By Kelin
Fri, Jun 20, 2025

How Much Does a 20×20 Composite Deck Cost?

With its outstanding performance, more and more homeowners consider composite decking to be an excellent outdoor solution. And with the wide variety of composite deck ideas, you have the freedom to design and decorate your outdoor space with it. But when planning to add aesthetically pleasing composite decking boards to your home, it’s important to know about composite deck prices. But how much does a 20’x20 composite deck cost?

But how much does composite decking cost? Generally, a simply designed composite decks cost around $3600. While some complex design composite decking may cost from $11,400 to $20,000. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at composite deck board prices and the factors that affect the cost of composite decks. We will provide composite decking prices per square foot and help homeowners buy cheap composite decking.

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Table of Contents

The Average Cost of Composite Deck

On average, the cost to install composite decking is about $9,000 (including labor and materials). Most composite decks cost between $5,400 and $11,400. Larger composite wood decking costs up to $20,000, with the cheapest composite decking as little as $3,600. Note that this is only the average cost of composite decks, which can vary depending on factors such as location, materials, and project complexity.

COMPOSITE DECKING COST
Average Cost	$9,000
Highest Cost	$20,000
Lowest Cost	$3,600

Composite Decking Cost by Square Foot

Composite decking material cost per square foot is $25 to $45. The average price is around $35 per square foot. This price includes the cost of decking materials and labor. However, this price varies greatly depending on the specific materials used and the complexity of the installation process. The cost of building a 20 x 20 composite deck cost between $10,000 and $20,000.

QUARE FOOTAGE	LOW COST	AVERAGE COST	HIGH COST
100	$2,500	$3,500	$4,500
200	$5,000	$7,000	$9,000
300	$7,500	$10,500	$13,500
400	$10,000	$14,000	$18,000
500	$12,500	$15,500	$22,500

The above table only represents the average cost of composite decking. The exact price depends on the region, installation method, and composite deck brands.

How Much Does Composite Deck Cost?

To get a better idea of the price of a composite decking project, let’s break down composite deck prices.

By Composite Decking Type

There are two common types of composite decking on the market today: capped and uncapped composites. Capped composite decking has a protective outer layer to better protect the deck. As a result, capped composites tend to be more expensive, averaging $30 to $60 per square foot, while uncapped composites are more affordable, ranging from $20 to $40 per square foot.

By Composite Decking Sizes

The size of composite decks is one of the most important factors that affect the overall project cost. Larger decks require more materials and labor, which can increase the total price. The average price of a basic composite deck is $5,800, while complex designs can cost up to $8,300.

Here are the composite wood decking costs for some common deck sizes

Deck size (feet)	Square feet	Average cost installed*
10’x10′	100	$2,500 – $4,500
12’x12′	144	$3,600 – $7,000
12’x24′	288	$7,200 – $13,450
16’x20′	360	$8,000 – $14,400
20’x20′	400	$10,000 – $20,000
20’x24′	480	$12,000 – $21,000
24’x24′	576	$18,000 – $30,000

By Deck Material

Composite decking is a cheaper material, with prices ranging from $25 to $40 per square foot. While PVC plastic decking is usually more expensive, with prices ranging from $40 to $70 per square foot.

By Design

Composite deck boards are known for their rich colours, textures, and patterns, and complex composite deck patterns can affect the cost of a project. EVODEK offers homeowners quality designs and finishes that mimic natural wood, which is relatively more expensive. While some solid colour deck designs may be more affordable.

Realistic wood grain designs range from $25 to $40 per square foot. At the same time, smooth and solid-colored composite decks may range between $25 to $40 per square foot. Also, more complex installation designs may increase the labor cost to build a composite deck.

Framing Prices

The framing and support structure underneath the composite deck board can also affect the overall cost. Pressure-treated lumber is a common framing structure, and it costs between $1.50 and $4 per linear foot. Some homeowners may choose metal or aluminum framing for increased durability, while metal framing is more expensive, costing between $3 and $7 per linear foot.

Labor Cost to Build a Composite Deck

The labor required to install the decking is also an important factor that affects the cost of a composite deck. Professional deck installation allows the composite decking to be installed correctly and ensures its durability.

Labor cost to install composite decking can vary depending on location, project complexity, and contractor. On average, professional deck installers cost $35 to $75 per hour. The total labor cost for a 20×20 deck ranges from $1,400 to $3,000.

DIY Composite Decks Vs. Hiring Professional Deck Installers

If you have the skills and tools to install composite decking, you can save a lot of money by installing composite decks on your own. While the main cost of a DIY project is materials, additional costs include tools and equipment (about $500 to $1,000). You may also want to consider license fees ranging from $50 to $500.

Hiring professional deck installers ensures the project is installed correctly and complies with local codes. The main costs of hiring a professional deck installer include materials and labor costs to build a composite deck. Most contractors will include the cost of tools and equipment in the labor cost.

Factors Affecting Composite Decking Price

Brands

Quality composite decking brands tend to have better durability and appearance. But they also tend to be more expensive. Some popular brands on the market today are Trex decking, TimberTech decking, Fiberon, EVODEK, and MoistureShield.

Types of Composite Decks

As we said above, the type of composite decking you choose directly impacts your cost; capped composite decking costs more than uncapped composites.

Deck Sizes and Prices

Deck sizes and designs are directly proportional to the cost of labor required to install the decking. More complex designs, such as multi-level decks and intricate patterns, will cost more.

Installation Location

The purchase and labor costs of composite material decking vary depending on your location. The labor cost to build a composite deck may be higher in urban areas.

Preparing the Installation Area

If your installation project requires extensive site preparation, such as excavating, grading, or removing an existing deck. These operations can add to the overall cost of the project.

Extra features and customization
Outdoor furniture can cost $500 to $1,500.
Outdoor lighting costs $80 to $300 per fixture.
Installation of outdoor receptacles costs $180 to $350.
Hot tub installation costs $150 to $500.
Awnings with retractable awnings cost $200 to $6,000 to install.
Wooden benches cost $1,000 to $1,500.
Outdoor kitchens cost between US $3,000 and US $10,000.
Gazebos cost $4,300 to $10,000 to build.
Stairs cost $15 to $40 per linear foot.
Railings cost $50 to $120 per linear foot.

How to Save on Composite Decking Costs?

Composite decking boards are an excellent investment for homeowners looking to add outdoor living space. Composite decking is strong and durable and can be built into almost any shape and size. However, as we mentioned above, some composite deck prices are very expensive. Composite deck costs can run into the tens of thousands of dollars, depending on its size and features. That’s why some homeowners want to save money on composite decking or buy cheap composite lumber. But how do you save money on composite decking? Here are some tips.

Let’s be clear, there is no magic bullet or magic trick here. A lower price means fewer features or advantages. Everyone has a budget when building composite decks. So the key is to know which features are necessary and which features are best to have.

Tips to Reduce the Cost of Composite Decking

Compare composite deck prices
Compare different brands
DIY Installation
Choose a Simple Design
Installation in the off-season
Reduce Deck Size

Compare Composite Deck Prices

Comparing prices will help you buy cheap composite decking or get the best deals. Looking for discount composite decking or buying in bulk can help you find the best deals.

Compare Different Brands

If you wish to use composite deck boards, it helps to compare different brands. As we said above, some of the popular brands on the market are Trex Decking, TimberTech Decking, Fiberon, EVODEK, and MoistureShield. Researching and comparing different composite decking brands will enable you to find the best option for your budget. There is no best composite decking, only the best option for your budget.

DIY Installation

There’s a saying that time is money, and that was very true when preparing for composite decking installation.

From a technical standpoint, building a deck is one of the simpler construction projects. So if you can overcome the difficulties of installing composite decking, then you can save a lot of money on labor costs. If you are frail and hate sweating, then building your own deck is not a good option.

Hiring a professional deck installer can save you a lot of time and provide you with superior quality. Conversely, if you choose to do it yourself, it will take longer. However, you won’t have to pay a salary, so you won’t have to spend on labor costs. In a common deck-building project, about half of the cost comes from labor costs. So DIY composite decks can save thousands of dollars. Simply plan to reduce the project time to weeks instead of days.

If you want to save money and time at the same time, hire a contractor to install the substructure. Let them do the digging, insert the posts, pour the foundation, and hang all the joists. You’ll have an easier time installing composite decks.

Choose a Simple Design

When considering deck ideas, carefully consider the complexity of the composite decking design. Complex composite deck patterns are beautiful, but a simple design can save on material and labor costs. This money-saving tip is very simple, but it’s easy for homeowners to overlook. Most people love the look of diagonal trim, contrasting inlays, and intricate patterns, but each cut requires more time and measuring. You can save some time and money by laying composite boards parallel or perpendicular to your home.

Composite deck manufacturers all offer a range of products at different price points. The fancier products are prettier and come in a variety of colors and textures. They look as good as, if not better than, natural wood. But they can also be more expensive. A simple gray or brown color can look great and cost 25% to 40% less than a premium product. So, composite decking with a simple design is a better choice for low-budget homeowners.

Also consider hollow composite decking or composite decking with grooves on the bottom. These decks are specifically designed to be lighter in weight and use less material, so they are usually slightly less expensive.

Installation in the off-season

If you have the patience, consider installing composite decking in the off-season to keep costs down. Many homeowners plan to build composite decks in the spring. If you can wait until fall or even winter, contractors will have more free time and cheaper labor costs.

Reduce the Size of the Deck

This is one way to reduce the cost of your project from the root. Think carefully about how you plan to use the deck and how much outdoor space you will need. If you aren’t going to be entertaining a lot of people, then you probably don’t need a 20×20 composite decking. If you often dine outdoors with a few good friends, then a smaller deck will not only meet your needs but will also save you more money.

Summary

Now that you know about composite decking cost and how to save money on composite decks, it’s time to get started on your project. We hope this article has provided you with some useful tips and ideas to help you get your composite decking installed correctly.