Composite decking has become one of the fastest-growing outdoor building materials in North America, Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. As homeowners pursue low-maintenance, long-lasting outdoor spaces—and distributors search for stable, high-quality suppliers—composite decking has gradually replaced traditional wood as the preferred choice for decks, garden spaces, pool surrounds, and commercial outdoor projects.
However, one of the most frequently asked questions in the industry is:
How much does composite decking cost?
The answer depends on multiple factors—including raw material ratios, product type, production technology, installation accessories, local logistics costs, and brand premiums.
This comprehensive guide will break down the true cost of composite decking, analyze the 2025 price trends, and help global distributors, wholesalers, and contractors understand what affects the price and how to choose the best supplier in China.
We are a China-based composite decking manufacturer, so this guide will also explain how sourcing directly from a factory can significantly reduce your procurement cost while maintaining high product stability.
What Is Composite Decking and Why Does It Cost More Than Wood?
Composite decking—also known as WPC decking (Wood Plastic Composite decking)—is produced using:
- Wood fiber / wood flour (40–60%)
- HDPE / recycled plastic (30–40%)
- Additives such as UV stabilizers, colorants, coupling agents, and lubricants
It is manufactured via extrusion, forming a dense, waterproof, high-strength outdoor board that outperforms traditional timber.
Why Composite Decking Costs More Than Wood Initially
Compared with softwood or ordinary timber, the initial material cost of composite decking is higher due to:
1.Higher Production Costs
- Extrusion equipment
- Mold systems
- Color film/co-extrusion jackets
- Stabilizers
- These increase manufacturing input.
2.Longer Service Life
Composite decking lasts 15–25 years, while softwood lasts only 3–5 years outdoors.
3.Near-Zero Maintenance
No need for:
- Sanding
- Painting
- Staining
- Termite treatment
This dramatically reduces long-term cost, making total ownership cheaper.
2025 Composite Decking Price Range by Region
Below is a simplified comparison of global retail-level composite decking prices (per square meter).
Actual wholesale prices vary based on MOQ, supplier, and shipping.
North America (USA & Canada)
- Standard capped WPC decking: $60–$120 / m²
- Premium co-extrusion decking (deep wood texture): $100–$160 / m²
- Big brands (Trex / Fiberon / TimberTech): $140–$220 / m²
Europe (UK, Germany, France)
- Standard WPC decking: €55–€95 / m²
- Co-extrusion decking: €85–€150 / m²
Australia & New Zealand
- WPC decking: AUD 120–180 / m²
- Capped composite decking: AUD 170–260 / m²
Middle East
- WPC decking: $45–$85 / m²
- Capped decking: $80–130 / m²
Southeast Asia
- WPC decking: $30–$55 / m²
- Capped decking: $55–$95 / m²
China Factory Wholesale Price (Direct Supply)
As a Chinese manufacturer, our factory price is significantly more competitive:
| Product Type | FOB China Price Range |
|---|---|
| Hollow WPC decking | $9 – $13 per m² |
| Solid WPC decking | $13 – $19 per m² |
| 3D embossed decking | $16 – $22 per m² |
| Co-extrusion capped decking | $18 – $28 per m² |
| Premium deep-embossed co-extrusion | $22 – $32 per m² |
Many global distributors achieve 40–60% margin by sourcing from Chinese factories instead of local brands.
What Affects Composite Decking Cost? (9 Core Factors)
Composite decking price is not just about the board itself. Here are the 9 key price drivers buyers must understand:
1.Raw Material Ratio
Higher plastic content = stronger waterproofing
Higher wood content = more natural texture
Premium capped decking usually uses:
- High-purity recycled HDPE
- High-grade additives
This makes the price slightly higher but the performance much better.
2.Product Type: Hollow vs Solid
Hollow Decking
- Lighter
- Cheaper
- Suitable for residential areas
- Typically 20–30% cheaper
Solid Decking
- Higher density
- Higher strength
- Suitable for commercial projects
- Better for heavy loads
3.Surface Technology
Sanded/Brushed (Basic)
Lowest cost.
3D Embossing
Higher density wood grain, costs 10–20% more.
Co-Extrusion Capped
High-performance shell layer = highest price.
4.Board Thickness and Size
Thicker boards require more materials.
Common sizes:
- 140×25mm
- 150×25mm
- 138×22mm
- 200×25mm (premium wide board)
Larger size = higher price.
5.Color Customization
Standard colors: brown, grey, teak = free
Special colors (dual-tone, deep texture) = +$1–$3/m²
6.Accessories Cost
Composite decking installation requires:
| Accessory | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|
| Clips | $0.03–$0.10 per piece |
| Stainless clips | $0.05–$0.15 per piece |
| Joists | $2–$4 per meter |
| Edge trims | $1–$3 per meter |
Accessories can account for 5–15% of the total project cost.
7.Packaging and Pallet Requirements
Export-level packaging (pallet, corner guards, straps, waterproof film) increases cost slightly but protects against shipping damage.
8.Shipping Cost (CIF)
Shipping costs vary monthly. Rough ranges:
- To USA: $1,100–$1,900/40HQ
- To Europe: $1,200–$2,000/40HQ
- To Middle East: $600–$1,100/40HQ
- To Southeast Asia: $200–$600/40HQ
A 40HQ container typically loads:
- 800–1,000 m² hollow decking
- 600–800 m² solid decking
Thus, shipping is only $1–3 per square meter on average.
9.Brand Premium
Buying from big international brands can increase the price 2–5 times compared with sourcing directly from a Chinese composite decking factory.
How to Calculate the Total Cost of Composite Decking
To help buyers understand the full cost, we provide several real-world calculation examples.
Example 1: 100 m² Residential Deck (Hollow WPC Decking)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Decking ($11/m²) | $1,100 |
| Accessories | $90 |
| Labor (varies by region) | $500–$1,500 |
| Total Cost | $1,690–$2,690 |
Example 2: 200 m² Villa Terrace (Co-Extrusion Capped Decking)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Decking ($23/m²) | $4,600 |
| Accessories | $300 |
| Labor | $1,000–$3,000 |
| Total Cost | $5,900–$7,900 |
Example 3: 500 m² Commercial Outdoor Pathway (Solid WPC Decking)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Decking ($17/m²) | $8,500 |
| Accessories | $800 |
| Labor | $4,000–$8,000 |
| Total Cost | $13,300–$17,300 |
Is Composite Decking Worth It? Cost Comparison vs Wood
Composite decking may cost more initially, but long-term it is cheaper than hardwood.
| Material | Price | Lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood | Low | 3–5 yrs | High |
| Hardwood | Medium | 8–12 yrs | Medium |
| Composite Decking | Medium–High | 15–25 yrs | Very Low |
Total Cost in 10 Years
Softwood (cheapest upfront) becomes the most expensive due to repeated maintenance.
Composite decking ends up being 35–60% cheaper in the long run.
How to Reduce Composite Decking Procurement Cost (Tips for B2B Buyers)
As a composite decking manufacturer, we give practical advice to reduce purchasing cost:
1.Choose the Right Product Type
- For villas: hollow decking is enough
- For commercial: solid decking only
- For premium markets: capped decking
2.Order Suitable Lengths
Common lengths: 2.2m / 2.9m / 3.6m / 4.0m
Choosing lengths that reduce waste saves 3–7%.
3.Buy by Container
FOB price drops 3–10% with full container orders.
4.Avoid Overpaying for Brands
Big international brands spend heavily on marketing.
Factory-direct supply eliminates brand premium.
5.Buy From a Reliable Chinese Manufacturer
Benefits:
- Lower cost
- Higher stability
- Full customization
- Faster production
- Complete accessory systems
As a China factory, we provide:
- One-stop OEM/ODM decking supply
- CE / FSC / REACH documentation
- Customized textures, colors, packaging
- Fast delivery: 15–20 days
Conclusion: How Much Does Composite Decking Cost?
To summarize:
- Factory price in China: $9–$32/m²
- Global retail price: $60–$220/m²
- Cost depends on production technology, thickness, surface finishing, and accessories
- Composite decking is more expensive upfront but cheaper over its total lifespan
- Buying directly from a Chinese factory is the most cost-effective way for wholesalers and distributors
🔥 Want to Source Composite Decking from a Reliable China Factory?
We are a professional composite decking manufacturer in China, providing:
- Hollow & solid WPC decking
- Co-extrusion capped decking
- Deep embossed wood grain decking
- Custom colors, lengths, and packaging
- Accessories, joists, clips, screws
- Full OEM/ODM solutions
- CE / SGS / ISO certification
- Competitive factory-direct prices
📦 Support Full Container + Mixed Container Loading
⚡ Lead Time: 15–20 Days
💬 Free Samples Available
👉 Contact us now for the latest factory price list and samples.
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