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How much does composite decking cost in 2026?
If you're planning a composite decking project in Merseyside or Cheshire, one of the first things you'll want to know is: what's it actually going to cost?
You'll find plenty of figures online — but many are vague, outdated, or don't reflect what professional installation actually involves in the real world. This guide is based on real projects we've completed locally, with real labour costs and real site conditions.
For homeowners across Merseyside and Cheshire, typical 2026 pricing looks like this:
Supply & Install
£250 – £325+ /m²
Boards + structure + professional design & labour included
Supply Only
£150 – £220+ /m²
Materials only, self build
These figures assume quality composite boards from an established system — Millboard, Trex, or NewTechWood — installed on a correctly engineered subframe by a professional team.
⚠️ Very low online quotes often exclude groundwork, waste removal, drainage provision, or structural detailing. Two quotes can look similar on paper and result in very different decks.
What affects the cost of your composite deck?
Size and shape
Larger decks cost more overall, but the price per m² often reduces on bigger areas. Complex shapes, multiple levels, steps, or curves increase both labour time and material waste.
Ground conditions
A flat, well-drained base is the most straightforward to build on. Sloping gardens, poor drainage, or an existing structure that needs removing will all add to the cost.
Subframe construction
The structure beneath your deck is where the real difference between quotes usually lies. A professionally built composite deck requires correctly spaced joists, treated timber, plastic or aluminium framing, and adequate ventilation. This is where cheaper quotes most commonly cut corners.
Height and balustrades
Raised decks require more structural material. Any deck elevated above a safe threshold requires a balustrade for safety compliance, which adds to both materials and labour.
Access
Restricted access — terraced houses, narrow side passages, gated rear gardens — increases on-site time and affects the equipment that can be used.
Want to understand the full picture?
There's a lot more to composite decking costs than the headline price per m². From how your budget typically splits across materials, structure, labour, and waste removal, to what separates a professional installation from a cheap one — our full 2026 cost guide covers it in detail.
Read our full composite decking cost guide for Merseyside & Cheshire
Millboard, Trex or NewTechWood —
which is right for you?
Over the years we've specified and installed a wide range of composite decking brands. Through that experience we've narrowed our offering down to three systems we trust completely — products we're confident recommending to every homeowner we work with across Merseyside and Cheshire. The brand you choose will have the biggest single impact on your materials cost.
Not sure which system is right for your garden? We've put together a detailed side-by-side comparison covering performance, appearance, maintenance, and long-term value.
Millboard vs NewTechWood vs Trex — which composite decking is best for your garden?
Why trust Duralive?
Most decking installers rely solely on the material manufacturer's product warranty — which only covers the performance of the boards themselves, not how they've been installed. At Duralive, we back our own workmanship with an installation guarantee of up to 10 years, covering the structural integrity of your deck from subframe to surface.
Every project is CAD-designed before we break ground, installed to manufacturer specification, and priced transparently — no hidden costs, no shortcuts.
Get an accurate cost for your project
Every project is priced individually — size, ground conditions, product choice, and design complexity all affect the final figure. The best way to get a realistic cost for your garden is to speak with us directly.
We'll discuss your vision, take approximate dimensions, and give you a ballpark figure before arranging a site visit — so you're never left guessing about budget.
Or call us: 0151 808 5102