The cost of Installing composite decking for every 15-30 square metres is £2000. The material has swiftly become the most preferred timber alternative for garden decking for various factors ranging from cost to maintenance.
Are you building a deck for your garden or considering changing its look? Composite decking is an alternative to wood or timber and PVC decking. It is a man-made material comprised of wood and plastic fibres kept together by a bonding chemical.
Creating a deck requires many decisions from start to finish. You will need to consider a lot of factors. Your budget is one of the most important factors to consider in a decking project. How much money are you willing to spend?
The cost of composite decking depends on the quality and approach you’ll take when installing. Is this a DIY decking project, or will you hire contractors? Will you be adding railings or any additional items? Does quality matter, or do you want to save more money? Although it more expensive than timber decking, is cheaper in the long run. In fact, it is the safest choice since it is only slightly affected by environmental factors, unlike timber and PVC decking.
Price of Materials
Naturally, the first thing you need to do when installing is to purchase your materials. The price of boards varies depending on their quality. You can save money by buying them in bulk.
Although high-quality decking is more expensive, the wood-plastic elements used in its construction give long-lasting qualities and lower overall upkeep expenses. Prices for decking boards vary based on their type, with solid core composite decking costing £60-£100 every square metre on average.
The price for Hollow Core decking is lower since each board has less material, ranging from £50 to £70 per square metre. Still, they provide less support for heavier things like jacuzzis, BBQs, and heavy ornaments.
Other items you’ll need include:
- Screws
- Nails
- Decking clips
- Landscaping fabric
Aside from that, you may also choose to include fences, rails, and pergolas, which will result in a higher cost, roughly £450-£1,000.
Installation
Installation costs will depend on which path you’ll take. Once you’re ready to install composite decking, you’ll need to consider hiring contractors. The cost will be determined by the size of the project and the time it will take to complete it. Labour costs roughly £20-50 per square metre. Installing a deck often takes only a day or two. Any more time will be more expensive.
Of course, you can choose to DIY instead, especially if you’ve built a deck before and you’re confident the deck will be installed correctly. You can save around £300-500 on an average-sized garden space when you go the DIY route. You must also consider the cost of preparing the area in addition to the cost of decking installation. The more preparation (digging, weeding, etc.), the higher the cost.
Price list of Composite Decking
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Boards | £50 – £100 |
| Additional Costs (Materials) | £450 – £1,000 |
| Labour Cost | £20 – £50 |
| Bespoke | £3500 for 30 square metre |
Assuming you have a 15 square metres decking area, the installation will result in a final cost of approximately £1,500-£3,250. You won’t have to worry about maintenance costs since composite decking last for 25 years. Just make sure to keep washing your deck with lukewarm soapy water once a year.
Is It Worth Your Money?
This decking is more expensive to construct than traditional timber decking. However, the total cost is more affordable than its alternatives since it requires lower maintenance. Composite decking costs £2000-3500 on average, while wood decking costs £1500-2500. Composites can last at least 25 years, while Softwood can last up to 15 years. Hardwoods, on the other hand, also have a 25-year lifespan. Another decking alternative is PVC, which is significantly more expensive.
It will help you maximise your money because of its long life, durability, and low maintenance. You should only think twice about it if you plan to move out in a few years. In that situation, sticking to the less expensive choices is preferable.