Is Composite Decking Worth The Cost?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Yes, composite materials on decking and trim are worth the money . The labor to install composite is the same as the labor to install wood, which will rot and require a lot of maintenance. For example, the labor to replace a deck with Trex or wood might both be $4000. The only difference is the cost of the materials.

How much does a 20×20 composite deck cost?

Composite Deck Quality Cost Per Square Foot Installed Average Total Cost Entry-Level Composite Deck $20 $5,821 National Average Cost $28 $8,064 Premium Composite Deck $38 $10,826

How much does composite decking cost?

Let’s get down to it: how much is composite decking? On average, a composite deck costs between $30 and $60 per square foot , including installation. Natural decks, on the other hand, cost about $23 to $42 per square foot installed, especially for high-end wood like cedar and redwood.

How much does a 300 square foot composite deck cost?

With materials and installation, Trex decking costs $10 to $27 per square foot. For these common sizes, you can expect to pay: 144 Square Feet: $1,440-$3,900. 300 Square Feet: $3,000 -$8,100.

How much does it cost to build a composite deck?

A general starting point for material costs will be between $9-16 per square foot, including the structure, railing and more. After labor costs, composite deck costs can run upwards of $45-55 per square foot .

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

  • A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. ...
  • Composites aren’t natural. ...
  • Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. ...
  • You’ll need to comparison shop.

How much should a 20×20 deck cost?

New Deck Installation Cost

The average homeowner spends $2,200 to build a 10×10 foot deck, $6,160 to build a 14×20 deck, and $8,800 to build a 20×20 deck. The cost to build a deck with pressure-treated wood, hardwood, or composite is about $25 per square foot, for both materials and installation.

What is the life expectancy of composite decking?

Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years . On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

Does a composite deck add value to your home?

Since composite decks require less maintenance and have longer lifespan than the other type of decks, it’s more valuable compared to the others. Building a composite deck costs up to $15,900 and a recoup of $10,800. It means that the added value is up to 68% . Thus, many homeowners build composite decks to their homes.

Can I power wash composite decking?

Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking . ... Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.

Is Trex cheaper than wood right now?

Trex Decking can be slightly more pricey than wood decking , depending on the features you choose. A Trex deck costs on average $5 to $12 per square foot, compared to wood decking which costs $3 to $7 per square foot. Pressure treated wood will be more expensive, costing between $6 and $14 per square foot.

How much does a 12×12 deck cost?

A 12 x12 deck can range in cost from $2 200 to $13 000, but the average will be $6 000 . Costing $40 a square foot but can be as little as $15 or as high as $85, depending on the deck’s features. A pressure treated deck is the most economical, with composite being the more expansive option.

Can I install Trex myself?

Trex® engineered composite decking to be as simple to install as it is to care for. And to make it even easier, we’ve compiled all the resources you need to build a DIY deck.

What is the difference between composite and vinyl decking?

A key factor to consider for vinyl vs. composite decking is the way the materials look. As they contain wood fiber, composites more closely resemble wood , which many homeowners like, while a vinyl decking problem is looking too much like plastic, in some cases. ... composite decking, see this product comparison chart.

Why is my composite deck warping?

The cause of warping in decking is a thermal expansion or changing temperature. Your plastic wood composite will warp if your decking boards absorb heat and expand . The heat will cause a household material to become flexible or soft. When the decking is flexible when hot, it will eventually become cool.

Do composite decks get hot?

But how hot can composite decking get in the sun? One study found that in direct sunlight, composite decks can reach temperatures from 34° to 76° F hotter than the surrounding air . On an 80° day, that could mean a deck surface temperature of more than 150°.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.