Did you know that almost half of all new decks are now made of composite materials? This change shows the growing interest in beautiful, long-lasting home improvements. Therefore, we need to understand the price of building composite decking. And what factors change the price of composite decking.

Composite decking is becoming more and more popular. This is because it lasts a long time, doesn’t require much maintenance, and looks great. It costs a lot of money to build a composite deck. This blog will discuss the cost of building a composite deck.

We will discuss the many factors that affect the price and provide you with a complete plan. Our goal is to help homeowners make informed choices and plan their finances. Once you have this information, you can begin building your deck with confidence, creating a place you will love.

• Composite decks can cost anywhere from $25 to $80 per square foot.
• Nationwide, the average price of a composite deck is $45 per square foot.
• A 10′ x 10′ composite deck typically costs between $2,500 and $8,000 to build.
• The average cost to build a 20′ x 20′ composite deck is between $10,000 and $32,000.

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1. Cost of Composite Decking By Size

When it comes to composite decking, the size of the project can make a big difference in the budgeted cost. If the deck is about 100 square feet, one would expect to pay between $2,500 and $8,000 for materials and construction.

However, when the size of the deck increases to about 300 square feet, the cost rises to between $7,500 and $24,000. The following table shows the full average cost based on deck size.

Deck size (ft)	Total area (sq ft.)	Avg. total cost	Avg. material cost	Avg. labor cost
8×8	64	$1600-$5120	$640-$2048	$960-$3072
8×10	80	$2000-$6400	$800-$2560	$1200-$3840
8×12	96	$2400-$7680	$960-$3072	$1440-$4608
10×10	100	$2500-$8000	$1000-$3200	$1500-$4800
10×15	150	$3750-$12000	$1500-$4800	$2250-$7200
10×20	200	$5000-$16000	$2000-$6400	$3000-$9600
12×12	144	$3600-$11520	$1440-$4608	$2160-$6912
12×16	192	$4800-$15360	$1920-$6144	$2880-$9216
12×20	240	$6000-$19200	$2400-$7680	$3600-$11520
14×14	196	$4900-$15680	$1960-$6272	$2940-$9408
15×15	225	$5625-$18000	$2250-$7200	$3375-$10800
15×20	300	$7500-$24000	$3000-$9600	$4500-$14400
20×20	400	$10000-$32000	$4000-$12800	$6000-$19200

2. How Much Does a Composite Deck Cost?

Depending on how composite decking is built, the average price can vary greatly. For simple designs, such as a basic platform deck, the cost per square foot may be lower than for complex designs, such as multi-layer decks or curved-shaped decks.

The difficulty of the deck design affects both the cost of materials and the cost of construction. This is because it takes more time and skill to construct more complex designs.

Innovative deck designs, such as floating decks or roof decks, also tend to cost more on average because they require special structural elements and materials to install. However, standard styles such as platform decks or wrap-around decks may be a good compromise between cost and style.

When choosing a deck design option, homeowners should consider both their financial situation and personal style tastes. They should also talk to a professional to get an accurate cost estimate for the composite deck project they want to undertake. Here’s a simple list of what different deck designs might cost you.

• Platform/ground level decks: $25-$50 per square foot installed
• Raised/multi-tiered deck: $50-$150 per square foot installed cost
• Wrap-around deck: $35-$70 per square foot installed cost
• Pool or spa decks: $35-$70 per square foot installed cost
• Rooftop/balcony decks: $60-$100 per square foot installed cost
• Floating deck: $30-60 per square foot installed cost

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3. How to Calculate the Cost of Deck Installation

Before you start planning your deck, it’s important to understand the different cost factors involved in installing a deck. First of all, the total cost depends heavily on the size of the deck and the type of materials used. The larger the deck and the more expensive the material (such as composite decking or rare hardwoods), the higher the cost will naturally be.

Labor costs will also vary depending on the location and complexity of the job. Costs can also be affected by a number of factors. Things like ease of getting to the site, soil conditions and local building codes. Adding extras such as built-in seating, lighting or pergolas can also increase the cost of a deck. But these additions will also make the deck more functional and aesthetically pleasing.

When selecting materials for your new deck, you should consider the long-term maintenance costs of those materials. At first glance, the cheaper options may look good, but they may require a lot of maintenance. Or they may need to be replaced after a few years, which will increase your total cost in the long run.

Knowing these cost factors ahead of time and making smart choices will help you make sure your new deck stays on budget and also increases the value of your home.

Let’s talk about the various cost factors you need to know before you start building a new deck.

3.1 Materials Used

The materials used are one of the most important factors to consider when calculating the cost of a composite deck. Traditional wood decks have been popular for a long time. However, composite decks last longer and cost less to maintain, making it worthwhile to spend more money.

Composite decking products are priced differently depending on the name, quality, and design choices. You should compare these costs to the long-term rewards, such as less maintenance and more time in service.

3.2 Materials for Composite Decking

Composite decking boards are made from different materials and this product is durable and requires little maintenance. Its final price is affected by each material. Many use polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polypropylene plastics.

3.2.1 Polyethylene (HDPE) Decking

Polyethylene (HDPE) outdoor decking looks a lot like real wood and has a realistic appearance. Composites made from polyethylene are usually the least expensive and offer the best combination of durability and cost-effectiveness.

For the most part, these materials are heavy and look more like wood. However, it has better insulation properties, which may be important in hot places. Even though it’s usually sturdy, it’s also easier to scratch and scrape. So you may need to take extra care to keep it looking good.

3.2.2 PVC Decking

Unlike composite materials, PVC decking is made of plastic only. It’s usually the most expensive of the three types of decking because it lasts the longest and requires the least maintenance. It is also resistant to insects, water, and corrosion.

What sets PVC decking apart is that it comes in a variety of colors and has a more plastic-like appearance. It lasts a long time, but it gets bigger or smaller when the temperature changes. It resists weathering well but is more susceptible to mold than polyethylene, so be careful when it gets wet.

3.2.3 Polypropylene (PP) Decking

Polypropylene decking usually has a matte finish and works well in hot places because it does not absorb heat. Composites made from polypropylene tend to be lighter but slightly more expensive. This is because they do not fade or react well to heat.

Polypropylene is a strong material and does not bend easily when exposed to moisture for long periods of time. However, polypropylene can become brittle in cold areas, so be sure to consider local weather conditions when choosing this material.

4. Brands of Composite Decking

Composite decking usually costs between $4 and $8 per square foot. However, prices can vary greatly depending on the type and brand you choose. Some popular choices are listed below:

Brand	Cost Range	Average Cost per Sq Ft
EVODEK	$3-$13	$5.12
Trex	$4-$15	$6.78
TimberTech	$6-$15	$7.48
CertainTeed	$6-$10	$7.50
Azek	$5-$15	$7.82
Fiberon	$4-$13	$5.42

The prices given inside the table will give you a rough idea of how much these materials themselves cost. Don’t forget that the price also depends on the type of wood deck you choose. Although premium products cost more, they usually come with better materials and warranties and last longer.

5. Other cost factors to consider

Apart from the main decking materials, there are a number of other factors that will affect the cost of the overall decking project.

5.1 Substructure

The substructure is the foundation upon which the deck is built. Concrete is strong and durable. Depending on the complexity of the construction and the type of concrete used, it can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per square foot.

Another popular choice is pressure-treated lumber, which costs about $2 to $5 per square foot. Your choice will affect the cost and longevity of your deck.

5.2 Railing and Stairs

Deck railings and stairs can make a deck safer as well as more aesthetically pleasing. Costs can vary widely depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design.

Metal or composite railings range from $40 to $120 per foot, while wood railings range from $15 to $30 per foot. Adding stairs requires an additional cost, the price of which depends on the number of steps and the materials used.

5.3 Lighting and Accessories

Adding lighting fixtures, plants, pergolas, or other accessories to a deck can transform it from a simple outdoor space into an elegant retreat. Lighting fixtures range in price from $8 to $30 per fixture for simple models to over $100 per fixture for high-end systems.

Accessories such as planters and pergolas are also expensive, ranging from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. The exact price depends on their size, style, and material.

6. How to Save Money?

When planning a composite deck, costs can add up quickly. However, there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing quality. Here are some useful tips that can help you save money on installing a composite deck:

• Do-it-yourself installation: If you’re handy, you may want to install your deck yourself. Many composite decking products are simple to install. If you do it yourself, you can greatly reduce labor costs.
• Buy in Bulk: Buying in bulk usually qualifies for discounts. Plan your deck carefully and buy everything at once to save money on bulk purchases.
• Choose mid-priced materials: Choose composites that fall in the middle of the pack. There are more expensive composites, but many mid-range materials offer a good balance between longevity and cost.
• Shop out of season: Different times of the year can cause prices to change. You may find a better deal by shopping outside of the peak season. This is because stores are trying to get rid of inventory at this time.
• Reuse and recycle: If you’re replacing an old deck, check to see if there are any parts or tools you can reuse to save money.
• Compare quotes: Be sure to get quotes from more than one deck builder. Deck prices vary greatly, so getting multiple quotes will help you find the best deal.
• Plan for the long term: While the initial cost is important, it’s also important to consider the long-term value. A slightly more expensive option may last longer and require less maintenance, saving you money in the long run.
• Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate with workers and suppliers. Some may give you a discount just to get your business.

7. Frequently Asked Questions

7.1 Is It Worth It to Buy a Composite Deck?

Composite decking is usually a good choice for a number of reasons. First of all, it’s very strong and won’t be damaged by factors like rot, decay, or insect infestation. This means that it typically lasts longer and requires less maintenance than wood decking.

Over time, it will save you time and money. This is because you won’t have to stain, seal, or sand it. Composite decks also come in many styles and colors and will stay looking great for years without fading or wearing out like wood.

In addition, composite decking is often a good long-term investment, even though it costs more at first. This is because it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. But whether it’s worth the investment depends on your budget, how long you plan to live in the house, and how you like to look and maintain it.

7.2 Which Is Better, Wood or Composite Decking?

There are several things to consider when deciding between a wood or composite deck. Composite decking lasts longer and requires less maintenance, but costs more to begin with.

Wood decks, on the other hand, have a more natural look and cost less upfront, but require long-term maintenance. Consider your budget, preferences, and living environment to choose the right deck material.

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