Cheaper to get deck path or slabs?

jimpix12

Hi all, I am looking to get a pathway built in my garden. It will be about 5m long, just for regular foot traffic. The costs of the paving to match my patio I have priced up at about £150. Not too dear, however plus labour etc will bring it up to £800 or so based on an average of quotes I've received.

So I have been looking at getting a decking pathway instead, does anyone know about the costing of this? I assume they don't need to dig down as deep. Looking at averages of £80/m it looks like it'll be a little more cost effective.

spadoosh

How fit and able are you, this is something that cuold easily be done over a weekend by yourself, saving what looks like a lot on labour.

I would imagine the labour might be a bit cheaper (though a good chippy can charge accordingly) but maintenance would be higher.

jimpix12

I am "able" to do it, but there is some sort of clay/stone mix about 1ft down that's impenetrable. I tried to do the pathway myself this weekend but gave up! I don't think I could do the decking myself but the paving I could, if it wasn't for the rocks below the topsoil.

spadoosh

Hire a mini digger?!?! a quick look suggest about £100 a week!?


That was a bit vague, looking further about £50-80 a day!

Plus you get to play on a mini digger, got to be worth it!!

sunshinetours

Pathway will be much better and cheaper long term with paving and if it matches existing patio, will look nicer. Cut costs now and you will regret it IMO