How Much Does Composite Decking Cost?

If you’re in the market for a new backyard or alfresco deck, you may have heard of composite decking. The first question many homeowners will ask, understandably, is about the price.

Generally, you can expect your composite decking cost to be anywhere from $350-$500 per square metre.

Using our calculator above you can estimate the price of materials only for your new decking project. Labour often determines a large portion of the final price, so remember to budget this in as well.

This resource will cover the ins and outs of composite decking, including what goes into the price of your product, how you could save labour costs with DIY – and whether it’s worth getting the professionals in to install your composite deck.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite boards are one of the most popular alternative decking materials to natural timber decking, known for longevity and easy maintenance.

This engineered decking product is made from a mix of wood fibres, plastic, and a small number of bonding agents. This includes timber pulp and recycled plastics. 

The wood pulp and recycled plastic are mixed and combined with resins to make the core of the composite decking, whilst a polymer is used as a capping on the boards. This creates a hard edge – think of the solid outer cover of a golf ball.

Composite decking requires far less maintenance than traditional timber while looking and feeling closer to natural wood than other alternatives.

Some of the most significant benefits of composite decking over traditional timber decks include the following:

Low maintenance, forever

Unlike timber which requires regular sanding and refinishing, the only maintenance you will need to worry about with your composite boards is sweeping and the occasional hose-off or pressure cleaning.

Genuine wood appearance

Composite deck boards can look as beautiful as natural timber boards but are guaranteed not to fade, stain, warp, twist, splinter or rot.

Durable decking system

Our capped composite decks are very strong, made from plastic and pulped timber. NexGen composite products only use hardwood timber offcuts or chips, adding a layer of durability that cheap composite often lacks.

Scratch, stain, and mould-resistant

While it is possible for your capped composite decking to become scratched or stained, it’s not easy. Composite products are highly resistant to scratching, staining, and mould, thanks to how they are engineered and manufactured.

Waterproof and fireproof

Don’t worry about water rings leaving marks on your capped composite materials. Most of them are completely waterproof and NexGen’s range is even tested to withstand thawing and freezing.

You can also purchase fireproof composite decking boards if you live in an area with a Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) rating.

Made from recycled materials

Composite is typically made of recycled materials and does not require logging or virgin plastics in the manufacturing process.

Interested in learning more? Here’s why we think NexGen is the best composite decking in Australia.

Composite Decking Prices

The durability and low-maintenance surface make capped composite decking an excellent investment. 

Choosing the right decking board is the key to building a beautiful, safe, and long-lasting composite deck. 

While low-quality wood decking or uncapped, cheaper composite decks might save you a bit of money upfront… you’ll pay much more over time for maintenance, repairs, and replacements of low-quality, rotting, damaged, and even termite-infested decking.

To estimate your capped composite costs, you must know that the average cost of a deck varies based on the size of the deck, the products used, and any other special requirements. 

Here’s a general idea of what you can expect to spend with a reputable deck builder:

• $220-$260 per square metre for treated pine decking
• $350-$500 per square metre for premium timber or composite decking

What factors can impact the price of composite decking?

Labour and Installation

You can expect about two-thirds of your total cost for composite decking for labour and installation. 

If you’re comfortable undertaking a project of this size, you can always DIY the composite decking installation to save money on your composite deck project.

But, if you’re not comfortable with DIY projects, hiring a professional composite deck builder is best. 

Further reading: Questions to Ask Your Potential Deck Builder

There are some hidden risks and costs of building your composite deck yourself – mainly the risk of any DIY, which is not having the skills required. However, if your heart is set on DIY… Our systems are relatively easy to install, and our team is just a quick query away for advice.

Decking Materials

The deck’s substructure, the boards, railing, fixings, hardware, and any add-ons make up another decent chunk of the cost of composite decking. 

It’s important to factor in any add-ons to the basic decking materials you will use to build your composite wood deck, such as:

• Gazebos
• Deck drainage systems
• Built-in benches
• Built-in lighting
• Multiple levels
• Staircases

It’s essential to find composite deck installers with experience creating and installing these add-ons to ensure the best and most efficient installation process. It will also help you get a better idea upfront of the total cost to purchase and install your composite decking.

Related reading: Why You Can’t Afford to Buy Cheap Composite Decking.

Size and Shape

Size and shape are important factors to consider when determining the cost, since composite decking prices are based on a ‘per square metre’ basis.

For example, curved composite decks typically cost much more than straight decks. That’s because the design of the curved composite decks is much more complicated, and requires additional work and skill to cut the composite boards and install them properly.

Count on NexGEN for Your Composite Decking Needs

NexGEN’s composite decking is one of the only decking products on the market that solves the three most common problems with timber decking:

• Colour fading
• Staining
• Mould and mildew build up

Our composite wood decking stays looking great year in and year out. With our stain-resistant decking boards, there’s no fading, warping, rotting, splintering, or staining to worry about. You are free to enjoy their beauty without the high maintenance.

Enjoy your deck for years to come when you count on NexGEN for your composite decking needs. We offer various capped composites, including composite boards, screening, waterproof decking, and much more.

Whether you plan to install the deck yourself or use one of our knowledgeable and friendly expert deck installers, we’ll be here to support you until your deck is complete. Contact us today to learn more or to get started building your dream deck.