What are the average composite decking prices?

A space to socialise, play, or relax? A composite deck can provide it all! But how much does composite decking cost to be installed? Composite decking costs range from $5,000 to $10,000 per m2. This can still go up depending on the size, type of materials you’re using, the complexity of the project, and labor.

Composite decking costs per m2 can quickly blow out and exceed your allotted budget. To avoid this, we have made a comprehensive price guide to help you learn more about composite decking installation costs.

Factors that affect composite decking costs

Having a safe and peaceful space to unwind after a long day gives numerous benefits to your well-being. But how do composite decking vs wood costs compare? Let’s first look into the factors that affect the cost to build a composite deck. 

• Size of deck. It’s all about the size. Bigger decks would naturally take longer to finish while smaller decks can be accomplished faster. Bigger decks will also consume more materials, hence, will be more expensive. For reference, composite decking around 12’ x 24’ would start at $2,800 while wider decks could reach up to $5,000. If you need help in preparing your area before installing your new decking or cleaning it up after the job, then this will add up to the costs.
• Materials. Composite decking prices vary depending on the type of material used. The top three types of composite decking are Polyethylene Plastic, PVC, and Polypropylene Plastic. Price ranges from $3 to $6 per linear ft. Whichever you choose, all three materials offer a good alternative to wood or timber decking due to their durability, convenience, and resistance to pests and moisture. Suppliers also offer warranties that could last from 10 to 25 years ensuring the high-quality build of their materials!
• Location. Composite decking prices per square meter also differs depending on the location. For bigger cities, expect to pay more due to higher operating costs. If you live in a hard to reach location in the suburbs, this might also incur an additional fee that will cover transportation and gas.
• Labor. For a composite decking project, labor usually $10 to $30 per sq. ft. The duration would depend on the size of your deck. To give a quick estimate, smaller spaces can be finished in one day while bigger spaces can take up to three days. If you need the services of an electrician to do additional lighting or plumbing work, this would cost around $60 to $90 per hour.

Different types of composite decking materials and their costs

When it comes to composite decking, you can pick from three different types of materials. Costs usually range from $10 to $22 per board depending on the brand. The most popular brands available are Trex, FutureWood, DuraLife, ModWood, and Ekodeck. To help you decide the right material for your home, we’ve listed the advantages of each material and its costs below.

• Polyethylene Plastic. Polyethylene Plastic starts at $4 per linear foot. This is ideal for buyers who would like to save up on costs while also looking for good quality material. It also offers better resistance to slippage and protection against mold.
• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride). Similar to Polyethylene Plastic, PVC composite starts at $3 per linear foot. PVC composite remains competitive to other wood types like Ipe. In addition to this, PVC is also highly sustainable while being low maintenance. It is resistant to rot, decay, mold, and insects making it a good lifetime investment.
• Polypropylene Plastic. Of all composite decking materials, Polypropylene Plastic is the most expensive reaching up to $5.80 per linear foot. The higher cost is due to its high durability and benefits such as heat and moisture resistance. This material is also used in building higher-end decks.  

Check out the table below to compare different decking materials and their corresponding costs:

Other factors that affect composite decking costs

Aside from the factors mentioned above, other costs might come up while installing your new decking. If you need help in preparing your space by levelling out the ground, this will cost around $500 to $1,000. If you have an existing deck and want this removed, this will cost around $5 to $15 per sq. ft.
After installation, you might also want to beautify your backyard further through installing artificial grass and outdoor lights. Artificial grass costs start at $2,800 while outdoor light costs around $35 to $200.

Lastly, if you plan to do the DIY route, be prepared to have installation materials like decking posts, balustrades, composite oil, sealants, joists, and pins. If you don’t have the time or energy to purchase and learn how to use these materials, you can always hire a decking fitter to install your new decking for you. This will save you supply costs while also ensuring that your deck is made to last.

Benefits of installing a composite deck

Before calculating composite decking installation costs, why install one in the first place? Installing a composite deck has numerous benefits.

• Long-lasting material. Composite decking materials are long-lasting and can withstand the test of time. Unlike wood, it’s not prone to rotting, moulding, or insect infestation. It can fare well with changing seasons and harsher weather without splitting or cracking.
• Low maintenance. Apart from washing with soapy water once a year, a composite deck requires almost no maintenance. No need for pressure washing, scrubbing, or staining.
• Aesthetic appeal. One benefit of installing a composite deck is its aesthetic appeal. It looks very similar to natural wood without having to cut down trees. It’s also available in various shades and patterns and maintains its colour for decades, even when exposed to long hours of sunlight.

Ready to build your new composite deck? Skip scouring the web for composite decking cost calculators! Put up a task on Airtasker and get a personalised quote from a nearby decking specialist in minutes!