WPC decking, or composite decking, is an environmentally friendly and durable building material made from recycled wood and plastic. It is a popular choice for homeowners due to its low maintenance requirements, customizable appearance and minimum warranty of 25 years.
So how much does composite decking cost?
Based on our research, the cost of installing new composite decking averages at $8,900; prices generally range from $5,200 to $11,000, depending on the size and complexity of the design. More elaborate designs can cost up to $25,000, while smaller and simpler ones may cost as little as $3,500.
WPC decking cost estimator by size
The typical size of an American deck is 300-400 square feet, and costs for most composite decks ranging from $24-$48 per square foot. For more detailed cost estimates based on different deck sizes, please refer to the chart below.
Other factors that affect cost
These are some other factors that may influence the cost of your composite decking project:
Decking material (e.g. high quality or low quality raw materials)
Decking brand (e.g. influential international brands or some unknown brands)
Decking shape (e.g. square, rectangular, curved)
Site preparation requirements (e.g. leveling the ground, removing old decking)
Additional add-ons or features (e.g. railing systems, lighting)
Decking material
Decking material cost can vary depending on different factors. On average, a composite deck costs between $4.50 to $13 per square foot for the decking alone.
Decking brand
Brand name also impacts decking prices. Brands like Trex, AZEK and Hosung have a long history of satisfied customers, and with a relatively higher price. Please refer to the table below for the cost of decking by brand.
Decking Shape
The cost of your deck is also influenced by its shape. Simple shapes like rectangles are the most economical, while more complex shapes with numerous angles and sides require more time to build and greater carpentry skills, resulting in higher labor and material costs.
Site preparation requirements
To prepare the site for your deck construction, you may require some site preparation services including:
Land clearing, which typically costs between $100 and $735 for a quarter acre.
Removing an existing deck, which can cost around $5 to $10 per square foot.
Land leveling and grading, which can range from $800 to $4,000.
Additional add-ons or features
To enhance the appearance and functionality of their composite deck, many homeowners opt for various add-ons.
Hidden fasteners are a popular choice as they create a seamless look, but they can be more expensive than standard fasteners, about twice the cost of standard ones.
Railings are another popular add-on, with most costing around $25 to $30 per linear foot.
For those looking to add electricity to their deck, DIY kits can be found for as low as $30, though professional installation by an electrician can cost between $45 to $100 per hour.
Deck lighting is essential for nighttime entertainment and typically costs between $1,700 to $3,000.
Fire pits, which provide heat and ambiance, are a popular addition and usually cost $250 to $2,200.
Pergolas, featuring a grid-style roof that provides partial shade, are an excellent way to add protection, aesthetics, and shade to your deck and most often cost between $2,100 to $6,000.
Gazebos, on the other hand, have solid roofs that provide full shade and protection against elements, but expect them to cost anywhere from $5,365 to $9,025.
As we can see, a variety of factors may impact this range in costs, including the cost of composite materials, the size of the deck, the complexity of the deck’s shape or patterns to lay the decking, and the cost of labor. Hope this article helps with you when building your dream deck.
