How Much Cost to Install Composite Decking

When building a deck, you’ll need to make many decisions. From start to finish, you’ll need to consider many things. One of the first things that you’ll have to decide is choosing what material to use. There are three main types of decking material; wood, PVC, and composites. Each of these has advantages and disadvantages. Their strengths and weaknesses will be a crucial factor in deciding what to choose.

When considering the materials, there are other crucial things to consider: your budget. How much are you willing to spend? For the success of your budget, you’ll need to estimate all your spending first. For decking, how much would composites cost? Is it worth it?

Composite decking boards are more expensive than wood decking. Despite that, homeowners still prefer installing composite boards in their homes. Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking is a material that is durable and will last longer.

Cost to Install Composite Decking

Composite decking may be one of your preferred decking options. But before finalising your decision, you may want to check out how much it costs first. Let’s break down all the prices and the process of building one.

Buying Materials – The first thing you will need to do is purchase materials for your project. There is a wide variety of composites in the market. For instance, will you be using hollow or solid composite materials? What kind of fastening system will you be using? Will you be sticking to the traditional screws and nails? Or will you try hidden clips? What about the colour and pattern? Aside from the decking boards, you’ll also need materials for the frame and other necessary items. How much will these cost?

1 Superior Decking Material

Composite decking is a superior decking material with a similar appearance to that of wood but is more aesthetically pleasing and durable than timber. The decking board’s price will heavily depend on its quality. At the time of writing, you can buy composite decking boards from anywhere between £50 to well over £100 per square meter, depending on the quality. A good rule of thumb is always to stick to quality and buy the best you can afford. If you don’t need high-end quality or can buy in bulk, you can get a cheaper deal. You will also need to purchase materials for the frame or joists. Screws, nails, decking clips and landscaping fabric are some of the other things you will need, which do differ in price. You may also want to add some accessories, like balustrades, rails, and pergolas, which adds to the overall cost.

Although more expensive than wood, composite decking is worth the additional cost given its many features, advantages and benefits when compared to other decking materials such as wood.

2 Contractors Fees

Next, you will need to find contractors for the decking project. The price will depend on how big the project is and how long it will take to complete the project. Again, at the time of writing, the average cost of workers sits around £40-£70 per square metre. Typically, it would take up to a week to install an average deck, including the substructure and ground preparation. A larger project will take longer and cost more.

Of course, you can also take the DIY route, especially if you have experience in building a deck. By doing so, you can save £100’s for an average-sized garden decking. Aside from making the actual deck, you will also need to consider the price of preparing the land. The more preparation it requires (digging, weeding, etc.), the higher the cost will be.

3 Total Cost

So, what is the total cost of installing composite decking? For an average-sized garden decking area (15-20 sq. metres), you’ll be spending anywhere from £3500 to £4500 if you hire contractors. If you install it yourself, expect to cash out £2000 to £3000 for 15-30 square metres of composite decking. Of course, this is only a rough estimate. It’s best to consult your contractors and suppliers to get the full price.

So is it Worth it?

Composite decking installation is significantly pricier than traditional timber decking. On average, you’ll spend upwards of £2000-£3000 for composite decking boards alone, while you’ll only need £1500-£2500 for good quality timber. Despite the high initial cost, composites can last for a minimum of 25 years. Meanwhile, with regular maintenance and care, softwood can last up to 15 years. Hardwoods, on the other hand, last up to 25 years. PVC, another decking option, is much more expensive.

Adds Value

Installing composite boards will add more value to a property, making it more appealing to homebuyers should you be considering selling your home.

So is it worth it? With its long life, durability and low maintenance, you’ll get the most out of your budget by using composite decking. The only reason you may want to reconsider is if you are planning to move house in a couple of years. In which case, it’s best to stick with the cheaper option of softwoods.

How Much Does it Cost to Install Composite Decking