Sticker price isn’t the whole story. Are pedestals, rails, trims, drainage, and labor already in your number—or will
they show up later as “surprises”?
Composite Decking Cost in 2026: Materials, Subframes & Labor (With Calculator)
Cost Breakdown (what adds up)
Materials
- Boards: profile, cap chemistry (e.g., ASA), texture, color.
- Fasteners: standard, starter/end, locking; stainless screws.
- Edges: picture frame, bullnose, fascia.
- Subframe: timber or aluminum rails; adjustable pedestals on roofs.
Services & “invisibles”
- Labor: site prep, setting falls, layout/blocks, cuts.
- Logistics: lifts to roof, waste removal, weather delays.
- Compliance: assembly fire evidence, permits (where required).
- Maintenance plan: neutral-pH cleaning keeps slip/appearance stable.
Background on lifecycle costing vs upfront price: a primer on life-cycle cost and why TCO beats sticker shock.
Typical Cost Ranges (indicative, confirm your market)
| Item | What Drives It | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Boards per m² | Profile, cap, texture, color | Light/mid matte tones often run cooler in sun—fewer complaints later? |
| Fasteners/trim | Clip type, perimeter length | Locking clips near edges/ramps; picture frame hides cuts but adds time. |
| Subframe | Timber vs aluminum, pedestal count | Roofs/balconies: adjustable pedestals, rails, access to drains. |
| Labor | Layout complexity, cuts, access | Diagonal/herringbone needs tighter centers and more blocking. |
| Maintenance | Neutral-pH cleaning cadence | Slip and look rely on planned cleaning, not expensive miracles. |
See product options: Ecosolid Decking and installs in the Project Gallery.
Quick Cost Calculator (rough planning)
Indicative only—confirm local rates and your project’s build-up. Diagonals, stairs, wind restraint, and roof access can change numbers.
10-Year TCO: Why the “cheap” option isn’t always cheaper
A dark glossy deck looks great in a showroom—under July sun it runs hot and shows films, inviting complaints and extra cleans.
Would a lighter matte finish and a neutral-pH cleaning plan lower your decade cost more than shaving a dollar off today’s board price?
Care patterns that keep slip and color stable live in our FAQ and maintenance guides.
FAQ (things buyers almost ask)
Is aluminum subframe always “worth it” on roofs?
When access, drainage, and wind restraint matter, aluminum rails over pedestals save time later. Timber can work—if ventilation and falls are drawn, not assumed.
Do picture frames increase cost?
Yes: extra cuts, blocking, and trims. They look clean and hide end grain—budget accordingly.
Will lighter colors really cut cost?
Lower surface temperature and cleaner look reduce complaints and rework. Consider shade + light/mid matte tones in hot sites.
