How Much is Composite Decking?
So, how much does a composite decking installation cost?
There are a few different options when it comes to composite decking, and the prices can vary by quite a large amount. Hollow core composite decking is the cheapest option, but it is also the weakest option. This type of decking will usually cost around £1000-£1600, depending on the size of the area.
Hollow core composite decking is the cheapest option.
If you want to choose a stronger option, you could opt for uncapped solid core composite decking. This will usually cost around £1200-£1900, depending on the size of the decking area.
You could also choose a capped solid core composite decking. This is the strongest type of composite decking and will usually cost around £1400-£2100. The composite decking price can vary depending on the size of the area.
What can the cost depend on?
The overall prices for installing composite decking can also vary depending on where you live in the UK. Those based in the London area will usually pay more for labour than those based in the north of England and other parts of the UK.
Homeowners based in London can expect higher labour costs for the work.
Composite Decking Prices
The table below highlights the costs that you can expect for various composite garden decking installations:
| JOB DESCRIPTION | AVERAGE COSTS |
|---|---|
| Hollow-core uncapped composite decking (15 metres squared) | £950-£1400 |
| Solid core uncapped composite decking (15 metres squared) | £1200-£1600 |
| Solid core capped composite decking (15 metres squared) | £1400-£1900 |
| PVC composite decking (15 metres squared) | £1100-£1500 |
| Hollow-core uncapped composite decking (30 metres squared) | £1700-£2400 |
| Solid core uncapped composite decking (30 metres squared) | £2000-£2600 |
| Solid core capped composite decking (30 metres squared) | £2400-£3200 |
| PVC composite decking (30 metres squared) | £1800-£2400 |
- How Much is Composite Decking?
- What are the Supply Costs of Composite Decking?
- What are the Additional Costs of a Composite Decking Installation?
- Tradesmen Costs for Laying Composite Decking
- How Long Does It Take to Install Composite Decking?
- Types of Composite Decking
- Benefits of Composite Decking
- How Much Does It Cost to Remove Composite Decking?
- FAQs
- Sources
What are the Supply Costs of Composite Decking?
When it comes to the supply costs of installing composite decking, the prices can vary by quite a large amount depending on the materials you choose. There are many different styles and colours of composite decking available, and the costs of these can vary.
Uncapped hollow core composite decking will usually cost around £30-£40 per square metre, so if you’re looking for cheap composite decking, then this is your best option.
Uncapped solid core composite decking will cost around £50-£70 per square metre, and capped solid core composite decking will usually cost around £70-£90 per square metre.
PVC composite decking is usually cheaper than the solid core option, but it is more expensive than the hollow core option. This type of decking will usually cost around £35-£50 per square metre.
What are the Additional Costs of a Composite Decking Installation?
When it comes to installing composite decking, there are a few additional costs that you may need to consider. Below is a list of the additional costs that you may need to consider with this type of work:
Fence Installation
When you get composite decking installed in your garden, you may also want to consider installing some other things that can improve the appearance of your garden. A garden fence can make a big difference to the appearance of your outdoor space, and it can also provide some privacy for when you come to use the new decking.
The average cost to have a new fence installed is around £700-£1400, depending on the size of the fence, the type of fence and your location in the UK.
Garden Shed Installation
When you get composite decking installed in your garden, you may also want to consider getting a new garden shed.A new shed can provide some storage space for your new decking furniture when it’s not in use, and it can also improve the appearance of your garden if your current garden shed is looking a little bit old and shabby.
The average cost of installing a new garden shed is around £500-£1200, depending on the size of the shed and the type of shed you choose.
Artificial Grass Installation
Artificial grass can improve the appearance of your home and can provide a great low-maintenance alternative to usual grass. The average cost of installing artificial grass is usually around £55-£70 per square metre. The costs will vary depending on the materials used, the size of the area, and your location in the UK.
Tradesmen Costs for Laying Composite Decking
When installing composite decking, you will most likely need to hire a qualified team of tradespeople with experience in installing the type of decking that you choose. Depending on the company you choose, you can expect around 2-3 tradespeople to install the decking.
Most professional decking installers will charge around £150-£200 per day per contractor. With this in mind, you can expect to pay around £300-£600 per day for the labour costs depending on the number of contractors.
Those based in and around the London area can expect to pay more for the cost of labour than those in the north or other parts of the UK.
How Long Does It Take to Install Composite Decking?
The time it takes to install new composite decking in your garden will vary depending on the size of the area and the complexity of the installation.
If the decking is very small in size, it could likely be completed within a day. However, most composite decking installation jobs will typically take a few days to complete. The average amount of time that it takes is usually around 2-3 days.
Sometimes, additional work may be needed, or some issues may arise, resulting in additional time being spent on the job. This can increase the time of the job by around a day.
Types of Composite Decking
There are various types of composite decking. Below is a list of the different types and the pros and cons of each type:
Hollow Core Decking Cost
Hollow-core decking is the cheapest option when it comes to composite decking. If you are on a tight budget, this is the best option. For a 15-metre squared hollow core composite decking installation, you can expect to pay around £950-£1400.
PROS
- Cheapest composite decking material
- Available in a large number of styles and colours
- Resistant to mould, mildew and algae
CONS
- Not as strong as solid core composite decking
- Composite designs and colours are permanent
- More expensive than timber options
Solid Core Composite Decking Cost
Solid core decking is the expensive option of composite decking, and it is also the most durable option.
The average cost for installing a 15-metre squared patch of solid core composite decking is around £1200-£1600.
PROS
- Very strong and durable
- Requires almost no maintenance
- Available in a wide range of colours, styles and designs
- Resistant to mould, mildew and algae
CONS
- Composite designs and colours are permanent
- The most expensive composite decking material
PVC Decking Cost
PVC decking is a mid-range option of composite decking. This type of decking comes in a range of colours and styles and requires almost no maintenance. The average cost of installing 15 square metres of PVC decking is around £1100-£1500.
PROS
- Requires almost no maintenance
- Clean, shiny finish
- It comes in a wide range of colours and designs
- Resistant to mould, mildew and algae
CONS
- It can look a little bit cheap and flimsy
- Show scuffs and scratches quite easily
- Composite designs and colours are permanent
Benefits of Composite Decking
There are several benefits to installing composite decking in your garden. Below is a list of the main advantages of this type of work:
Low Maintenance
When compared to timber decking, composite decking is very low maintenance. All it requires is a simple hose down in order to keep it clean and free from dirt and debris. Timber decking, however, requires a lot more maintenance.
Durability
Composite decking is extremely desirable due to its durability. It can withstand bad weather and constant use. The material of composite decking is extremely hardwearing and repels rot, mould, algae, and scum.
Aesthetics
Composite decking is very aesthetically pleasing. It comes in a very wide range of styles, colours, and designs. This means that you can choose your composite decking style depending on the style of your garden to make it very aesthetically pleasing.
Sustainable
Composite materials are man0made, and so they are very sustainable. The materials are made up of plastic and wood combinations. Old recycled materials can also be used to create composite decking, and the materials can be recycled and used again.
How Much Does It Cost to Remove Composite Decking?
If you have moved into a home with composite decking and you no longer want it, or if you are planning on landscaping your garden and changing its appearance, you may need to remove your composite decking.
It is easier to remove your composite decking than it is to install composite decking. This type of work can be done as a DIY project in most cases; however, it can require a lot of labour work. Therefore, many homeowners choose to hire an external company to come in and remove the decking.
It will most often take around half a day to remove composite decking, depending on the size. It should take no more than a day to complete. You can expect to pay around £100-£200 to have a tradesperson come and remove your composite decking for you.
FAQs
What is composite decking made of?
Composite decking is typically made of 55% wood fibres made from reclaimed material and around 45% polyethylene which is recycled plastic bottles. Some manufacturers will use different materials. However, you can expect it to be a 50/50 mix of mostly recycled plastic materials and wood.
How do you clean composite decking?
Composite decking should be cleaned thoroughly a few times each year using soap, a hose, and a cloth or scrubbing brush. If the decking has any staining, these should be cleaned as quickly as possible. You should avoid using bleach as this will change the colour of the decking surface.
What is capped composite decking?
Composite decking is usually referred to as either capped decking or uncapped decking. Capping refers to a plastic coating that is added to the composite decking boards and acts as extra protection against weather and other outdoor elements. The protective coating is bonded to the core during the manufacturing stage and protects those core materials against damp, mould, and UV light.
How long will composite decking last?
Most composite decking products will come with a 10-year warranty which means that the materials are expected to last at least ten years. This is provided that you maintain your decking properly and are located in an area with stable weather conditions.
Can you lay composite decking on grass?
You can lay composite decking on top of grass. However, the surface must be completely level and flat enough to support the new decking structure.
Sources
- https://compositewarehouse.co.uk/how-much-does-composite-decking-cost-in-the-uk/
- https://www.trex.com/why-trex/composite-vs-plastic-decking/
- https://ultradecking.co.uk/info/benefits-of-composite-decking/
