1. Average Cost
- National Range: $4,000–$8,000
- Average Cost: $5,700
- Per Square Foot (Materials & Labor): $25–$54
- Low-End Cost: $3,600
- High-End Cost: $15,800
2. Composite Decking Materials Cost
- Materials Only: $4–$12 per sq. ft.
- Deck Sizes & Estimated Costs:
- 144 sq. ft. (12x12): $5,700
- 256 sq. ft. (16x16): $10,100
- 400 sq. ft. (20x20): $15,800
3. Labor Costs
- Installation: $10–$15 per sq. ft.
- Project Labor Cost: $1,500–$2,000
4. Composite Deck Types and Costs
| Type | Price per Sq. Ft. | Features |
|--------------------------|-----------------------|---------------------------------------------------|
| Textured Grain | $5 | Realistic artificial wood grain. |
| Two-Faced Grain | $4–$5 | Wood grain on one side, brushed grain on another.|
| Plastic-Wrapped | $6 | Weather-resistant, durable. |
| Embossed Grain | $5 | Mimics natural wood texture. |
5. Additional Cost Factors
a. Design & Shapes
- Custom designs (e.g., herringbone): +20%
- Premium colors/textures: $30–$60 per sq. ft.
b. Deck Location
- Ground-Level: $10–$20 per sq. ft.
- Floating: $20–$60 per sq. ft.
- Second Story: $40–$50 per sq. ft.
- Multi-Level: $30–$75 per sq. ft.
c. Fasteners
- Hidden fasteners: Increases hardware and labor costs.
d. Permits & Removal
- Permits: Up to $500.
- Deck Removal: $5–$15 per sq. ft.
e. Grading & Leveling
- Uneven Ground: $500–$1,000.
f. Stairs & Railing
- Stairs: $15–$40 per linear ft.
- Railings: $50–$120 per linear ft.
6. DIY vs. Hiring a Contractor
- DIY Savings: Save $1,500–$2,000.
- Risks: Mistakes may cost an average of $1,700 to repair.
- DIY Composite Deck Materials Cost: $2,100–$5,200.
- Hiring a Pro: Typically faster, safer, and includes a warranty.
7. Common Add-Ons
| Feature | Cost Range | Notes |
|---------------------|-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|
| Furniture | $100–$10,000 | Patio set: $200–$1,800. |
| Lighting | $50–$900 per fixture | Post lighting costs less than light fixtures. |
| Roofs | $3,000–$10,000 | Material and size influence costs. |
| Awnings | $1,400–$4,300 | Retractable awnings: $2,000–$3,500. |
| Electricity | $3–$5 per linear ft. | Adding a subpanel: $400–$1,750. |
8. Composite vs. Wood Decking
| Material | Cost per Sq. Ft. | Maintenance |
|----------------------|------------------------|---------------------------|
| Composite | $25–$54 | Low; no staining required.|
| Wood (Pressure-Treated)| $5–$20 | High; regular staining/painting.|
| High-End Wood (Redwood)| $20+ | Requires more maintenance. |
9. Maintenance and Insurance Costs
- Annual Maintenance: $500–$760 (repairs & odds/ends).
- Insurance: Increases $50/year on average.
- Taxes: Property taxes may increase by $100/year.
10. Money-Saving Tips
- Choose Simpler Designs: Stick with basic colors/textures to save 50%.
- DIY Parts of the Project: Build the substructure yourself to cut costs.
- Get Multiple Quotes: Compare contractor prices for competitive rates.
A composite deck is an investment that enhances your outdoor living space while being durable and low-maintenance.
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