How Much Is Composite Decking?

Whether you’re looking to build a stylish veranda to relax on in the summer, create a sturdy pathway, or install a play area for your kids, composite decking is a great alternative to traditional timber. Durable and easy to care for, composite decking can spruce up any outdoor space. Plus, with so many colours and designs to choose from, you can really make it your own. But how much can you expect to pay to get the decking aesthetic you’re after? 

Before starting any home improvement project, it’s helpful to know how much you’ll need to set aside for materials, installation — and even the ongoing upkeep. With this in mind, let’s answer a few common questions on the cost of composite decking so you can get started on giving your garden a refresh.

How much does composite decking cost in the UK?

You can generally expect to pay between £40 and £100 per square metre for composite decking in the UK. At Modern Garden, you’ll find individual boards cost from around £16 to £30. 

However, as with pretty much any decking, paving, or tiling materials, the exact price will vary depending on a few factors. 

The boards themselves

Firstly, there’s the design and construction of the decking boards. Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibre and plastic, and boards with a higher wood fibre content tend to cost more. You’ll also find that more detailed designs with wood grain textures and custom colours will come with a higher price tag.

Similarly, the ‘generation’ or finish will influence the price. Composite decking is generally available in two forms:

• First generation, which doesn’t usually have any extra coatings. Also known as ‘uncapped’, these boards are made from wood fibres and plastic but have no outer coating.
• Second-generation boards, on the other hand, include a ‘cap’ — a durable outer layer that protects the core material. 

Subframe

When installing composite decking, you’ll first need to lay a subframe with joists to raise your decking boards off the ground. These are available in composite materials, metal, or timber, and the type you go for will affect the overall cost of your composite decking project.

Accessories

From clips and screws to brackets, there are some important fixtures you’ll need to invest in to fit your decking together and keep it sturdy. The number and type you get will add to the price. It’s worth noting that hidden fastenings usually cost more than visible ones — so you’ll want to weigh up whether you want to pay a little more for a seamless design. 

What about finishing the edges? Fascia boards, bullnose boards, and edge trims help add the final flourish to your composite decking, providing a polished look while giving your composite decking boards some extra protection.

Installation

Are you a keen DIY enthusiast? Installing your composite decking can keep costs down, but we recommend hiring a professional if you don’t feel confident doing it yourself. 

So, how much is composite decking installation from an expert? The combined cost of materials and labour means composite decking installation costs an average of £65 to £125 per square metre. Always bear in mind that your location can affect labour costs, with cities like London demanding higher hourly and project rates compared to composite decking in Liverpool. 

Is composite decking more expensive than timber?

Purchasing the materials for your composite decking will usually cost more than going for timber. However, it’s worth considering your decking’s lifespan and ongoing maintenance costs when deciding between the two materials. 

Although composite decking comes with a higher initial price tag than timber, it’s durable and can last around 25-50 years with minimal maintenance. Real wood decking, on the other hand, tends to last around 10-15 years and requires sanding and staining before installation. You also need to factor in the cost of regular staining and treatments to keep it looking its best as time wears on.

How to budget for your composite decking project

We’ve looked at how much composite decking costs per metre, but how can you apply that to purchasing your boards?

You’ll first need to measure the area you want to cover with your decking. Once you have the measurements, you can use our handy calculator to work out how many boards you’ll need. 

You can find this tool on any of our product pages:

• Select the board length (we offer 2.4m and 4m options)
• Add in the width and length of the area you want to add decking to (in cm), and we’ll let you know how many of our decking boards you’ll need. 

As an example, if you’re looking to create a 5m by 5m (or 25㎡) decking using our Anthracite Grey HR Dual Dek boards, you’ll need 78 of our 2.4m composite decking boards or 48 of our 4m composite decking boards. From there, you can work out the overall cost of the boards. (It’s wise to have an extra couple of boards as a contingency).

Factor in the price of the subframe materials and any other accessories, and you’ve got your composite decking material budget. 

If you’re opting for professional installation, we suggest getting some quotes from local tradespeople. They can tell you their rate and whether you’ll need to level or prepare the ground first. 

Affordable, high-quality composite decking from Modern Garden

Now you know how much composite decking is likely to cost, you can explore our range of premium composite decking boards and accessories. Find the style that suits your aesthetic and give your garden a makeover.

Any questions? Feel free to get in touch with the Modern Garden team and we’ll be happy to help.