Stain or oil decking cost UK 2026
The going rate for stain or oil decking in 2026 is £350–£800/deck (total, ex VAT). Below: a calculator, what the job involves, materials at three price levels, and the prep that changes the price.
Stain or oil decking calculator
Market band source: Checkatrade.
What the job involves
| Stage | Task | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| prep | Scrub or pressure-wash and clean | 0.15 h per m² |
| paint | Two coats of oil or stain | 0.2 h per m² |
Some stages wait for materials to cure first, which can mean a return visit — that's why the worked example has 2 visits.
Materials at three price levels
| Material | Budget | Trade | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decking oil / stain (5L) 5L | £20 Decking stain 5L — MyJobQuote: oil stain 5 L £10–£20 | £28 Cuprinol UV Guard Decking Oil 5L — Covers up to 40 m² in two coats | £45 Osmo / premium decking oil — Hardwoods, longest protection |
| Decking cleaner / restorer 2.5-5L | £10 Decking cleaner 5L — Checkatrade: cleaning £150–£350 | £16 Cuprinol decking restorer — Brings back grey boards | £28 Deck stripper + brightener — Removes old stain |
Trade prices ex VAT, estimates checked 2026-09-27. Log your receipts in Grafto and your own prices replace these.
What changes the price
- Deck now? sound · grey and weathered
- Finish? oil or clear stain · coloured stain or paint big effect
Good practice
- Grey boards: restorer and a longer clean before oil takes
Prep to look for
| Condition | Check | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Rotten fascia or window timber | Screwdriver test: any soft or rotten timber? | Timber repairs £100–£400. Soft timber: cut out and splice or resin-repair before painting |
Questions
How much does stain or oil decking cost in the UK in 2026?
The researched market band is £350–£800/deck (total, ex VAT), from Checkatrade. A worked example of 30 m² comes to about £386–£442 across budget, trade and premium materials.
How long does stain or oil decking take?
The worked example of 30 m² takes about 1.5 working days over 2 visits (waiting for materials to cure in between).
What changes the price of stain or oil decking?
Mainly finish, plus any prep found on site: rotten fascia or window timber.