A Complete Guide to UK Composite Decking Costs in 2025

Adding new decking or replacing existing decking that is past its prime can be a great way to transform your outdoor spaces. Our Composite Decking Boards look great and also have a number of clear benefits over traditional timber decking. It is easier to maintain and is far more durable, with built-in resistance to weathering, rot and warping. This makes it a great long-term investment, but you will still naturally want to consider the costs before embarking on any major decking project.

So, how much is composite decking? The answer is, probably a lot less than you think, but the cost can vary quite widely depending on the details of your project. In this guide, we will break down the total composite decking price for your project, including the costs of composite decking per square metre, other essential and optional materials, and the typical labour cost to lay decking in the UK. We will also consider any potential hidden costs to ensure that you have all the information you need before making a start on your dream decking.

Article Contents

• How Much is Composite Decking
• Composite Decking Prices per Square Metre
• Labour Costs to Lay Composite Decking in the UK
• How to Calculate the Total Cost of Composite Decking
• Maintenance Costs
• FAQs

How Much is Composite Decking?

When thinking about your overall budget for a project, you not only have to think of the composite decking cost for the basic materials, but also any additional extras and labour costs involved.

It’s important to factor in the composite decking price per m2, of course, as this will usually make up the bulk of the cost of materials. You will also need to consider any optional extras and accessories such as balustrade posts and railings, essentials such as the screws and fixings you will need, and the composite decking frame components that will underpin and support your decking.

You will also need to figure in labour costs if you decide not to install the deck yourself. Our composite decking is designed to be strong, sturdy and easy to install, but you might still feel more comfortable bringing in professionals, especially for a large or complex decking project.

In the longer term, you might also want to think about any maintenance costs you will need to spend to keep your decking in good condition.

The three main cost areas for most decking projects are:

Materials

One of the main costs will be the composite decking itself, but you will also want to consider the costs of the composite decking frame and any composite decking accessories such as edging trims, fascia boards, bullnose edges and end caps. While not part of the deck itself, you might also want to incorporate additional features such as composite fencing into the overall project. Other costs such as screws will be lower but should also be considered for an accurate total cost.

Labour

Some people might choose to install their own decking. Our standardised decking boards and specially designed products such as our hidden fasteners make it relatively easy to do, but not everyone has the skills, confidence or time to install their own decking. You should be aware that professional installation will increase the costs significantly, though the exact amount will depend on the complexity and size of the project.

Maintenance

This is not an upfront cost but is one you should be aware of, especially if you are considering timber decking options. Maintenance is not generally a major part of the cost of composite decking as our composite decking is more durable than wooden alternatives, with built-in resistance to rot, insects, weather and warping. Composite decking will still require maintenance, but this generally involves no more than regular cleaning. Traditional timber decking will usually need to be treated, stained or painted at regular intervals. Some boards and other elements may need to be replaced, especially if they start to rot, and the composite decking in general tends to last a lot longer than timber boards.

Do you want to see how much decking your space will cost with us? Use our Decking calculator to price up your garden project.

Composite Decking Prices Per Square Metre

Composite decking prices per m2 or square metre will give you the basic cost of the actual decking boards you need – see ‘How to calculate the total cost of composite decking’ below.

The cost of composite decking per m2 in the UK does tend to be more than most timber alternatives for the same surface area, but it is worth remembering that composite decking boards are far more durable and resistant to weather, rot and warping. This can make them far more cost-effective over the lifetime of any decking project. Some hardwood decking materials can actually cost more than composite decking boards.

Decking type	Materials cost per m2	Installation per m2	Total cost per m2	Lifespan
Softwood	£80	£33	£113	10-15 years
Hardwood	£120	£33	£158	30-40 years
Composite	£100	£33	£133	25-30 years

Note: Installers may also quote per day, but their estimate of time required will take into consideration the size of the decking as well as the complexity of the project.

*The above figures are average estimates only, based on current figures available on UK tradesperson websites.

At Dino Decking, all our composite decking boards are tough, low maintenance, and resistant to splintering, warping and rotting. We offer a classic composite decking board range and a premium composite decking board range, allowing you to choose from different colours and styles to suit your tastes and budget. Our Premium range features a robust, water-resistant Dino Shield™ polymer sleeve for even greater protection and longevity.

Our Classic Composite Decking is available from £23.99 per 4-metre length and our Premium Composite Decking is available from £34.99 per 4-metre length.

You can work out your composite decking cost per m2 using our Decking Cost Calculator.

Labour Costs to Lay Composite Decking in the UK

As well as the price of composite decking and accessories, the overall costs will also include any installation fees if you decide to have your decking laid by a professional.

Many customers choose to install their own decking, and this is a great way to keep the costs down if you are confident in your abilities. Our composite decking can be easier to install than timber decking, as all the pieces are standardised and can be supplied with specially designed substructure components and fixing clips.

You may be more comfortable hiring a professional installer though, especially for large or complex projects. The labour cost to lay decking in the UK can vary. However, according to mybuilder.com, the average decking installation labour rate is around £33 per square metre for an average decking installation. You should always do research, check reviews, seek recommendations if possible and get multiple quotes for any project.

How to Calculate the Total Cost of Composite Decking

There are four basic steps to calculate the total cost of your composite decking project:

• Measure the area. If your deck is not one uniform rectangular space, you should measure the biggest rectangular part of it and then measure any other parts separately.
• Calculate how many boards you need. Dino Decking customers can use our Dino Decking Calculator.
• Add additional materials such as joists and fasteners. You can add these yourself or our Dino Decking Calculator can do it for you. You should also add any optional accessories.
• Add the costs of installation if you are hiring a professional installer.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

There may be some additional costs such as waste disposal (ask an installer upfront if they will remove any waste) and any tools you might need. Some suppliers might add delivery costs to a bill without specifying them upfront. Dino Decking customers can find out our delivery costs upfront by entering your postcode here.

It’s also worth remembering that timber decking needs more maintenance over time, which may be considered to be adding additional ‘hidden’ costs over the longer term.

A Note on Maintenance Costs

Even with annual maintenance, including sanding, treating and staining, timber decks simply don’t last as long as composite decking boards. As well as the regular maintenance costs, boards may need to be replaced as they rot, crack or splinter. The substructure might also require attention, all of which can add to the overall upkeep.

Our composite decking boards, on the other hand, are designed to be extra durable and resistant to weather, rot and mould. This is why our composite decking comes with a 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind that there will be no extra repair costs to factor in.

Composite decking boards might cost a little more upfront, but over time they can provide long-term value for money, as well as minimising the hassle of maintenance.

Our composite decking can provide a comfortable haven that stays looking great for years to come.

Wrapping up…

You can explore Dino Decking’s full range of products, including our composite decking boards, accessories and decking frame components, or use our Dino Decking Calculator to work out your composite decking cost.

You can also contact our friendly and experienced team for a quote or to answer any questions you might have.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cheapest Option for Composite Decking?

Our cheapest option is the classic composite decking range, available in a variety of colours such as light grey stone, savanna and black graphite. While our premium range features a weather-resistant Dino Shield™ for even greater protection, all of our composite decking boards are tough, durable, and resistant to rot and weather damage.

Is Composite Decking Worth the Cost?

We might be a little biased, but we’d say, ‘Of course!’ Composite decking costs a little more upfront compared to traditional timber decking, but it is a sustainable, more durable, low-maintenance option that lasts longer and offers great value for money in the long run.

How Long Does Composite Decking Last?

Composite decking can last for up to 25 years or even longer if properly maintained. This is a lot longer than wooden decking, which may only last for 10-15 years. Find out more about how long composite decking lasts and factors that can affect the lifespan of composite decking in our blog.