regulations-what-you-should-know/