Composite Decking Price Guide: Cost vs. Value Analysis?

November 25, 2024

Tired of the endless maintenance that comes with a traditional wood deck? Composite decking restoration offers a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution that can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful oasis. But is it worth the investment?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the cost of composite decking, compare it to wood, and help you determine if it’s the right choice for your home. Let’s explore the world of composite decking and discover why it’s becoming the preferred option for homeowners who value both beauty and practicality.

How Much Does Composite Decking Cost in Kansas City?

A Basic Pressure-Treated Wood Deck costs $25-$40 per square foot. Whereas Gutter Cover KC® quotes $40-$75 per square foot of composite deck surface. That’s competative pricing compared to wood decking options. Why?

Capped composite decking lasts two times longer than a wood deck while requiring minimal maintenance. Wood decks require sanding and restaining every 1-3 years and last 10-15 years. Composite decking never needs sanding or staining and it lasts 25-30+ years.

Factors Affecting Decking Cost

Likely, now you’re wondering, how much would re-doing my deck cost?

I wish we could tell you here and now, but the reality is, the cost of a new deck will be different for each home. There are many factors that are involved with calculating the overall cost.

1. Size and Complexity:

•       Square Footage: This is the biggest driver of cost. Larger decks require more materials and labor. 
•       Design: Simple, rectangular decks are generally less expensive than those with multiple levels, curves, or intricate details. 
•       Accessibility: If the deck is difficult to access (e.g., sloped yard, limited access), it can increase labor costs.

2. Materials:

•       Wood Type: Pressure-treated wood is the most affordable option, while hardwoods like cedar or redwood are more expensive.
•       Composite Decking: Composite materials (made from wood fibers and polymers) are pricier upfront but require less maintenance and last longer.
•       Railings, Stairs, and Features: The type of railings, stairs, built-in benches, or other features you choose will affect the overall cost.

3. Labor:

•       Demolition: Removing the old deck adds to the labor cost. 
•       Permits: Depending on your location and whether there are design or structural changes, you may need permits, which add to the expenses. 
•       Professional Installation: Hiring a qualified contractor is essential for a safe and durable deck. Labor costs vary depending on your region and the complexity of the project. 

Tips for Saving Money on Decking:

•       Keep the Design Simple: Minimize material and labor cost by avoiding complex designs.
•       Get Multiple Estimates: Understanding the cost and value of different decking materials and builders will save you money and provide peace of mind. Just look at the average quotes on Google vs Gutter Cover KC®’s offer. It pays to take the time to get the right person at the right price.

By carefully planning your project and getting accurate quotes, you can get a good idea of the cost of replacing your wood deck and make informed decisions.

What is the Price Difference Between Wood Decking and Composite Decking?

To better determine the worth of composite decking. Let’s zoom in on the details of wood decking costs and composite decking costs.

Averages in Kansas City as of 2024:

•       Basic Pressure-Treated Wood Deck: $25 – $40 per square foot
•       Mid-Range Wood Deck (cedar or redwood): $40 – $75 per square foot
•       High-End Composite Deck: $75 – $125+ per square foot

Gutter Cover Kansas City® High-End Composite Deck: $40-$75 per square foot. (That’s an incredible value compared to both wood decking and other high-end composite deck options. The high-end result for the mid-range cost.)

Initially, the cost difference seems to make a basic wood deck a no-brainer. In the long term, however, how might the value of the composite deck outweigh the value of a wood deck?

Let’s make these cost differences come to life. Let’s say you have an average deck for Kansas City – which is 200 square feet. You currently plan on living in the home for 5 more years.

Wood Deck Cost Scenario

Imagine that you decide you want to install a basic wood deck. You would like to keep your costs as low as possible on this project. It’s estimated to cost about $30 per square foot. So your upfront cost is: $6,000. A year goes by, and you notice the wood is starting to deteriorate a little bit. You buy some new stain and sealant and take a couple of weekends cleaning, sanding and restaining your deck. The project costs on average $300 and 3 or so days. As the years go by, you recognize this is a project that must be done yearly.

5 years go by – the deck initially cost $6,000. The maintenance $1,500 and about 15 days of your time. You sell the home and you get a resale value of 82% on the wood deck: $4,920. So having the deck for 5 years cost you $1,080 initially plus $1500 in maintenance. In the end you paid $2,580 + 15 days labor to enjoy your wood deck. (Average what you make on an average day here. For the sake of continuing our math, we’ve researched that an average worker in Kansas City makes $150 per day in 2024. So that’s $2,250 for 15 days.) Final price paid: $4,830

Composite Deck Cost Scenario

Imagine that you place the value of time over the initial cost of a project so you decide to get a composite deck from Gutter Cover KC®. You go with some extra features (slip protection, extra railing, etc) and the price is $50 per square foot. For a 200 square foot deck, it costs $10,000 upfront.

For 5 years, you sweep and hose the composite deck down from time to time. No other maintenance required. Now you are ready to sell your home. You get a 68% return on the deck project. So $6,800. Final price paid for the composite deck: $3,200

Ultimately, the wood deck cost $1,630 more than the composite deck.

Just imagine what the cost difference would be over 10 years time. Especially since a wood deck, despite the best maintenance procedures, needs to be replaced every 10-15 years.

Kansas City Weather Is Hard On Wood Decks

Wood decks in Kansas City need more maintenance and have a shorter life-span than other parts of the country. This is due to our ever-changing humid weather.

1.       Rain, snow, and humidity cause wood to swell, warp and rot.
2.       Temperature fluctuations in the winter creates a freeze thaw cycle. Water trapped in the wood swells when frozen, breaking down the wood fibers over time.
3.       Extreme heat in the summer causes the wood to dry out and crack.
4.       Intense sun exposure causes the wood to change color and fade.
5.       Severe weather results in hail and strong winds that can damage a wood deck.

Sand, stain, and seal all you want, but likely you won’t be able to keep the wood deck looking pretty and new for more than a couple of years.

The composite decking materials are water-resistant

They won’t rot, decay warp, or splinter. They are also treated with a UV inhibitor so they will resist fading and staining. Additionally, they are pest-proof – so no worries about termites.

Composite deck boards can stand up to Kansas City weather and stay looking brand new for years! This will certainly add value to your home’s resale value and maybe more importantly, quality to your life.

Is Composite Decking Worth the Money?

Yes! Composite decking is worth the money.

A wood deck can last 10-15 years – if – a fresh coat of stain and sealant is applied every 1-3 years to protect the wood from moisture and UV damage. Where as composite decking can last 25-30+ years.

Why Composite Decks Last Longer Than Wood:

•       Rot and Insect Resistance: Composite materials are resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestation, unlike wood. 
•       Fade and Stain Resistance: Many composite decks have UV inhibitors and protective capping that resist fading and staining from the sun and spills. 
•       Moisture Resistance: Composite materials are less susceptible to moisture damage, warping, and splintering compared to wood.

While the composite decking cost can be 2-3 times the cost of the lowest quality wood deck, it will stand the test of time 2-3 times longer. And it will stay looking like new about 10 times longer. No yearly re-staining and re-sealing – which, let’s be honest – takes FOR-EV-ER. All of that deck railing takes so much time and detailed attention!

Composite decking also has double the lifespan of a wood deck. So if this is your long-term family home, you will be buying two wood decks that need regular staining instead of one composite deck.

Cost Comparison: Wood vs. Composite Decking

 Initial Cost (per sq. ft.):

•       Basic Pressure-Treated Wood Deck: $25 – $40 per square foot
•       Mid-Range Wood Deck (cedar or redwood): $40 – $75 per square foot
•       High-End Composite Deck: $75 – $125+ per square foot
•       Gutter Cover KC® High End Composite Decking: $40 – $75

Lifespan:

•       Wood Decking: 10-15 years (without proper maintenance, that can be significantly shorter)
•       Composite Decking: 25-30+ years on average

Maintenance:

•       Wood Decking: High (regular staining & sealing)
•       Composite Decking: Low (occasional cleaning)

Durability:

•       Wood Decking: Susceptible to rot, insects, fading
•       Composite Decking: Resistant to rot, insects, fading

Resale Value:

•       Wood Decking: 82.9%
•       Composite Decking: 68.2% (increasing over time)

Long-Term Cost:

•       Wood Decking: Higher (due to maintenance & replacement)
•       Composite Decking: Lower (due to longevity & low maintenance)

Key Takeaways:

1. Initial Investment: Wood decking is generally cheaper upfront.
2. Long-Term Value: Composite decking offers better long-term value due to its durability, low maintenance, and longer lifespan.
3. Resale Value: While wood decking currently has a higher resale value, composite decking’s value is increasing. (This is influenced by factors like growing popularity, improved technology, and environmental awareness.)
4. Best Choice: The best choice depends on your budget, priorities, and how long you plan to stay in your home.

Remember: These are general estimates. Actual costs will vary based on factors like materials, design complexity, and labor costs in your area.

Is Composite Decking Worth the Money if I Plan to Move?

Honestly, it depends.

According to Remodeling Magazine’s report on composite decking cost vs value, a new composite deck recovers 68.2% of its cost in resale value. This puts it into the Top 10 most valued home improvements.

Wood decking also receives a great return in value. In fact wood decking gets a whopping 82.9% return. Based on costs listed in the Remodeling Magazine, we will run through the scenarios to see what is best for you.

Scenario 1: You’ve bought this home as an investment project.

You hope to flip it in the next year. It will cost you $17,615 to install a wood deck. You will likely recoup from $14,569 for the deck when selling your home. Ultimately, the wood deck cost you $3,046.

Whereas a composite deck likely will cost $24,206 and will return $16,469. The composite deck would ultimately cost $7,737. Since you personally won’t reap the additional value of a maintenance free deck, a composite deck would not be worth its value to you because you didn’t live there long enough.

Therefore, the wood deck is ideal for you. It cost less to install initially, you made most of the money back, and you won’t live there long enough to need to re-stain the wood deck.

Scenario 2: You love your home. 

Yes, there are projects to be done, and yes someday you may upgrade. But you plan on living here 5-10 more years. The deck would cost the same as in scenario 1. However, for you, a wood deck would need to be restained at least 3-5 times, if not more, while you owned it. (Plan on DIY restaining costing $100-500 and hiring a professional for $600-$1950) Additionally, despite your maintenance efforts, the wood deck may be on its last legs when you are ready to sell.

On the other hand, in 5-10 years the composite deck will still look brand new. Have required no re-staining or re-sealing, and will have simply provided you with a wonderful outdoor space for the past 5-10 years.

When comparing multiple years of Remodeling Magazine reveals that each year, composite decking continues to grow in resale value as its benefits become better well known. For example, in 2023 a composite deck resale value was only 39.8% but in 2024 its resale value is 68.2% Therefore, a composite deck in 5-10 years will likely recoup more than its current resale value of 68.2%.

Therefore, if you fall into scenario 2, the initial cost of composite decking will be worth it. The $4,000 cost difference will quickly pay off in the cost of regularly maintaining and possibly even re-building a new deck 10 years down the road.

Composite Decking is Valuable for the Environment

Why is composite decking a more environmentally friendly choice?

Many reasons actually, but we will only list the top 3:

1. Composite Decking is made of recyclable materials such as wood fibers and recycled plastics.
2. Waste Reduction. Composite decking reduces waste in two ways.
   • • One – composite decking lasts 2-3 times your average wood deck. Therefore, less replacement decks put in the landfill.
     • Two – Made of recyclable materials, it helps keep waste out of the landfills.
3. Reduced Chemical Use: No staining or re-sealing required. Composite decking is also pest resistant. Consequently, no pesticides needed. Those are a significant reduction of chemicals in comparison to wood decks.

Read more about the environmentally friendly components of composite decking.

Should I Buy Composite Decking or Wood Decking?

Composite decking presents a compelling blend of beauty, durability, and sustainability for homeowners seeking a low-maintenance outdoor haven. While the initial investment may be higher than traditional wood, the long-term benefits of composite decking—including its longevity, resilience to the elements, and minimal upkeep—make it a sound financial choice for many.

Composite decking is a worthy contender if you’re ready to elevate your outdoor living experience with a deck that requires minimal effort and offers maximum enjoyment. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, short-term solution, wood might be the better option.

Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs, budget, and long-term goals. By carefully weighing the pros and cons outlined in this guide, you can confidently decide whether composite decking is the right investment for your home and lifestyle. Remember, a well-informed decision today can lead to years of outdoor enjoyment for you and your family.

Ready to explore your options? Contact Gutter Cover KC® for a custom proposal and expert guidance on transforming your outdoor space with beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly composite decking.

Gutter Cover 5 Star Reputation