Decking vs Patio Slabs
Patio slabs are generally cheaper, more durable, and lower maintenance than decking. Decking suits sloped gardens or a warmer aesthetic, but requires annual treatment and has a shorter lifespan. For most UK gardens, patio slabs offer better long-term value.
What Is Decking?
Decking is an outdoor raised or ground-level platform built from timber boards or composite materials fixed to a subframe of joists and posts. It’s particularly useful for uneven or sloped gardens where laying a level hard surface would otherwise require significant groundworks. Softwood decking is the most common and affordable type in the UK, though composite boards made from recycled wood and plastic offer greater longevity with less maintenance. For step-by-step installation guidance, see our guide on how to lay decking.
What Are Patio Slabs?
Patio slabs are flat, precast units of concrete, natural stone, porcelain, or reconstituted stone laid on a mortar bed over a prepared sub-base to create a hard, level outdoor surface. They’re the most widely used garden paving material in the UK, available in a wide range of sizes, finishes, and price points to suit everything from a small courtyard to a large rear garden. If you’re ready to get started, our guide on how to lay paving slabs walks through the full process.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Decking | Patio Slabs |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per m² | £60–£150+ (softwood to composite) | £20–£120+ (concrete to porcelain) |
| Durability | Moderate — timber rots without treatment | High — withstands frost and heavy use |
| Appearance | Warm, natural look; suits informal gardens | Wide range; from rustic to contemporary |
| Install Difficulty | Moderate — requires frame and fixings | Moderate — requires sub-base and mortar |
| Maintenance | High — annual cleaning and treatment | Low — occasional cleaning and repointing |
| Lifespan | 10–15 yrs (softwood); 25+ yrs (composite) | 20–30+ yrs with proper installation |
Decking — Pros and Cons
- Ideal for sloped or uneven gardens where levelling would be costly
- Warm underfoot and visually appealing in informal or cottage-style gardens
- Faster to install than a full mortar-bed patio in some situations
- Composite boards offer low maintenance and 25+ year lifespan
- Can be built raised to create tiered or multi-level outdoor areas
- Softwood timber requires annual treatment and staining to prevent rot
- Can become slippery when wet — a real risk in the UK climate
- Softwood decking typically lasts only 10–15 years before replacement is needed
- Boards can split, warp, or lift over time, requiring ongoing repairs
- Composite decking has a higher upfront cost than most slab options
Patio Slabs — Pros and Cons
- Extremely durable — quality slabs can last 30 years or more
- Low maintenance — sweep clean or pressure wash annually
- Wide variety of materials, finishes, and sizes for any budget
- More fire-safe — suitable for barbecue and fire pit areas
- Concrete and reconstituted stone options are affordable and widely available
- Requires a proper sub-base and mortar bed — groundwork can be labour-intensive
- Slabs can sink or crack on unstable ground — see our guide on fixing sunken patio slabs
- Cold and hard underfoot compared to timber decking
- Not suitable for significantly sloped sites without additional groundworks or retaining
- Natural stone and porcelain options can be expensive and are harder to cut accurately
Which Is Better For…?
- A sloped or uneven garden: Decking wins — a timber frame can be built level over ground that would require extensive excavation or fill for slabs.
- A low-maintenance family garden: Patio slabs win — concrete or porcelain slabs need little more than an occasional clean, with no annual treatment required.
- A contemporary urban garden: Patio slabs win — large-format porcelain or sandstone slabs give a clean, modern look that decking rarely matches. See the best patio materials guide for options.
- A tight budget: Patio slabs win — basic concrete slabs can be laid from around £20–£30 per m² in materials, with tips in our guide on how to lay a patio on a budget.
- A garden with a barbecue or fire pit zone: Patio slabs win — stone and concrete surfaces are non-combustible and will not scorch or warp under heat the way timber decking can.
UK Cost Comparison
For patio slabs, expect to pay roughly £20–£40 per m² for concrete or reconstituted stone, £40–£80 per m² for natural sandstone or slate, and £80–£120+ per m² for large-format porcelain. For decking, pressure-treated softwood boards typically cost £30–£60 per m² in materials (excluding the subframe), while composite decking boards range from £80–£150+ per m² depending on quality and finish. Labour costs for professional installation vary by region but typically add £40–£80 per m² for either surface. These are materials and indicative labour figures based on typical UK trade pricing as of early 2026 — always obtain multiple quotes. For broader context on external surface costs, visit our Driveways & External Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does decking or patio slabs add more value to a UK home?
Both can add value if well-installed and well-maintained. Estate agents generally report that a neat, durable patio is viewed positively by buyers, while worn or slippery decking can be seen as a liability. Quality patio slabs tend to be viewed more favourably at point of sale.
Do I need planning permission for decking or a patio in the UK?
Ground-level patios generally don’t require planning permission. Decking over 30cm above ground level, or covering more than 50% of the garden, may require permission — check with your local planning authority or refer to gov.uk permitted development rules.
Which is safer when wet — decking or patio slabs?
Both can become slippery in wet conditions, but untreated or algae-covered decking is particularly hazardous. Textured or brushed patio slabs with an anti-slip finish tend to offer better wet-weather grip, especially on shaded or north-facing surfaces.
Can I lay patio slabs or decking myself as a DIY project?
Both are achievable for a competent DIYer. Patio slabs require careful sub-base preparation and mortar work. Decking requires accurate frame construction and fixings. Neither requires notifiable building work under Part P or similar regulations.
How long does softwood decking last compared to patio slabs?
Pressure-treated softwood decking typically lasts 10–15 years with proper maintenance. Quality patio slabs, correctly installed with a solid sub-base, can last 25–30 years or more. Composite decking bridges the gap at 25+ years but at a higher upfront cost.
If you’re installing decking on a north-facing or shaded aspect, specify boards with a grooved or brushed anti-slip profile — smooth-faced softwood in particular becomes dangerously slippery with algae growth within a single season. A grooved composite board in shade will outperform smooth softwood every time regardless of how often it’s treated.
Sources
- Which? — Patio and decking costs and buying advice — which.co.uk
- HSE — Slips and trips: guidance on floors (relevant to outdoor surfaces) — hse.gov.uk
- Checkatrade — Average cost of a patio and decking in the UK — checkatrade.com
This guide is for general information only. Always work safely and follow manufacturer instructions. DIYnut accepts no liability for injury or damage arising from DIY work.
