How to Price Composite Decking in the UK

Composite decking is the fastest-growing segment of the UK decking market - higher margin than timber, lower maintenance for customers and a strong commercial opportunity in pub gardens, hospitality and offices. This guide covers how to price composite and timber decking correctly, from frame construction to balustrades.

Composite decking price guide - 2026

Composite decking (mid-range, per m²) £120–200

Premium composite decking (Millboard, per m²) £200–300

Pressure-treated timber decking (per m²) £65–120

Standard deck frame and groundwork (per m²) £30–50

Glass balustrade (per linear metre) £200–450

Composite rail balustrade (per linear metre) £80–150

Deck lighting strips (per linear metre) £20–50

Composite decking market

Composite decking brands like Trex, Millboard and Cladco have transformed the UK decking market over the past decade. Composite boards offer a 25+ year lifespan, require no staining or annual treatment, and look consistently better than timber after several years of weathering. Domestic customers increasingly prefer composite over pressure-treated timber once they understand the lifetime cost argument. The commercial market - pub gardens, hospitality venues, office terraces - is particularly strong because low maintenance is a major operational consideration for businesses. Composite is a genuinely premium product with premium margin potential for installers who can sell the long-term value.

Composite vs timber pricing

Pressure-treated timber decking boards cost £15–35/m² in materials and install for £60–120/m² total including frame and groundwork. Mid-range composite boards (Cladco, Trex Select) cost £40–80/m² in materials and install for £120–200/m². Premium composite such as Millboard - the most realistic-looking product on the market - costs £80–130/m² in boards alone and installs for £200–300/m² total. Always present the longevity and low-maintenance argument when customers compare composite to timber on upfront price; most domestic customers who understand the 25-year lifespan choose composite even at twice the installed cost.

Frame and groundwork costs

The frame is priced separately from the decking surface and is a genuine cost that customers often overlook when budgeting. A standard timber frame using 100×50 joists costs £3–5 per linear metre in materials; concrete feet or pads cost £15–30 each depending on size. DPC membrane and ground weed membrane add £3–5/m². Levelling costs vary significantly with the slope and height of the finished deck - a ground-level deck on flat ground is straightforward; a raised deck on a sloping garden requires more substantial posts and bearers. Decks above 600mm from ground level require structural consideration and may need planning permission - always check and advise customers accordingly.

Balustrades and edging

Balustrades are legally required on any deck over 600mm above ground level and are a significant additional cost that must always be quoted as a separate line item. Glass balustrade systems are the premium option at £200–450 per linear metre installed - frameless glass in particular commands the top of that range. Composite rail systems that match the deck boards cost £80–150 per linear metre installed and are increasingly popular. Timber balustrading runs £60–120 per linear metre; post and rope systems with a nautical or coastal aesthetic are popular in the right settings at £50–100 per linear metre. Always measure balustrade runs accurately - including steps - and quote them explicitly.

Fixings and accessories

Hidden clip fixings create a clean board surface without screw heads and cost £3–6/m² - they also speed up installation once you're practised with them. Face-fix screws are the budget alternative at £1–2/m² and are fine for timber, but composite board manufacturers often recommend hidden fixings to maintain their warranty. Fascia boards to finish the perimeter of the deck, step stringers and newel posts all need to be included in your quote. LED deck lighting strips are an attractive upsell at £20–50 per linear metre - most customers don't think to ask for them but are pleased when you suggest them. Always factor in waste for diagonal board runs and angle cuts, which can add 15–20% to board quantities.

Pricing to win high-value decking jobs

Target 40–50% gross margin on decking work. Supply-and-fit is significantly more profitable than labour-only because you earn a trade margin on boards, fixings, balustrades and accessories - which on a £15,000 composite deck job can be several thousand pounds. Require a 25–30% deposit on acceptance of quote to cover materials before ordering. Tradesmith's AI quote drafting tool handles m² calculations, balustrade linear metre pricing and accessory line items automatically - so your quote is detailed, professional and reaches the customer before your competitors even visit the site.

Manage your decking jobs with Tradesmith

Quote, invoice and track every job. Know which marketing channels actually drive revenue.

Start free 7-day trial

← Back to blog