How Much Does Composite or PVC Decking Cost in 2025?
Highlights
The average cost to build a 144-square-foot composite deck is $5,200, with prices ranging from $3,600 to $7,200.
The deck size, material, components, lighting, and brand significantly impact the total price.
Most deck builders charge between $10 to $14 per square foot for labor.
Choose wood plastic composite, PVC, or mineral-based composite for the deck material.
Depending on your location, you may require a permit ranging from $225 to $500.
Composite deck prices range from $25 to $54 per square foot installed or $3,600 to $7,200 for a 144-square-foot deck. On average, homeowners pay $5,200 to install a composite deck. A wood deck ranges from $10 to $20 per square foot for pressure-treated lumber to $30 to $55 per square foot for a high-quality wood deck, like mahogany.
Composite material prices range from $15 to $36 per square foot, including $4 to $15 per square foot for the deck boards alone. Labor costs range from $10 to $14 per square foot, and most pay $1,500 to $2,000 for installation.
Average PVC Decking Cost
| Average Cost | High Cost | Low Cost |
|---|---|---|
| $5,200 | $7,200 | $3,600 |
PVC Decking Installation Cost Factors
While the average 144-square-foot composite deck costs $5,200, the cost to build a deck varies greatly depending on the size, material, brand, prep work, and labor fees.
Deck Size
Deck size plays a significant factor in the installation cost of your composite deck, with prices ranging from $25 to $54 per square foot. An 80-square-foot deck might cost as little as $2,000 to install, while a 400-square-foot deck can cost up to $20,000.
| Deck Dimensions in Feet | Total Sq. Ft. | Average Deck Cost (Installed) |
|---|---|---|
| 8x10 | 80 | $2,000–$4,000 |
| 12x12 | 144 | $3,600–$7,200 |
| 10x16 | 160 | $4,000–$8,000 |
| 10x20 | 200 | $5,000–$10,000 |
| 12x20 | 240 | $6,000–$12,000 |
| 16x20 | 320 | $8,000–$16,000 |
| 20x20 | 400 | $10,000–$20,000 |
Material
Material costs for composite decking can range from $4 to $15 per square foot, depending on the type of material. Wood plastic composite is often the most cost-effective choice, while PVC and mineral-based composite are on the higher end.
| Material | Average Cost per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Wood plastic composite | $4–$12 |
| PVC (vinyl) | $5–$13 |
| Mineral-based composite | $6–$15 |
Wood Plastic Composite
Wood-plastic composite decking uses mostly recycled plastic and wood fibers. The deck boards range from $4 to $12 per square foot. This composite material is designed to last for decades and is more resistant to cracking and splintering. It’s more expensive than pressure-treated lumber, but it might still be more affordable than the cost of a redwood deck or an exotic wood deck.
PVC
PVC, or vinyl decking, costs between $5 and $13 per square foot for the deck boards. PVC is made entirely of plastic but capped like other composite decking. There is no organic material that can rot or swell over time, so PVC decking often lasts for decades. However, it does expand and contract more than composite wood decking.
Mineral-Based Composite
Mineral-based composite decking—also called polypropylene—ranges from $6 to $15 per square foot. It’s newer and often more expensive than the other types of composite decking. Though it costs more, it is highly moisture resistant and can last several decades.
Labor
Labor costs for composite decking installation range from $10 to $14 per square foot. When you hire a local composite deck company, they’ll often charge $25 per square foot for any stairs. For a 144-square-foot deck installation, expect to pay $1,500 to $2,000, depending on the amount of stair work required.
Permits
A permit costs between $225 and $500, depending on where you live. Not every state requires a permit for decks, but most do. If you work with a professional contractor, they can typically take care of the permit work or advise on what permits you need.
Removal of Old Decking
The cost to demolish and remove an old deck ranges from $5 to $15 per square foot. If the deck is a new addition to your home, you won’t need to worry about this cost.
Deck Components
A wood plastic composite deck costs $4 to $12 per square foot for the deck boards or $5 to $13 for PVC, but you’ll also have to factor in the cost of other materials, including railings, substructure, posts, and hardware.
The total cost of decking materials, not including labor, ranges from $15 to $36 per square foot.
| Deck Component | Average Cost for 144 Sq. Ft Deck |
|---|---|
| Boards | $600–$1,900 |
| Railing | $350–$1,100 |
| Substructure | $750–$1,250 |
| Posts | $200–$750 |
| Hardware | $100–$200 |
Lighting
Post lighting for a composite deck can cost between $30 and $100 per post. If you add lighting features to your new composite deck, you’ll also need to factor in the cost of an electrician, which can range from $50 to $100 an hour.
Additional Landscaping
If your new composite deck is part of a larger landscaping project, you must factor in additional landscaping costs. On average, a total backyard remodel costs $15,000 to $50,000.
Brand
The brand you choose can affect overall composite deck prices, from $5 to $12.50 per square foot. The table below shows some of the most common brands and their cost per square foot.
| Brand | Cost Per Sq. Ft. |
|---|---|
| Trex | $5–$10 |
| TimberTech/AZEK | $7.50–$12 |
| Genovations | $4.50 |
| Fiberon | $5–$10 |
| Cali Bamboo/Bamdeck | $8.50–$12.50 |
| Deckorators | $5 |
| Gorilla | $12 |
| Veranda | $4–$5 |
Other popular brands include:
Wolf
Duxxbak
Duradek
Zuri
Lumberock
Tufdek
VEKAdeck
EverGrain
Rhino
Contact the manufacturers or a professional contractor for detailed pricing information and availability in your area.
Ongoing Maintenance
Composite decks are popular because they are low maintenance, especially compared to natural wood decks. Just sweep it and hose it down as needed. Otherwise, you won’t need to worry about composite deck maintenance costs.
PVC Decking Price
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) decking costs $5 to $13 per square foot for the boards, compared to $4 to $12 per square foot for composite.
Composite is a broad term for decking materials, including wood plastic composite and mineral-based composite, but PVC and vinyl decking are also considered composite deck materials. While other composites contain plastic mixed with wood or minerals, PVC is entirely plastic.
Cellular PVC
Cellular PVC is built to look and feel much like wood. This means that pros can cut these boards without the risk of splintering or cracking, a common problem with other vinyl materials like siding.
Recycled Plastic Decking
Most PVC and composite decking products use recycled plastic. Some do not use any new materials, making them highly sustainable. Recycled plastic decking is a great choice if you’re looking for a green alternative that still looks like wood.
Other Synthetic Decking Costs
When you think about the cost of a PVC deck, remember that you’ll need to pay for:
Railing
Substructure
Posts
Hardware
Does Composite Decking Increase Home Value?
Installing a composite deck may increase your home value, depending on your location, the design, and the material used. Homeowners typically see a 44% return on investment for installing a new deck.
High-quality composite and PVC materials often provide an even higher value return thanks to their low maintenance requirements and long lifespan. Composite decks are highly durable, resisting rot, fading, and warping. This signals to potential buyers that they won’t have to pay for the cost of deck repairs in the near future. They’ll also appreciate the enhanced outdoor living and entertainment space a composite deck offers.
Budgeting for Composite Decking
Composite decking prices vary greatly depending on the size, materials, and labor fees. If you’re looking to keep your deck budget-friendly, consider the following money-saving tips:
Opt for a standard 144-square-foot deck rather than custom or large sizing.
If you’re replacing an old deck, complete the removal and disposal yourself to save on labor fees.
Avoid adding unnecessary components, such as extra railings, stairs, or hardware.
Compare quotes from at least three deck builders in your area to find the most competitive offer.
Schedule installation during the off-season to find reduced labor rates.
How HomeAdvisor Gets Its Cost Data
No place is more important than your home, which is why HomeAdvisor connects homeowners with local pros to transform their houses into homes they love. To help homeowners prepare for their next project, HomeAdvisor provides readers with accurate cost data and follows strict editorial guidelines. We surveyed over 30,000 real customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many homeowners find that composite decking is worth the cost, especially compared to wood. This material runs less than some low- to moderate-quality wood deck materials but can last even longer with low maintenance needs.
Composite decks can cost more than wood decks, especially pressure-treated wood decks. Composite decks also are not natural. If you're looking for that natural wood feel, you won’t get that with composite decking.
Composite decks last longer and are primarily maintenance-free. You can even get composite decking from recycled materials, like plastic grocery bags, to make your deck more environmentally friendly. Composite decks come in various colors, so you won’t have to pay to paint and stain the deck as you would with a wood deck.
The most affordable composite costs about $3,600 for a 144-square-foot deck. Veranda has some of the lowest material costs. Other popular brands, such as Trex or TimberTech, also sell quality products on the lower end of the price range.
The cost of installing a deck railing depends on its size and material. The average price is $93 per linear foot.
In many cases, pros can install composite boards on a roof deck. This depends on the slope and the type of material. For example, tiles require a very slight grade.
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