Composite decking has grown from a niche alternative to the dominant decking material for new residential decks, now representing approximately 25% of the US decking market. Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, modern capped composite boards offer the look of exotic hardwood without the deforestation, annual maintenance, or splintering. But with 6+ major brands and dozens of product lines, choosing the right composite — and understanding what it truly costs installed — requires comparing more than just the price tag.
Last updated: June 2026 — Prices verified across Lowe's, Home Depot, 84 Lumber, authorized composite dealers, and 2026 contractor bid data.
Composite Decking Cost Calculator
Composite Decking Brand Comparison — All Major Brands at a Glance
| Brand / Line | Mat. $/LF | Installed $/SF | Warranty | Material Type | Colors | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trex Transcend | $8–12 | $28–38 | 25 yr | Capped composite | 6 | Premium residential |
| Trex Select | $6–9 | $22–32 | 25 yr | Capped composite | 3 | Best all-around value |
| Trex Enhance | $5–8 | $18–28 | 25 yr | Capped composite | 5 | Budget/DIY |
| TimberTech Composite | $7–12 | $24–36 | 30 yr | Capped composite | 12+ | Maximum color choice |
| TimberTech AZEK PVC | $11–16 | $32–42 | Lifetime | All-polymer PVC | 15+ | Coastal/humid, full sun |
| Fiberon Horizon | $6–10 | $22–32 | 25 yr | Capped composite | 8 | Mid-range performance |
| Fiberon Sanctuary | $5–8 | $18–26 | 25 yr | Capped composite | 5 | Entry-level composite |
| Azek Vintage | $11–16 | $32–42 | Lifetime | All-polymer PVC | 10 | Luxury, cool-touch |
| MoistureShield | $5–9 | $20–30 | 25 yr | Capped composite | 8 | Ground contact, wet areas |
| PT Wood (reference) | $3–6 | $14–24 | None | Treated wood | N/A | Budget baseline |
Composite vs PVC Decking — What's the Real Difference?
The decking industry lumps composite and PVC together as "synthetic decking," but they're fundamentally different materials with different performance characteristics:
Capped Composite (Trex, TimberTech Composite, Fiberon)
Composition: ~50% recycled wood fiber + ~50% recycled polyethylene plastic, with an outer polymer cap layer (0.5–1mm thick) on 1–3 sides.
Weight: Heavier (2.2–2.5 lbs/LF). Feels substantial underfoot — the weight is actually a selling point for many buyers.
Temperature: Warms up in sun but not as hot as dark wood. Typically 20–30°F warmer than PVC in direct sun.
Water resistance: The cap layer is waterproof, but if the cap is scratched through, the wood-fiber core can absorb moisture. Not suitable for ground contact or underwater installation.
Scratch resistance: Better than PVC — the wood fiber content resists surface scratches from furniture and pet claws.
Cost: $5–12/LF material.
PVC / All-Polymer (Azek, TimberTech AZEK)
Composition: 100% synthetic polyvinyl chloride or similar polymer. No wood content whatsoever — the color and texture go all the way through.
Weight: Lighter (1.5–1.9 lbs/LF). Easier to carry and install, but can feel "hollow" when walking compared to composite.
Temperature: Stays 15–25°F cooler than composite in direct sun because PVC reflects more solar radiation. Best choice for southern climates and pool decks.
Water resistance: Completely waterproof through the entire board thickness. Can be installed at ground level, around pools, and even as dock decking. MoistureShield composite is the only composite also rated for ground contact.
Scratch resistance: Softer surface than composite — heavy furniture legs and active dogs will leave marks. Lighter colors hide scratches better.
Cost: $11–16/LF material.
Simple rule: If your deck is in full sun in a hot climate, or near water (pool, lake, ocean), choose PVC. If your deck is partially shaded and you have active kids or dogs, choose composite. The price difference ($3–5 per linear foot) on a 300 SF deck is approximately $2,000–3,300 total — worth it for the right climate, unnecessary for others.
5 Factors That Make Composite Decking More Expensive Than the Sticker Price
1. Hidden Fasteners — Add $0.75–1.50 per Linear Foot
Composite decking is almost always installed with hidden fastener clips — metal or plastic clips that lock into the board groove, eliminating visible screw heads. These fasteners cost $0.75–1.50 per linear foot of decking on top of the board price. For a 300 SF deck (~660 LF of boards), fasteners alone cost $500–1,000. Some brands require brand-specific fastener systems (Trex Hideaway, TimberTech CONCEALoc) that are more expensive than generic options.
2. 16" Joist Spacing Requirement — May Require Additional Framing
Most composite decking requires 16-inch on-center joist spacing. If your existing deck frame has 24-inch spacing (standard for old wood decks), you'll need to add intermediate joists before installing composite. This adds $5–8 per square foot in additional framing lumber and labor. Always check joist spacing before committing to composite over an existing frame — it can turn a $5,000 decking replacement into an $8,000 project.
3. Picture Framing — Add $3–5 per Linear Foot of Perimeter
"Picture framing" is the border treatment that gives composite decks a finished, furniture-grade look — a contrasting or matching border board that wraps the deck perimeter. It requires square-edge boards (more expensive than grooved), Cortex plug fasteners (more expensive than clips), and miter cuts at every corner. A 300 SF deck with picture framing on all four sides adds $800–1,500 to the project. It's purely cosmetic but expected on decks over $10,000.
4. Waste Factor — Composite Has Higher Cut Waste Than Wood
Composite decking typically comes in 12-foot, 16-foot, or 20-foot lengths. If your deck is 14 feet wide and you buy 16-foot boards, you'll have 2 feet of waste from every board. With composite's higher material cost, that waste is expensive. Standard waste factor is 10–15% for straight-lay and 15–20% for diagonal or herringbone patterns. On a 300 SF deck with diagonal installation, you're buying 345–360 SF of material — $400–800 in waste boards alone.
5. Stair Treads and Fascia — Add $10–25 per Linear Foot
Composite stair treads are specialized 12-inch-wide boards that cost $15–25 per linear foot (vs $6–12 for standard decking). Fascia boards (the vertical boards covering the deck's rim joist) cost $8–15 per linear foot. A set of 4 stairs adds $200–400 in materials; fascia around a 60-LF deck perimeter adds $480–900. These components are often forgotten in initial estimates but are required for a finished look.
How to Choose the Right Composite Decking — Decision Matrix
Answer these five questions to narrow down your composite decking choice:
| If Your Answer Is... | Choose This Brand / Line | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Budget under $25/SF installed | Trex Enhance or Fiberon Sanctuary | Lowest cost capped composite with solid warranties |
| Best overall value | Trex Select | Proven brand, 25-yr warranty, $22–32/SF installed |
| Deck gets full afternoon sun (South/Southwest) | Azek Vintage or TimberTech AZEK PVC | 15–25°F cooler, lifetime warranty, won't fade unevenly |
| Near pool, lake, or high humidity | MoistureShield or Azek PVC | Only brands rated for ground contact/submersion |
| Want most color options | TimberTech Composite or Azek | 15+ colors with realistic wood-grain patterns |
| Active dogs / heavy furniture | Trex Transcend (lighter color) | Best scratch resistance in composite category |
| DIY installation | Trex Enhance (scalloped, lighter) | Easiest to carry and cut, grooved for hidden fasteners |