How Much Does Composite Decking Cost? [2024 Data]

Composite Decking Cost Factors

Synthetic deck materials cost more than traditional wood, but it’s not just the materials you need to consider. Here are all the factors for a composite deck build you should consider for your budget.

Deck Size

The size of your deck is a major contributing factor to the cost of composite decking. Composite decking costs $4 to $12 per square foot for materials only.

A 110-square-foot deck costs an average of $4,000. Composite decking for a 220-square-foot deck costs an average of $8,000.

Types

Types of composite decking include textured grain, two-faced, plastic-wrapped, and embossed grain. 

Textured Grain Composite Decking

You can expect to pay $5 per square foot for textured grain composite decking. This popular decking choice features realistic artificial wood grain. 

Two-Faced Grain Composite Decking 

You’ll pay between $4 and $5 per square foot for two-faced grain composite decking. This unique design features wood grain on one side and brushed grain on the other.

Plastic-Wrapped Composite 

You can expect to pay $6 per square foot for plastic-wrapped composite decking. This decking material is resistant to weather and other damage—making it an excellent long-term option.

Embossed Grain Composite

You’ll pay $5 per square foot for embossed grain composite decking. Embossed grain mimics the appearance and texture of natural wood with a realistic etched finish.

Framing 

Framing is the support structure underneath your composite deck. Pricing ranges for framing depending on the materials you choose. For example, framing for Trex composite decking will run you between $10 and $15 per square foot. 

If you go with pressure-treated wood, you’ll pay $1.50 to $3.50 per linear foot. For homeowners who opt for a more durable choice, you can expect to pay $3 to $7 per linear foot for metal or aluminum framing. 

Shapes and Designs 

The shape of your composite decking can bump prices by anywhere from $700 to $1,400. This 20% increase in your decking project’s budget is due to the custom design nature of your materials. Even if you opt for already-manufactured materials, fewer standard shapes mean less availability and, therefore, a higher price point.

A herringbone pattern, in particular, costs more toward the high end of the price range due to its unique, angular shape and longer installation process. Herringbone, diagonal, chevron, patchwork, pinstripe patterns, and picture-framed edging will increase labor and materials costs. 

Also, if you decide to go with premium colors and designs that mimic the look of hardwood, you’ll pay more. So, while a solid-color composite deck might run $25 to $40 per square foot, a high-quality, authentic-looking wood grain design will cost $30 to $60 per square foot. If you’re on a budget, stick with basic, solid colors and forego any unique patterns and textures. 

Fasteners 

The method of fastening the deck boards can also factor into the look and cost of your deck.  "Hidden" fasteners don't have any visible holes/screws in the top of the material, so the decking is held down from the sides or from below. Using hidden fasteners increases the cost of the hardware and takes longer to install, increasing labor costs. More traditional fasteners installed through the top are more affordable and installed more quickly.

Labor

Labor costs to install composite decking run between $1,500 and $2,000 per project or $10 to $15 per square foot. Working with an experienced decking professional can help ensure your project goes smoothly and you’ll be able to enjoy your new deck as soon as possible.

Location

Where you install your deck can affect how much your project will cost by anywhere between $10 and $75 per square foot. Ground-level composite decks are the most budget-friendly, while multi-level composite decks come in toward the higher end of the price range.  

• Ground-level decking: $10–$20 per sq. ft.

• Floating decking: $20–$60 per sq. ft.

• Second-story decking: $40–$50 per sq. ft.

• Multi-level decking: $30–$75 per sq. ft.

Permits

Sometimes, you may need permits before you can begin work on your deck, especially if it’s a brand-new construction. A permit can cost up to $500, depending on where you live.

Deck Removal

Deck removal costs range anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot. Services for this expense include demolishing your old deck and hauling and disposing of the old deck’s boards, brackets, foundation, and other parts by a junk hauler near you.

Grading and Leveling

Yard leveling and grading costs for a composite deck fall between $500 and $1,000 on average. If your deck needs to be constructed on uneven ground, you’ll likely need to add these fees to your project’s total cost. The more unlevel and larger the space, the higher you’ll pay.

Deck Base Construction

You’ll spend up to $75 per square foot to install the base of your deck. If you’re installing a floating or ground-level deck, you may not need a foundation. For a second-story and some multi-level decks, you will need to factor in the cost of the base to keep the structure secure.

Land Clearing 

On average, clearing land costs between $1,400 and $5,600. Land with more trees, boulders, vegetation, and slopes will cost more to clear than flat land with minimal vegetation.

Deck Stairs and Railing

When building a composite deck, you can’t forget to factor in the added costs for stairs and railings. Not only are stairs and railings functional, but they’re also a major safety component—especially if your deck is high off the ground or has multiple levels. You can expect to pay $50 to $120 per linear foot for each railing and $15 to $40 per linear foot for stairs. 

Additional Costs to Consider

Before starting your decking project, you’ll want to consider a few additional costs. 

Taxes

Your local property taxes may increase by up to $100, depending on your local municipality. Check with a tax assessor near you to see how much your taxes may increase before you build your deck.

Insurance

You might need to pay slightly more on your homeowner’s insurance to have a deck on your property. Insurance premiums vary by location and company, but anticipate an extra $50 annually. Deck insurance may cover tree damage, fire damage, and injury liability. 

Warranties

Some deck contractors offer a warranty that covers replacements and repairs, including labor. These can range from five to 10 years and cost anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars, depending on what the warranty covers. Read your warranty carefully before signing any documents.

Maintenance Costs

The primary reason many homeowners opt for composite decking is because it saves money on maintenance costs. Deck maintenance will cost $500 to $760 per year for replacing and repairing odds and ends.

Cost to Install Composite Decking Yourself

If you decide to install a composite deck yourself, you could save anywhere between $1,500 and $2,000. Installing a DIY composite deck is not for everyone. You might save money, but one mistake on a DIY decking project could cost you even more to repair and possibly lead to injuries. The average cost to repair a decking project gone wrong is about $1,700. 

In most cases, hiring a deck builder near you makes sense rather than doing it on your own. That way, you’ll have more time to plan all the gatherings you’re bound to host on your new deck.

Cost to Install It Yourself vs. Hiring a Contractor 

Composite decking materials cost an average of $2,100 to $5,200. If you want to stretch a tight budget and save on labor costs, you might consider rolling up your sleeves and making this a DIY project—if you have prior experience and the necessary skills. Doing so could save you between $10 to $15 per square foot.

Cost of Common Composite Decking Add-Ons

After you’ve installed your composite decking, you will likely want to make the most of it. Several common ways of turning a deck into the perfect outdoor space include adding furniture, lighting, rooftops, and awnings. Here’s how much each can add to the cost of your decking project.

Furniture

Adding furniture to your outdoor space costs between $100 and $10,000. This broad price range comes down to the type and quality of furniture you choose. You’ll likely spend between $200 and $1,800 for a standard patio table and four chairs.

Lighting 

Adding landscape lighting to your deck costs between $50 and $900 per fixture. If you want to add light fixtures, you’ll pay closer to the higher end of the price range, while if you plan on installing post lighting, you may pay closer to the lower end.

Roofs 

On average, deck roofing costs between $3,000 to $10,000. The size of your deck and the type of material you choose for your roof will significantly affect how much you spend on this upgrade.

Awning

Installing an awning costs between $1,400 and $4,300 on average. An awning is perfect for getting the best of that deck roof ambiance without the price tag. If you want to step up your awning’s game, consider upgrading to a retractable awning, which typically costs between $2,000 and $3,500. 

Electricity

Adding electricity to your deck costs between $3 and $5 per linear foot if you’re only adding electrical wiring. Adding a new subpanel costs an extra $400 to $1,750. You’ll also need to add the cost to hire a local electrician to complete the installation, which ranges between $50 and $100 per hour.

Cost to Replace Wood Deck Boards With Composite

The cost to replace wood boards with composite is similar to that of a new composite deck. You’ll just need to add the cost of labor to remove old deck boards and the disposal fees, which can range from $5 to $15 per square foot, on top of the cost of your new materials and the installation for those materials.

Cost of Composite Decking vs. Wood

Wood decking costs $5 to $20 per square foot less than composite decking. Some wood materials, like redwood, come in at a price range similar to composite decking, while pressure-treated wood costs are significantly lower.

However, remember that wood decking requires more maintenance than composite decking, which could increase those prices in the long run. You’ll need to regularly stain, paint, and replace decayed wooden boards, which can add up over time. Composite decking doesn’t require staining or painting, and its boards won’t rot.

3 Tips to Reduce Costs When Installing Composite Decking

Photo: ronstik / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images

Who doesn’t love saving money? Consider these three tips when installing your synthetic deck.

1. Stick With Simpler Textures

The most expensive composite deck products typically contain elegant, complex textures and patterns. $25 to $54 per square foot is the low- to high-end cost for composite deck materials and labor, meaning you could save as much as 50% on materials by choosing a simpler pattern or design.

2. Tackle Some (or All) of the Project DIY

If designing and building a composite deck from scratch isn’t for you, you might hire a contractor to build the substructure and then finish the rest yourself. Between $9 and $16 per square foot is a good guideline when hiring a contractor to build the substructure.

3. Get Multiple Quotes

As always, asking for multiple contractor quotes can help you find the best price. If the quotes are competitive, you might get a reduced warranty or some other perk from a contractor looking to win your business.

Ben Kissam contributed to this article.