The Cost Of Composite Decking: Is It Worth It?

Plastic composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance and customisable appearance. The price of a plastic composite deck varies depending on the size and complexity of the design, with the average cost of materials ranging from $10 to $18 per square foot. The overall cost of a standard 360-square-foot deck is between $5,400 and $11,500, but prices can be as little as $1,500 or as much as $25,000 for large, custom decks.

The average cost of a plastic composite deck is $8,900, but prices range from $5,200 to $11,000 depending on size and design

Wood-plastic composite decking is an environmentally friendly and durable building material made from recycled wood and plastic. It is a popular choice for homeowners due to its low maintenance requirements, customisable appearance and long-lasting durability. The wood in the composite makes the decking look closer to hardwood than synthetic materials. The plastic reinforces the wood, making it less likely to crack or splinter compared to even the most tried and trusted woods, like cedar decking.

Polyethylene plastic decking is a good choice for mould-resistant decking because it is typically made by mixing polyethylene, a wood fibre filler, and mould-resistant chemicals designed to seal the composite boards. This type of composite decking is relatively inexpensive at a cost of about $11.40 per square foot. However, it’s necessary to note that polyethylene plastic composite decking is not the most durable choice, and it doesn’t provide the same level of resistance to fading, stains, and abrasive damage as PVC decking.

PVC decking costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, slightly higher than wood-plastic composite decking boards. Also called vinyl decking, PVC boards contain only plastic materials, making them a long-lasting option for your deck. However, compared to composite wood plastic, PVC is more susceptible to expanding and contracting.

The average cost of wood-plastic composite decking materials ranges from $10 to $18 per square foot

The cost of installing new composite decking averages at $8,900, with prices generally ranging from $5,200 to $11,000, depending on the size and complexity of the design. More elaborate designs can cost up to $25,000, while smaller and simpler ones may cost as little as $3,500.

There are different types of composite decking materials available, each with its own price range. Polyethylene plastic decking is a relatively inexpensive option, costing about $11.40 per square foot. However, it is not the most durable choice and doesn't provide the same level of resistance to fading, stains, and abrasive damage as PVC decking. Polypropylene plastic composite decking is the most expensive material, ranging from $9.60 to $17.40 per square foot.

PVC decking is another option, costing between $5 and $15 per square foot. It is made from only plastic materials, making it a long-lasting choice. However, compared to composite wood plastic, PVC is more susceptible to expanding and contracting. Mineral-based composite decking or polypropylene decking (poly decking) is also an option, costing between $6 and $15 per square foot. These boards are popular for docks due to their anti-slip properties, and they also offer UV resistance.

Polyethylene plastic composite decking is relatively inexpensive at a cost of about $11.40 per square foot

The cost of installing a new composite deck averages at $8,900, with prices generally ranging from $5,200 to $11,000. However, the size and complexity of the design can cause the price to vary, with more elaborate designs costing up to $25,000, and smaller and simpler ones costing as little as $3,500. The size of your composite decking is the most direct factor influencing the overall cost of your project.

The average cost for wood-plastic composite decking materials ranges from $10 to $18 per square foot. Polyethylene plastic composite decking is relatively inexpensive at a cost of about $11.40 per square foot. However, it is necessary to note that polyethylene plastic composite decking is not the most durable choice, and it doesn't provide the same level of resistance to fading, stains, and abrasive damage as PVC decking. PVC decking costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, slightly higher than wood-plastic composite decking boards. Polypropylene plastic composite decking is the most expensive material available for this project, ranging in cost from $9.60 to $17.40 per square foot.

PVC decking costs between $5 and $15 per square foot

The average cost for wood-plastic composite decking materials ranges from $10 to $18 per square foot. This type of composite decking board contains recycled plastic combined with wood fibres to make it more durable, low-maintenance, and water-resistant than wood decking.

Polyethylene plastic decking is a good choice for mould-resistant decking because it is typically made by mixing polyethylene, a wood fibre filler, and mould-resistant chemicals designed to seal the composite boards. This type of composite decking is relatively inexpensive at a cost of about $11.40 per square foot. However, it’s necessary to note that polyethylene plastic composite decking is not the most durable choice, and it doesn’t provide the same level of resistance to fading, stains, and abrasive damage as PVC decking.

Polypropylene plastic composite decking is the most expensive material available for this project, ranging in cost from $9.60 to $17.40 per square foot. You'll pay between $6 and $15 per square foot for mineral-based composite decking, or polypropylene decking (poly decking). These boards are popular for docks thanks to their anti-slip properties.

Mineral-based composite decking costs between $6 and $15 per square foot

The overall cost of a composite deck will depend on the size of the decking area and the complexity of the design. The cost of installing a new composite deck averages at $8,900, with prices ranging from $5,200 to $11,000. More elaborate designs can cost up to $25,000, while smaller and simpler ones may cost as little as $3,500. For a standard 360-square-foot deck, you can expect to spend between $5,400 and $11,500, but prices can go as low as $1,500 or as high as $20,000 for large, custom decks.

Wood-plastic composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners due to its low maintenance requirements, customisable appearance, and long-lasting durability. It is made from recycled plastic and wood fibres, which make it more durable, low-maintenance, and water-resistant than wood decking. The average cost for wood-plastic composite decking materials ranges from $10 to $18 per square foot.

Frequently asked questions