Carpentry and joinery
Decking
Whether this needs a licence in Ireland
No licence required
Taken from the statute below; not yet reviewed by a lawyer
Decking: what the job involves
Building a timber or composite deck on a treated timber frame on posts or pads, with steps, handrails and edging, or stripping and replacing an old one. Its life depends far more on the frame, ventilation underneath and drainage than on the boards on top.
Also asked for as: deck builder · composite decking · garden decking · raised deck · replace decking
How the job is usually done
- Survey levels, drainage, the house damp course and any manholes, and agree the size, height, board and edging.
- Clear the ground, lay weed membrane and set posts or adjustable pads on firm footings.
- Build the frame from treated joists at the right spacing for the boards, with a fall away from the house.
- Lay the boards with even gaps for drainage and movement, fixing with screws or hidden clips.
- Add steps, fascia boards, handrails and balustrades where there is a drop.
- Fit any lighting through a registered electrician, then clean down and finish.
Decking: what is included
Usually included
- Ground preparation and weed membrane
- The frame on posts or pads
- Boards, fascias and steps
- Handrails and balustrades where agreed
Usually not included — agree it separately
- Lighting and outdoor sockets, which need a registered electrician
- Removing large amounts of soil or old paving
- Planning permission or drawings for a high or large deck
- Staining or oiling after the boards have weathered
Materials and who supplies them
- Pressure-treated softwood joists and posts
- Boards: treated softwood, hardwood or composite
- Stainless or coated screws, hidden fixings, joist tape
- Usually supplied by the carpenter; composite boards are often chosen by the customer
How long it takes
Usually two to five days for a typical garden deck; longer for raised decks, many steps or sloping ground.
When to book
Build in late spring or summer, when the ground is dry and timber can be stained afterwards.
Decking: the rules in Ireland
What the official sources say, checked against them on the date shown. A summary, not legal advice — follow the link to read the rule itself.
Whether a deck needs planning permission depends on its height, size and position; a raised deck that overlooks neighbours is the usual case that does. If unsure, a Section 5 declaration from the county council confirms whether it is exempt.
Applies to: the homeowner
Planning and Development Act 2000 and Regulations (county council) · citizensinformation.ie · Checked 9 October 2026
Outdoor sockets and lighting circuits are Restricted Electrical Works for a Registered Electrical Contractor.
Applies to: the electrician
Safe Electric Ireland, for the Commission for Regulation of Utilities · safeelectric.ie · Checked 9 October 2026
Anybody who takes waste away from your home must hold a waste collection permit, and handing waste to an unpermitted collector is an offence for the householder.
Applies to: the homeowner and whoever removes the waste
National Waste Collection Permit Office · nwcpo.ie · Checked 9 October 2026
What decking costs, and why
What jobs on Talqero came to
Not enough comparable jobs yet to publish a range here. Talqero shows a price range only once at least five comparable jobs, agreed prices or offers exist — a range from fewer would describe a handful of jobs, not the market. Post your job and compare the offers you get.
What affects the price
- Area and height off the ground
- Boards: treated softwood, hardwood or composite
- Ground preparation, slopes and footings
- Steps, handrails, balustrades and lighting
- Removing an old deck or patio first
- VAT: building work on a home is charged at the reduced rate of 13.5% by a VAT-registered business — unless the materials come to more than two-thirds of the price, when Revenue’s two-thirds rule applies the goods rate to the whole job. Ask whether a quote includes VAT.
Paperwork to ask for at the end
- Board manufacturer’s warranty, for composite
- Details of the timber treatment class
- The electrician’s Completion Certificate for any lighting or sockets
Safety
- Decks get slippery with algae in Irish weather; grooved or anti-slip boards and regular cleaning help.
- Any drop more than about 600 mm should have guarding.
- The deck must not bridge the house’s damp-proof course or block air bricks.
Decking: before you hire
Questions to ask a tradesperson
- What frame timber and treatment will you use?
- How will you keep it clear of the damp-proof course and air bricks?
- Does it need planning permission at this height?
- What maintenance will the boards need?
- Who takes away the old deck or soil?
What you can do yourself
A low, ground-level deck is a popular DIY project; raised decks with steps and guarding are better built by a carpenter.
What to put in your task
- Roughly how big should the deck be?
- How high off the ground will it be at its highest point?
- What boards would you like?
- What is there now?
- Any extras?
Photos that help
- The area from the back door and from the end of the garden
- The back wall of the house, showing air bricks and damp course
- Any slope, manhole or drain in the area
- Access from the road to the garden
Decking by county
Choose your county for decking close to home.
- Decking in Dublin
- Decking in Cork
- Decking in Galway
- Decking in Kildare
- Decking in Limerick
- Decking in Meath
- Decking in Tipperary
- Decking in Donegal
- Decking in Wexford
- Decking in Kerry
- Decking in Wicklow
- Decking in Mayo
- Decking in Louth
- Decking in Waterford
- Decking in Clare
- Decking in Kilkenny
- Decking in Westmeath
- Decking in Laois
- Decking in Cavan
- Decking in Offaly
- Decking in Sligo
- Decking in Roscommon
- Decking in Monaghan
- Decking in Carlow
- Decking in Longford
- Decking in Leitrim
Carpentry and joinery
Need decking? Describe the job.
Post it once, free. Professionals near you reply with their own price and when they could start. You choose, and pay them directly.
Questions about decking
Does decking need a licence in Ireland?
No licence is required for this work in Ireland (source: www.cru.ie). Ask instead for references and photographs of similar jobs.
Do I need planning permission for decking?
Many low decks behind a house are exempt, but raised decks, especially near a boundary or overlooking neighbours, may need permission. The county council can issue a Section 5 declaration if you are unsure.
Composite or timber?
Composite costs more at the start but needs little more than washing and does not need staining. Treated softwood is cheaper but needs regular cleaning and treatment, and hardwood sits between.
Why do decks go green and slippery?
Irish damp and shade let algae grow on the boards. Good drainage, ventilation under the deck, grooved or anti-slip boards and a wash once or twice a year keep it in check.