Plastic Decking Installation: How Much Does It Cost?

Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners looking for an attractive, long-lasting, and low-maintenance outdoor living space. It is a decorative product made by mixing wood fibres and recycled plastic materials, which results in a resilient and durable deck surface. The cost of installing composite decking varies depending on several factors, including the type of composite material, the complexity of the design, and labour costs in your region. The average cost of composite decking, including materials and installation, ranges from $25 to $45 per square foot, with some sources giving a wider range of $15 to $80 per square foot. PVC decking is often considered more premium and expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot. On the other hand, wood-plastic composites (WPC) are more affordable, with prices ranging from $25 to $40 per square foot.

Composite decking costs

The cost of composite decking varies depending on the brand, design, materials, and labour costs in your region. The average cost of composite decking, including materials and installation, is between $25 and $45 per square foot, but prices can go as high as $80 per square foot. The price of the materials alone ranges from $4 to $18 per square foot.

The three types of composite decking include mineral-based composite, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and wood plastic. Each material can impact costs, with PVC at the lowest, mineral-based composite in the middle, and wood plastic at the top of the price range. Wood-plastic composite decking materials range from $10 to $18 per square foot. PVC decking is often considered more premium and more expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot.

The cost of composite decking can also depend on the design complexity. The more intricate your deck design, the higher the cost. Features like multi-level decks, curved edges, and built-in seating add to the complexity and the price. Installation costs can also vary depending on whether you opt for professional installation or decide to do it yourself. Professional installation fees typically range from $24 to $48 per square foot.

Composite decking is more expensive than traditional wood decking, but it requires minimal maintenance and offers superior durability. It is created by combining wood fibres and recycled plastic materials, resulting in a resilient and long-lasting deck surface. Composite decking is a great option for people who want a deck that doesn't require much care and can last between 25 and 50 years.

Installation costs

The installation costs of plastic decking vary depending on several factors. These include the type of plastic decking, the size of the deck, the complexity of the design, and the cost of labour in your region.

The first step in installing a plastic deck is acquiring the necessary permits. This is followed by ensuring a stable foundation, which may include concrete or plastic deck footings. The installer will then build the deck using decking boards, beams, joists, flashing, posts, and other components. Additional features such as railings, steps, and ramps will also impact the overall cost.

The cost of composite decking materials typically starts from $4 per square foot and can go up to $32 per square foot, depending on the brand, quality, and type of composite material chosen. For example, capped composite decking, which offers superior durability and requires less maintenance, ranges from $4 to $12 per square foot. Uncapped composite decking, which lacks the protective layer of capped products, is more affordable, ranging from $3 to $7 per square foot. Composite deck tiles, a versatile and cost-effective option, typically fall within this price range as well.

The cost of labour for installing composite decking ranges from $24 to $48 per square foot. For a standard 360-square-foot deck, labour costs can be between $3,600 and $5,000. However, for more complex designs, such as multi-level decks or curved edges, labour costs will be higher. Additionally, if your deck requires custom features such as stairs, this will incur an additional cost of around $25 per square foot.

It is worth noting that composite decking offers long-term benefits that can outweigh the initial investment. Composite decking is known for its durability and low maintenance, requiring only a simple wash with soap and water for cleaning. It is also resistant to fading, scratching, and rotting, and it does not require regular sealing, staining, or painting like traditional wood decks.

Design complexity

The cost of installing plastic decking can vary depending on the design complexity, among other factors. Design complexity refers to the intricacy of the deck design, with more complex designs typically costing more.

For example, features such as multi-level decks, curved edges, and built-in seating add to the complexity and the price. The more intricate the design, the higher the cost of materials and labour. This is because complex designs often require more materials and take longer to install, increasing the overall cost.

In addition, the type of plastic decking material chosen can also impact the cost. For instance, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking is often considered more premium and expensive, ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot. On the other hand, wood-plastic composites (WPC) are more affordable, with prices ranging from $25 to $40 per square foot.

The size of the deck can also affect the cost of installation. A larger deck will require more materials and labour, resulting in a higher overall cost. Similarly, the number of steps and whether the foundation needs to be reinforced will impact the final cost. For example, elevated decks or those with custom features will generally incur higher labour costs due to their increased complexity.

It is important to consider the design complexity when budgeting for a plastic decking installation project. A more intricate design will likely result in higher costs, while a simpler design may be more cost-effective.

Materials

The materials used for plastic decking are a significant factor in determining the overall cost of the project. Composite decking is a popular choice for homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance, and long-lasting nature. It is made from a combination of wood fibres and recycled plastic materials, such as polyethylene and PVC. Composite decking costs anywhere from $4 to $18 per square foot, with the average cost ranging from $16 to $32 per square foot. The price varies based on the brand, quality, type, colour, texture, and design of the composite material.

Wood-plastic composites (WPC) are a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $25 to $40 per square foot. WPC decking contains recycled plastic and wood, making it less likely to crack or splinter than pure wood.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking is considered more premium and expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot. PVC decking is made entirely of plastic materials, making it a long-lasting option, though it is more susceptible to expanding and contracting.

Mineral-based composite decking is another option, costing between $6 and $15 per square foot. This type of decking is popular for docks due to its anti-slip properties, UV resistance, and ability to snap together for easy installation.

For a more natural look, wood decking is also an option, though it requires more maintenance and can cost between $2 and $20 per square foot, depending on the type of wood.

Other materials to consider when budgeting for a decking project include footings, steps, railings, and substructures, which will cost extra. Additionally, features like multi-level decks, curved edges, and built-in seating will add to the complexity and price of the project.

Labour costs

The labour costs for installing plastic decking can vary depending on several factors. These include the size of the deck, the complexity of the design, the number of people involved in the installation, and the amount of preparation work required.

The labour costs for installing composite decking typically range from $24 to $48 per square foot. For a 200-square-foot deck, this equates to approximately $4,800 to $9,600 for labour alone. More complex designs, such as multi-level decks, curved edges, or built-in seating, will result in higher labour costs. Similarly, if your deck requires additional features such as stairs, railings, or a substructure, you can expect to pay more in labour fees.

The overall cost of installing a composite deck will depend on the specific choices you make and your location. On average, the cost of a professionally installed composite deck ranges from $25 to $45 per square foot, including both materials and labour. However, this can vary depending on the brand, quality, and type of composite material used. For example, wood-plastic composite decking materials range from $10 to $18 per square foot, while polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking, considered a more premium option, can cost between $40 and $70 per square foot.

It is worth noting that composite decking typically has a higher upfront cost compared to traditional wood decking, which usually ranges from $2 to $5 per square foot. However, composite decking offers long-term benefits such as durability, low maintenance, and longevity, which can make it a more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Frequently asked questions