How much does it cost to install composite decking?
Composite decking offers numerous advantages, such as reassuring durability and low maintenance needs. Premium Millboard® decking offers high slip resistance and a refined timber aesthetic. When investing in high-performance decking, you want to ensure a seamless install by using a professional, but a DIY installation comes with many other considerations.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand what to expect when it comes to decking installation costs, and compare DIY budgets with professional rates. We also discuss how composite decking installation compares to other outdoor flooring types.
Click on one of the sections below to learn more:
Understand the most important considerations for different types of decking installation.
Compare different decking materials and how much installation will cost.
Understand what to expect with a professional decking installer compared to a self-install.
Discover other expenses that may impact the overall cost of your project.
Highly skilled installers help ensure your decking is finished to a high standard.
Factors to Consider for Long-Lasting Decking Installation
Before starting a decking project, you will need to understand how the following factors can affect the ease of installation and the cost.
- Design complexity: A simple, single-tier deck is generally easier to install than one with multiple levels, curved edges, or intricate design features. If your vision includes bespoke details such as integrated seating, stairs, or railings, these elements can add to the overall cost due to increased material requirements and labour intensity. The choice of decking style may also affect the cost; for example, Modello requires more attention to detail when laying to create your desired pattern.
- Preparatory groundwork: Millboard is a complete decking and subframe system, designed to work with a range of substrate types from soft earth to solid bases. However, if you are replacing an existing deck or patio, or the foundation is unstable, preparatory work increases labour requirements.
- Your DIY experience: While some homeowners choose to install decking themselves, it is essential to be realistic about your DIY experience. Poorly installed decking can lead to structural issues, water damage, or uneven surfaces.
- Geographical location: Local labour rates vary between areas.
- Type of decking material: The choice of flooring can significantly affect how straightforward it is to install. For example, Millboard decking can be sawn with standard carpentry tools, and has the added benefit of “Lost-Head” Durafix® Fixings. Some materials require specialist equipment.
What is the Average Cost of Decking Installation?
The boards themselves are usually around one third of the overall project cost when you include professional installation. The starting cost for boards is around A$290 per m², but we highly recommend reading the most up-to-date decking prices or using our deck boards calculator, ensuring you account for 10% wastage.
Decking subframe costs can vary depending on the type of system used, the complexity of the build, and the intended use for the decking. Decks for commercial use must have exceptionally secure subframes and are installed to a slightly different set of requirements.
Installation costs also vary between installers. When you select one of our installation partners, they will often provide you with a comprehensive quote, inclusive of materials and labour. Some installers will list their rates for decking installation, but this is often subject to change depending on the system chosen, groundwork, and design complexity.
One of our London-based partners, Oilcan Finish Decking Outdoor Living, reveals a common price range for decking installation.
“Expect to pay around A$290.00 per square metre for an experienced installer, however complex designs demand a higher rate.”
Please note: the figures in this guide are estimates that have been directly converted from UK pricing and are intended as a general guide only. Actual costs vary by region, currency, exchange rate, installer and project.
Generally, we would advise that you allocate another 50% of your material costs towards installation.
Rates can also vary depending on whether the contractor quotes by day rate or per m² of decking. Geographical location may also affect the cost, so we advise that you get an accurate quote from a local installer. Please bear in mind that no two projects will have the same installation costs or rates.
Another option is a DIY installation, which we weigh up in the next section.
DIY vs Professional Decking Installation?
DIY installation can be a more cost-effective option for those with experience in home-improvement projects, and may be suitable if you have a straightforward deck design. However, if you aren’t as confident with DIY or you have special requirements for your project, we highly recommend professional installation to ensure you have a seamless and structurally sound system.
Compare the pros and cons of the two installation options to choose which is right for your decking project:
| Benefits | Drawbacks | |
|---|---|---|
| DIY Installation | Cost-effective. | Increased wastage due to mistakes, especially if you are inexperienced. Cost of tools. Time-consuming and inefficient, especially if you are inexperienced. Physically demanding. |
| Professional Installation | Ensures high-quality, compliant installation. Experience brings time-efficiency. Low effort for the homeowner. Keeps the structural warranty valid. | Higher upfront cost. |
A DIY decking installation could save up to ⅓ compared with using an approved Millboard installer. However, there will be certain costs to account for, such as fixings, wastage, and tools, which you won’t have to worry about when hiring experienced tradespeople. Also, when you install Millboard decking yourself, the structural warranty is no longer valid, and your decking may not be as secure.
If you are confident with DIY installation, you can refer to our resources for detailed guidance.
What Extra Fees Can I Expect When Installing Outdoor Decking?
We have already touched on the factors that can increase the cost of decking installation: design, groundwork, subframe, and variable rates. However, there are several other things to bear in mind:
- Site preparation
- Deconstruction, removal, and disposal of old flooring
- Custom design features such as railings or lighting, which may require a specialist labourer
- Decking accessories and fixings
Should You Use a Professional Decking Installer?
While it can be tempting to overlook a Millboard-approved decking installer, you run the risk of cosmetic or structural compromises, extra waste, time inefficiencies, and losing your structural warranty. A DIY installation is usually only recommended for those with plenty of home-improvement experience.
Find your nearest Millboard-approved installer or explore our resources. Browse our decking case studies to see completed projects.
Request a free decking sample.
Frequently Asked Questions
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