The cost of composite decking in the UK depends on the boards you choose, the size of your deck and whether you’re paying for professional installation. Prices are usually calculated per square metre (m²), but the boards themselves are only part of the overall cost.
You’ll also need to budget for the supporting structure, fixings, trims, delivery and installation labour where required.
In this guide, we’ll break down composite decking prices per m², explain what affects the total cost and look at typical project expenses to help you plan your budget.
You can also compare Ecoscape’s composite decking ranges to see how material choices affect pricing.
How Much Is Composite Decking Per Length
The prices for composite decking vary depending on the manufacturer, range, and board size.
At Ecoscape, our decking board sizes include:
- 3m
- 3.6m
- 4.8m
You can see our composite decking prices per square metre below. If you would like us to provide you with a deck cost, please get in touch. We offer free samples, and we can provide a price for all the components needed to create your deck.
How Much Is Composite Decking Per M2?
At Ecoscape, we have three ranges of composite decking. Our basic Clarity composite decking boards are made with 45% recycled HDPE, and 55% reclaimed wood fibres. The dual-finish decking boards have a narrow and wide groove pattern, and they come with a 20-year warranty.
The price for Ecoscape Clarity composite decking boards is from £18.00 + VAT per 3m board.
The Forma decking range uses the same high-quality boards as the Clarity collection. However, these boards are capped. This means they are wrapped in a durable HDPE coating that gives them greater durability.
The price for Ecoscape Forma composite decking boards is from £33.25 + VAT per 3m board.
The final option we offer is the Grande composite decking board. This is the same as the capped Clarity collection, but each board is 50% wider.
The price for Ecoscape Grande composite decking boards is £62.28 + VAT per board.
Why Consider Ecoscape Composite Decking?
When comparing composite decking prices, it’s worth looking beyond the initial cost of the boards. Quality, durability, maintenance requirements and warranty coverage all influence the overall value of your investment.
At Ecoscape, we offer composite decking ranges to suit different budgets and preferences, from affordable uncapped boards to premium capped options with additional surface protection.
Our composite decking offers several benefits:
- Options for different budgets: Choose between capped and uncapped composite decking, depending on your requirements and budget.
- Extensive range of colours: A variety of colours and finishes to complement different homes and gardens.
- Environmentally friendly materials: Our composite decking incorporates recycled HDPE and reclaimed wood fibres.
- Low maintenance: No routine painting, staining or sealing required, helping reduce ongoing maintenance costs.
- Durable construction: Designed for outdoor use, with slip-resistant surfaces and options offering additional protection against staining and fading.
- Up to 25-year warranties: Warranty periods vary by decking range, with certain products covered for up to 25 years, subject to the applicable warranty conditions.
While cheaper decking boards may reduce the initial cost, it’s important to consider their expected performance, maintenance requirements and warranty terms.
Our team can help you compare Ecoscape’s decking ranges and find an option that suits your project and budget.
How Much Are Decking T-clips And How Many Are Needed Per m2?
To properly install composite decking, you will need T-clips. On average, you will need around 12 fixing clips per board or 23 for every square metre.
Using our decking calculator is easy. It will help you to accurately work out the materials and accessories required to build your decking area.
We offer a range of essential accessories which are needed when installing composite decking, including the following clips:
- Hidden T-Clips – £56.06 + VAT per box of 250
- Start and Finish Clips – £35.62 + VAT per pack of 50
- Locking Clips – £29.14 + VAT per pack of 50
Is Composite Decking Expensive To Ship?
Shipping costs vary depending on the supplier and the volume of what you’re buying. Decking is a large and heavy material sometimes taking up 5 pallet spaces. We currently offer a handball service nationwide. Because of this, you can expect to pay high shipping prices.
How Many Years Will Composite Decking Last?
Composite decking is designed to last a long time with minimal maintenance. Due to this, the Ecoscape Clarity range comes with a 20-year warranty. The Forma and Grande collections both have a 25-year warranty.
The slightly longer warranty on the Forma and Grande decking boards is because they’re capped. This adds an additional layer of protection.
In some cases, well-maintained composite decking can last beyond 30 years.
The cost of Ecoscape composite decking boards are extremely competitive for the quality of product on offer.
How Much Will I spend On The Maintenance Of Composite Decking Over Its Lifespan?
Composite decking maintenance is minimal compared to wooden alternatives. You won’t have to pay for stains or paint for composite decks. Weatherproofing and protection from wood-boring insects are also not needed.
You can use either composite cleaning solutions or warm water and mild soap to clean a composite deck.
On average, you can expect composite decking costs of up to £250 for cleaning materials over your deck’s 25-year lifespan. You would expect to pay two to three times this amount every few years maintaining timber decking.
Is Uncapped Composite Decking Cheaper Than Capped?
Uncapped composite is cheaper than capped composite decking. Our uncapped composite deck boards cost from £18.00 + VAT per 3m board. Our capped composite decking prices start at £26.80 + VAT per 3.6m board (Linea). Although the cost of our capped products is more, you are receiving additional benefits such as UV stability and scratch and stain resistant properties.
Why Is Co-extrusion Composite Decking Expensive?
Co-extrusion technology is used to cap our composite deck boards. This coats the full board in durable HDPE that is 1mm thick and offers a range of benefits.
Capped composite deck boards are more stain and scratch resistant, and this keeps them looking good for longer.
They offer greater slip resistance and also come with a 25-year colour warranty to protect against fading.
How can you calculate the total cost of your composite decking?
The price of the boards is only one part of your decking budget. You’ll also need to account for the supporting structure, fixings, finishing trims and any groundwork or installation labour.
Send us your deck’s dimensions through our free quote form and we’ll estimate the materials required and their cost.
Remember to include delivery charges and obtain a separate quotation for professional installation if required.
How Much Does A Deck Cost?
There are no set costs for how much composite decking costs to install. The size of the project and the quality of materials will play a significant part in the overall cost.
Labour costs for a decking installer are typically around £150 to £200 per day. It typically takes between 1 and 3 days to install garden decking. This is based on 10-30m2, we would advise you obtain a price from a contractor.
The size of the area and other complications can impact this. Square or rectangle decking is easier to install than complicated shapes or working around obstacles. This will all impact installation costs.
Your substructure material will also determine the total cost of your decking. A wood decking substructure is cheaper than plastic or metal alternatives. However, it will result in significantly higher maintenance costs. Ecoscape is on hand to help you price your decking costs.
Plastic substructures won’t rot and can be an excellent way to support your composite boards. Our 50x50mm plastic joists start at £11.68 + VAT, which makes them competitively priced when comparing to timber.
Then you have the decking ranges to choose from. The average price of composite decking will vary depending on if it’s capped or uncapped.
A 15 square metre decking area using Ecoscape’s Forma boards would cost around £1,097 + VAT (about 33 three-metre boards, before waste).
This could take as little as two days, costing around £400 for labour. Indicative price, please speak with your contractor in regards to installations costs and prices.
There will also be additional costs for essential items, including:
- Joists
- Pedestals
- Battens
- Support Posts
- Trims
- Clips
- Screws
- Ground Prep Materials
On average, you could expect these additional costs to be between £500 to £1,000.
It’s not unreasonable to budget between £2,500 and £3,000 for a 25m2 decked area. You can speak to local tradespeople to get a better idea of labour costs. You can also explore the materials you need using a decking calculator for a more precise quote. Wood decking, especially softwoods will be cheaper than composite decks but in the long run will cost you more as you pay a higher price on maintenance costs.
FAQs
Is composite decking more cost-effective than timber decking?
Timber decking requires less of an initial outlay than composite decking. Unless you are choosing hard wood decking. However, the lower maintenance of composite decks will save you money over time.
Composite materials can cope with bad weather and are an excellent alternative to wood.
You won’t have to spend lots of time and money treating composite, and it will still have a long lifespan. Composite systems are also quicker to fit, resulting in a cheaper price on your installation.
Do you need planning permission for decking in a garden area?
You only require planning permission in the UK if the decking is going to be over 30cm above the ground.
Can I save money by buying cheaper accessories and substructures?
You should ensure all aspects of your decking installation make use of high-quality materials. This will ensure it lasts longer and meets the warranty conditions. The cheapest option might not perform to the same standards and could cause performance issues.
Final Thoughts
A composite deck is often seen as a more expensive option than a traditional wood deck, but it comes with significant benefits.
The price of our composite decking per square metre is competitive and affordable. The long warranty and extensive testing ensure it’s suitable for UK decking projects.
The money saved on maintenance reduces the decking cost and makes it cheaper than wood decking over time. The time and hassle saved by not having to treat or paint your deck every year will be worth the money alone.
As you can see by the prices mentioned above, you won’t have to break the bank to enjoy a high-quality deck in your garden area.
Explore our amazing collection of decking boards and find the perfect style and colour for your home today.
