Composite Decking Cost

How Much is Composite Decking Installation?

What's the cost of composite decking installation?

You have a few options with composite decking, which vary widely in price. You can install uncapped hollow core composite decking, the cheapest but weakest option, with an average price of around £975 for 15m².

Capped hollow core composite decking is also available, which offers a better protected hollow core option, with an average price of around £1,275 for 15m².

Or, you can choose the stronger and more expensive uncapped solid core composite, costing around £1,350 for the same surface area. Lastly, you can select a capped solid core composite, costing £1,650 for 15m².

Composite decking is quickly becoming the most popular timber alternative for garden decking for various reasons, stemming from price to maintenance benefits.

PVC decking is also available, which has proven to be another excellent alternative to timber. However, it can be flimsier than composite.

Composite Decking Prices

So, what is composite decking?

Composite decking is an artificial material made from wood and plastic fibres held together with a bonding agent. The materials are heated and bonded to ensure a sturdy core that outlasts timber for an astounding amount of time.

And what's the difference between capped and uncapped?

Capped composite decking has a tough outer layer, or cap, added during the manufacturing process. This makes it more durable and resistant to scratches, stains, and general wear and tear.

The initial outlay for composite decking is a little more expensive than your standard timber material, but it lasts twice as long, making it a far better investment than timber.

How Much Does Composite Decking Cost per m²?

Focusing solely on the material cost aspect of the job, the price varies considerably depending on the material you choose.

Uncapped hollow core composite decking will cost around £35 per m², with a standard 15m² area costing £525 for the materials.

Capped hollow core composite decking offers better protection, which is reflected in the higher cost, around £55 per m² and £825 for the materials for 15m².

Solid core composite is much stronger and is available in both capped and uncapped versions. The capping is an added protection to prevent mildew and mould from affecting the boards.

Solid core uncapped composite decking costs £60 per m², and solid core capped composite costs £80 per m².

PVC decking is cheaper than solid core, but more expensive than uncapped hollow core, coming in at around £40 per m².

Composite Decking Prices per m²

Specialist composite decking installers may get discounts you cannot access as a one-off buyer.

Because of this, it's worth asking for a specific breakdown of quotes you get, to check whether getting the materials yourself is more affordable.

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How Much Does Composite Decking Installation Cost?

Contractors will typically charge around £200 to £250 per day for installing composite decking, which will cover the labour aspects of their workforce.

Most of the time will be spent preparing the area by digging and levelling out the ground, ready for the supports to be put in place for the decking.

Garden levelling can be a lengthy process, as any mistake at this point can impact the accuracy of the final job.

Factors That Impact Composite Decking Costs

To help with your project's budget, let's go over the main factors that impact overall cost.

Decking Material

The biggest cost factor affecting composite decking installation is your choice of decking material.

Hollow core composite and solid core composite have widely different prices. For the same 15m² space, solid core composite costs £375 more than hollow core.

There's also a difference in price between capped and uncapped composite decking of around £300.

Your choice of material comes down to your budget and performance preferences. If you're looking for the most cost-effective option, hollow core uncapped composite decking is your best choice.

Your Garden's Layout and Condition

Depending on the current state of your garden, your project costs can rise or fall.

You'll need to pay the cost of levelling your garden if it's currently uneven, so that your decking fitters have an even surface to lay your composite safely.

On top of this, you'll need to pay to remove the excess land. Garden waste removal costs around £200, depending on the volume.

If there are accessibility issues with where you want the decking installed (e.g., you have small corridor-like areas leading to the area you want to be decked), it'll take your decking fitters longer to reach the area, increasing your labour costs.

And if you've chosen a complicated layout for your decking, this is going to take longer, and potentially mean more materials, which will all be reflected in the cost.

Your Location

Your costs will change depending on your location in the UK.

Big cities like London have a higher cost of living, meaning the cost of trade jobs increases.

In London and surrounding south-east areas, you can expect to pay higher than the national average for trade jobs.

What's Involved in Installing Composite Decking?

Here's an overview of what to expect when you hire a specialist to install your composite decking:

Before the Job Starts

• Site Survey and Measurements — Your installer will assess the site for your decking, considering the ground levels, surfaces, and drainage, and then measure the area to calculate the materials needed.
• Design and Specification — You'll agree the decking design and layout, and the materials to be used, the placements of any steps, whether you want balustrades and lighting, etc.
• Permissions and Checks — The specialist will discuss any planning or building regs considerations, and make a note of any utilities to be aware of during construction.
• Quote and Schedule — You should receive a finalised quote, and once you agree to go ahead, the work will be scheduled in and things like access and the storage of materials organised.

During the Job

• Preparation and Groundworks — The area where the decking will go will be cleared and levelled, with a slight fall to divert water away from the property. A sub-base, concrete footings, and weed-control membrane are laid, if necessary.
• Supports and the Sub-frame — The supports are positioned and levelled, before joists and noggins are installed to create the rigid sub-frame for the decking.
• Edge Detailing — The edges of the frame are set now so that all the trims will be flush once the decking is laid.
• Laying the Decking — The composite decking boards are laid and fitted to the desired design.
• Trims, Fascias, and Steps — The edge trims and fascias are all fitted, with any steps, balustrades, or handrails completed, as well.
• Optional Electrics — If you've specified them, any lighting for your decking will be installed and tested.
• Clean-Down — With the decking complete, the area is cleared of all materials and debris and cleaned down.

After the Job

• Final Checks and Snagging — Your installer will confirm everything is as it should be, with straight lines, neat edges, and secure fixings. Any snags identified are resolved.
• Waste Removal — Any remaining waste materials or old surfaces are tidied up and removed.
• Care and Paperwork — Your installer will provide you with any manufacturer registrations or warranties, as well as care and maintenance instructions to keep your new deck looking its best.

Can You Install Composite Decking Yourself?

Decking installation requires careful measuring, balancing, and levelling, a task which decking professionals are best suited for.

There are risks involved with installing decking yourself and not doing it correctly:

• Unbalanced decking can put too much stress on support points, bringing down the entire decking structure and potentially injuring people.
• DIY decking can cause drainage issues, leading to rotting or warped boards from standing water.
• Poorly constructed decking can reduce the value of your home when you come to sell it and, in some cases, can prevent people from buying your home.

Unless you're qualified, installing decking isn't a job for a DIY enthusiast, as the risks are too high for personal injury and a poor end product.

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Building Regulations & Planning Permission for a Composite Decking Installation

Garden decking and other raised platforms are permitted to be built in your garden without planning permission.

This is providing that:

• The garden decking is no higher than 30cm from the ground.
• The composite decking doesn't cover more than 50% of the garden.
• Your property isn't a listed building or part of a conservation area.

If you plan on creating something outside these boundaries, you'll need to speak to your local planning office to avoid fines or penalties.

Types of Composite Decking

There are three main types of composite decking to choose from:

Hollow Core Composite Decking Cost

Hollow core decking is the cheapest option on a budget.

It costs £35 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Cheapest composite decking material.
• ✔ Available in various styles, colours and designs.
• ✔ Easy to install.

Cons

• ✖ Not as strong as solid core decking.
• ✖ Can flex or break underfoot over the years.
• ✖ May look cheap.

Solid Core Composite Decking Cost

Solid core decking is more expensive than hollow core, but it's more long-lasting.

It costs £60 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Extremely strong and hard-wearing.
• ✔ Requires next to no maintenance.
• ✔ Resistant to mildew, mould, and algae.

Cons

• ✖ More expensive than hollow core composite.
• ✖ As it's solid core, it weighs more, making it harder to manoeuvre and install.
• ✖ Labour costs can be higher due to handling issues.

PVC Decking Cost

PVC composite decking is a mid-range option.

It costs £40 per m².

Pros

• ✔ Clean, shiny finish, available in various colours and designs.
• ✔ Low-maintenance, waterproof option.
• ✔ Extremely lightweight and easy to install.

Cons

• ✖ Shows scratches and scuffs quite easily.
• ✖ Surface can become slippery when wet.
• ✖ Can look a little cheap and flimsy.

Benefits of Composite Decking

Durability

Composite decking is incredibly hard-wearing and repels algae, rot, and scum invading the decking area.

Compared to timber decking, where regular use eventually leads to a breakdown of the timber, resulting in splintered, worn and damaged decking, composite offers a welcome respite to those issues.

Low Maintenance

Unlike timber decking, which requires regular cleaning and treatments to maintain its appearance, composite requires little to no maintenance, with a simple hose down to keep it clean.

Sustainability

Composite materials are made up of a combination of wood and plastic. This means that old, recycled materials can be used to create a composite, and old composite can be recycled and used again.

Aesthetics

With composite decking, the aesthetic options are almost unlimited, with an array of colours and designs available to suit your décor and design choices.

Value

Composite decking will last around 15 years regardless of use or weather.

In comparison, timber degrades, and you could replace your decking every 4 to 5 years, depending on its use.

While composite decking may be more expensive in terms of the initial cost, the value for money is three times what it is for timber materials, making it a sound investment.

What Is the Cost of Composite Decking Removal?

If you've moved into a home with composite decking, or you want to give your garden a new look, you may want to remove some existing composite decking from your garden.

You can remove your composite decking as a DIY project to save money:

• Remove everything from the surface before taking the decking apart.
• Beginning at the decking's edge, begin to unscrew the fixings.
• Carefully lift the decking boards.
• Once the boards are off, assess the subframe. If it's in good condition without rot or rust, you can reuse it for your new composite decking installation.

Once the structure has been taken down, dispose of the materials using a skip or at a recycling centre.

If you want someone to remove the decking for you instead, expect to pay around £100 to £125 for half a day's labour.

Checklist: Hiring Contractors to Install Composite Decking

Here's what we suggest when you start looking for a local composite decking installer:

• Gather quotes from at least 3 traders using MyJobQuote to compare their prices.
• Always ask for an itemised breakdown of costs, so you know exactly what you're being charged for.
• Make sure quotes are in written format to avoid issues.
• Look at the trader's reviews and ratings from previous customers. Take note of what these customers say - do they comment on good time-keeping, cleanliness on site, and good work ethic?
• Take a look at photographs or videos of their previous work, paying close attention to the type of finish they have achieved. Is it what you're looking for?
• Ensure the trader is properly accredited, qualified, experienced, and insured before hiring them to work on your home.

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