Last Updated on July 8, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford
Most homeowners want to spend as little as possible when it comes to garden improvements. But building a deck in your garden can be an expensive project.
One of the first decisions you will have to make is to choose what material to use.
In recent years, composite decking has been one of the most popular choices. But the question is, how much are composite decking materials? And how can you choose the most affordable ones?
Cost of Composite Decking
It’s no secret that composite decks are more expensive than traditional wood decking materials. On average, expect to spend as twice as much or even more when using composites compared to average wood.
For instance, a medium-sized wooden deck will cost you around £1000 to £1500, whereas a composite deck averages between £1500 to £2000 for the same area.
But why do people still use composites despite the higher cost? Compared to wood, it has better durability and lifespan. It can also last longer.
Many agree that the benefits of using it outweigh the expensive cost of materials. Hence, it is clear that it is the best alternative to wood deck, used so far to decorate family gardens.
However, you may have stumbled with several composite decking boards in the market with varying cost. The question is, how can you choose the most affordable composite decking?
Finding composite decking materials to use for your project can be challenging, especially if it’s your first time building a deck. However, here are some of the ways to save some money when doing it.
It’s Not All About The Price
Many people tend to get the materials with the lowest price possible. However, it’s not all about how much a composite decking board is.
Naturally, expensive decking boards will offer you the best quality. But that doesn’t mean lower-priced materials can’t do any better. There are a few other factors you have to take into consideration if you want to find the best and the cheapest decking boards.Â
Related: Composite deck skirting ideas
Quality Vs. Cost
Many companies sell various composite decking boards at different price ranges. Most of the time, the most expensive ones will have more features than cheaper ones. So does that mean that you have to stick with the high-tiered varieties? Not necessarily.
By looking at the details and specifications of a composite decking board, you can see all that it can offer. For instance, many decking boards have anti-slip, fade-resistance, and scratch-proof.
However, you may consider whether you necessarily need these features. Can trade-off better fade protection or any of its additional features for a lower price? Only you can answer the question. But in general, you will want to find a balance between cost and quality to get the most worth out of your money.
Find the Most Cost-Efficient
Even after you build a garden deck, you will still have to spend money on it. Despite being low-maintenance, composite decks still require maintaining. It’s more affordable to find the materials that won’t make you spend more money on upkeep.
True, all composite decks are low-maintenance compared to traditional wood. However, not all composites are equal. Some may be more to stains or thermal expansion. Moreover, if you have the budget, it is more cost-efficient to get longer-lasting composites. Constantly replacing low-quality composite boards will be expensive. For these reasons, you will want to find the best one that you can afford.
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Other Ways to Save Money on Building a Composite Deck
One of the best ways to find cheap composites for your deck is to wait for sale and discounts. However, you may have to wait before you can find cheaper deals. You can find materials at lower prices during off-peak seasons when there is lower demand for composites.
The off-peak season for deck building is usually during falls and winter seasons. During this time, professional builders are also likely to ask lower labour rates.
Another way to spend less for your garden composite deck is to do the installation without hiring any workers. However, you will still need to have a few helping hands, either your friends or family.
Doing this can save you as much as 20% of your total spendings. For a medium-sized deck, you can save anywhere between £400 to £600 if you build the deck yourself. While it can be a challenging task, there are plenty of guides and instructions that you can follow on the internet. As long as you have tools, you can accomplish it.
Related: DIY Deck railing ideas | Floating deck ideas
