How Much Does Composite Decking Cost? [2026 Data]

In 2026, the national average cost to install composite decking is $8,500. Most homeowners typically spend between $5,400 and $11,500, with final costs driven by deck size, composite material type, and the amount of prep work required.

Composite Decking Cost Factors: What Affects the Price?

Several factors contribute to the cost of composite decking. These include the material type, deck size, optional add-ons, and the price of labor.

Type of Composite Decking

The three types of composite decking—PVC, mineral-based composite, and wood plastic—each carry a different price point, with PVC at the lowest end ($5 to $15 per square foot) and wood plastic at the highest ($10 to $18 per square foot). PVC is the most budget-friendly option, mineral-based composite sits in the middle, and wood plastic commands the highest price due to its hardwood-like appearance. Understanding what each material offers helps you match your budget to the performance and look you want for your outdoor space.

PVC Decking

PVC decking costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, making it the most affordable composite option. Also called vinyl decking, PVC boards contain only plastic materials, which makes them highly durable and long-lasting. One trade-off to keep in mind is that PVC is more susceptible to expanding and contracting with temperature changes than wood-plastic composite boards.

Mineral-Based Composite Decking

Mineral-based composite decking, also called polypropylene or poly decking, costs between $6 and $15 per square foot. These boards are a popular choice for docks because of their anti-slip properties and strong UV resistance. Poly decking is also newer to the market than other composite options and comes in a variety of styles and shapes, including slotted boards that snap together for straightforward installation.

Wood Plastic Composite Decking

Wood-plastic composite decking materials cost an average of $10 to $18 per square foot, making this the priciest composite type. It combines recycled plastic with wood fibers to deliver better durability, lower maintenance, and greater water resistance than wood decking alone. The plastic reinforcement also makes it less likely to crack or splinter than even well-regarded natural options like cedar decking.

This option has the highest price tag because the wood makes the composite decking look closer to hardwood than synthetic materials.

How Does Size Affect the Cost of Composite Decking?

Composite decking costs anywhere from $15 to $32 per square foot, with materials running $5 to $18 per square foot and labor adding another $10 to $14 per square foot. For a standard 360-square-foot deck, expect to spend between $5,400 and $11,500. Prices can be as low as $1,500 for a small deck or climb above $20,000 for large, custom builds. 

Here is how costs break down by common deck sizes:

Composite Pro Costs: What Installers Charge

A local deck company typically charges between $10 and $14 per square foot to build a composite deck, which works out to $3,600 to $5,000 in total for a standard 360-square-foot deck. If your project includes stairs, expect to pay around $25 per square foot for that work. Hiring a deck builder may also open the door to related services that can be bundled into your project, including:

• Gazebo construction: $5,200

• Patio installation: $4,000

• Pergola construction: $4,300

• Pool deck installation: $5,000

Composite Decking Additional Costs: What to Budget For

Beyond the base installation price, several additional elements of your composite decking project can influence the final cost. Demolition and prep work, permit fees, and supplementary materials like railings and substructure components all add to your budget. Getting a clear picture of these costs upfront helps you avoid surprises when the project is underway.

Demolition and Prep

Demolishing an old deck costs between $5 and $15 per square foot, and when combined with new installation, the total price can rise to $20 to $47 per square foot. For an average-sized deck, that adds up to a grand total of $7,200 to $17,000. If you need someone to haul away the debris, junk removal costs an average of $250.

Permits

A deck permit costs between $225 and $500, depending on your location. Requirements vary by municipality—some areas require a permit for any deck build, while others do not—so contact your local building department before starting the project. In many cases, your deck contractor will handle the permit application on your behalf.

Additional Deck Materials

Additional materials needed to complete your composite deck project can range from $3,800 to $8,300 in total, or an extra $10 to $23 per square foot. These costs cover components like railings, substructure, posts, and hardware, all of which add up quickly. 

Here is a breakdown of each additional decking material by type for a 360-square-foot deck:

Why You Should Hire a Composite Decking Pro

Hiring a deck builder is the best way to ensure your composite deck repair goes according to plan, and labor costs range from $10 to $14 per square foot. These experts ensure your repairs are completed safely and with durability in mind. Hiring a pro is a significant investment, but one you'll be glad you made over the years of enjoying your repaired deck.

Here's why it's ideal to hire a composite decking pro

There are several reasons to hire an expert for your composite decking repair, such as:

• Avoiding material waste of composite decking

• Ensuring the foundation of your deck is safe and secure

• Help with complicated decks, such as decks surrounding a tree

• Access work guarantees and warranties

• Ensure code compliance

• Help securing building permits

• Lower rates on new materials

• Faster deck repairs than attempting to DIY

Composite Decking Repair vs. Replacement

You'll want to calculate whether demolition costs of $5 and $15 per square foot surpass replacement costs of $5 to $18 per square foot. If you have an existing composite deck, it can be tempting to repair it instead of replacing it entirely, but it's important to conduct an inspection using our deck inspection checklist to determine its condition. 

The best way to determine whether it's best to replace or repair your deck is to calculate how much it will cost to repair your deck and see if it takes up 50% of the replacement cost. For example, a 360-square-foot deck costs between $1,800 and $5,400 to remove the old materials, $1,800 to $6,500 in new materials, and $3,600 to $5,000 in labor for a total of $7,200 to $16,900 . You'll want to avoid repairing an old deck if it will cost more than $3,600 to $8,500.

How You Can Save Money While Installing Composite Decking

Making wise financial decisions can help you save for a rainy day. Try out these tips on how to save on the cost of installing composite decking:

• Choose a smaller deck size, like a 12-by-12, over the standard 18-by-20-foot deck to lower material costs.

• Go for PVC composite decking boards over wood plastic.

• Demolish and dispose of your old deck yourself.

• If possible, avoid unnecessary accessories like railings or stairs. However, this may not be an option if you're looking for ways to make your backyard wheelchair accessible.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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