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When building a beautiful veranda, a play area for kids, or a solid pathway, composite decking is often a top consideration in place of conventional timber. The reason for this is simple – they are durable and require minimal maintenance read more about the benefits of composite decking.
You can turn your outdoor space into a beautiful and welcoming space with composite decking, and the best part is that there are many design and colour options you can explore. While all these are great attractions, cost is a strong consideration for many people. So, how much is composite decking?
Knowing how much you’ll spend on each item is a smart way to start a home improvement project. You should consider what it will cost in terms of materials, installations, and maintenance. For composite decking boards, you can expect to spend between £40 and £100 per square metre.
Of course, some manufacturers may have slightly cheaper options, but you should check the quality so you don’t compromise quality for cost. In addition, different factors contribute to the actual amount you’ll pay for your composite decking.
The first step in installing composite decking is to lay a subframe to keep your decking boards off the ground surface. These come in composite materials, timber, or metal. The type you choose will determine the cost of your project.
First on the list is the design and construction of your decking boards. The materials used for making composite decking are a mixture of plastic and fibre. If you choose an option that has higher wood fibre content, you should expect to pay more. Also, designs with custom colours and wood grain textures will usually cost more.
One other thing that will affect the price is the finish, also called the “generation.” Composite decking comes in two types – first-generation and second-generation. First-generation boards don’t come with extra coatings and are made from plastic and wood fibres. Second-generation boards, on the other hand, come with a durable cover designed to protect the core material of the board.
These cover screws, brackets, clips, and others. These are important accessories required for installing your decking. The type and quantity you need for your installation will determine the price. If you opt for hidden fastenings instead of the visible ones, you should expect to pay more for accessories.
Another set of accessories you need for your project is the finishing for the edges. These include edge trims, bullnose boards, and fascia boards. All these add a final aesthetic to your composite decking to provide a perfect finish while also giving the decking extra fortification.
If you’re doing the installation yourself, you may not spend much on this part, but it’s best to get a professional hand if you’ve never installed a composite decking before. The cost of hiring a professional usually covers the cost of materials and labour, which can range between £65 and £125 per square metre on average.
By the way, your location can also contribute to the actual labour costs. For instance, cities like London have higher project rates.
Composite decking is more expensive than timber, but there are more things to consider, not just the cost. First, the ongoing maintenance and lifespan of composite decking are stronger attractions for people who choose it. While the former is more expensive when you consider the initial investment, it is highly durable and can last up to 50 years with little maintenance.
However, timber decking will only last up to 15 years. Additionally, it requires staining and sanding before you install it. The ongoing cost of regular treatments and staining to keep it looking its best is also something you need to consider.
So, now you have an idea of what it will cost you to install composite decking on your property, the next thing is to know how to budget for your composite decking.
The first step is to measure the area you would like to cover with the decking. With this, you can calculate how many boards you need with our online calculator. When using the calculator, ensure you choose the board length you need, such as 2.4m or 4m. Next, add the length and width of the area you want to install the decking in centimetres.
With this, you can calculate the number of decking boards you will need for your project. For example, if you want to install a 5m x 5m decking, you need about 48 of 4m boards or 78 of 2.4m boards. You can calculate the total cost of the boards you need based on this. We recommend adding a few boards to make room for the unexpected.
Now that you know what it will cost you to buy the boards, the next thing is to calculate the cost of subframe materials and accessories. You can use the measurement you took to determine the quantity of subframe materials you would also need.
When buying accessories, it’s best to get some extras for contingency reasons. Putting all these together, you already have an idea of the budget for your composite decking.
However, if you choose to use a professional for the installation, all you have to do is to get a quote. It’s a great idea to get quotes from a few reputable local installers to get a competitive price for your project.
There you have it! You now have an idea of what it will cost you to install a composite decking. The next step is to check out our different range of high-quality composite decking boards and accessories. You’re sure to find the perfect design and style that meets your aesthetic needs.
There’s no better way to give your garden a makeover than to choose composite decking. If you have any questions, our experienced team will be delighted to help. Talk to Composite Deckings today to get you started on the journey to installing your decking!