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Composite Decking Cost in Northwest England (2025 Guide)

  • Duralive Admin
  • Aug 28
  • 4 min read

Updated: Sep 14

If you’re thinking about upgrading your garden with composite decking, one of the first things you’ll want to know is:

How much does composite decking cost in the North West?


As professional composite decking installers based in Merseyside, Wirral, Cheshire, and across North West England, we’ve created this 2025 cost guide so you can budget with confidence and understand exactly what you’re paying for.


Smoked Oak composite decking with raised borders and stairs


How Much Does Composite Decking Cost in the North West?

In 2025, most homeowners can expect:

●     Supply & Install: £250 – £300+ per m²

●     Supply Only: £150 – £200 per m²

These prices include a professional installation with premium boards like NewTechWood,  Millboard and Trex, corrosion-resistant fixings, and a durable sub-frame.

Cheap, unbranded decking boards may cost less upfront but can crack, fade, warp, or need replacing within a few years — costing more long term (trust me, we learnt this the hard way!).


Factors That Affect Composite Decking Prices

1. Quality of Deck Boards (Composite Decking North West – Premium vs Budget)

With composite decking, you get what you pay for. Premium boards such as NewTechWood, Millboard and Trex offer:

●     Exceptional colour stability

●     Slip-resistant textures

●     Realistic wood grain finishes

●     Longer warranties

We’re often called out to replace failing composite decking installations that have used budget boards — usually hollow core products. Within just a few years, these cheaper boards can look worn, faded, or even unsafe. While poor installation is sometimes to blame, even when hollow composite decking is fitted exactly to the supplier’s guidelines, it’s still far more likely to warp, crack, or lose its colour compared to premium solid-core boards like NewTechWood, Millboard and Trex.


2. Sub-Frame Material (Timber vs Recycled Plastic Lumber)

Your decking is only as strong and durable as the structure beneath it. This support structure, known as the sub-frame, plays a vital role in ensuring your deck remains safe, level, and stable for decades. At Duralive Decking Ltd, we offer two main sub-frame options — each with its own benefits and cost considerations.


Pressure-Treated Timber Sub-Frames

Pressure-treated timber is the most common sub-frame material used in decking projects across the UK. It’s cost-effective and, when built to professional standards, can last many years.

●     Advantages:

○     Lower upfront cost compared to other materials

○     Readily available in the UK

○     Stronger load-bearing capacity than recycled plastic, allowing faster and cheaper installation

●     Considerations:

○     Timber is a natural material and can still be affected by prolonged moisture exposure if not correctly installed with adequate ventilation.

○     Over time, untreated cuts or screw holes can become vulnerable to rot.

○     May require periodic inspection and maintenance to prolong its life.

With the right construction techniques, such as allowing airflow beneath the deck, sealing exposed ends and taping up the top of the frame with butyl waterproof tape, a pressure-treated timber frame can be a long-lasting and budget-friendly choice for many homeowners.


Recycled Plastic Lumber Sub-Frames

For the ultimate in durability, we offer recycled plastic lumber sub-frames — a modern, sustainable alternative to timber. This material is completely rot-proof, immune to insect damage, and unaffected by moisture, making it ideal for the wet and variable UK climate.

●     Advantages:

○     100% rot-proof — will not decay, even in constant contact with damp ground

○     Impervious to insects, mould, and fungi

○     Zero maintenance — no sealing, painting, or treatments needed

○     Eco-friendly — made from recycled plastics that might otherwise end up in landfill

○     Excellent long-term value due to decades-long lifespan

●     Considerations:

○     Higher upfront cost than timber

○     Heavier than timber, so requires appropriate handling and installation expertise

○     Weaker load-bearing capacity means more support posts are required

While recycled plastic lumber may require more investment at the start, it’s a fit-and-forget solution — perfect if you want peace of mind knowing your deck’s structure will last as long as the boards above it.


Graphic design of decking board

Graphic design of decking board in black


Our Recommendation: If your budget allows, recycled plastic lumber offers unbeatable longevity, especially in exposed or damp gardens. However, when installed correctly, a well-built pressure-treated timber frame can still provide decades of service and excellent value for money.


3. Fixings & Fasteners (Corrosion-Resistant for the North West Climate)

We only use stainless steel or coated corrosion-resistant fixings with hidden fastening systems. This means:

●     No visible screws on the deck surface

●     No rust staining

●     Long-term durability in our wet climate


4. Design & Features

Simple, rectangular decks are more affordable than multi-level builds, curves, built-in planters, or integrated LED lighting. However, custom features can add value and personality to your garden.


Light grey composite decking with seating area


5. Site Access & Preparation

Uneven ground, drainage work, or restricted access can increase labour time and cost. We include a full site assessment during your quote.


Composite Decking Cost Examples in the Northwest

Deck Size

Material

Sub-Frame

Estimated Installed Price

15m²

NewTechWood

Pressure-treated timber

£4,000 – £4,500

15m²

Millboard

Pressure-treated timber

£5,700 – £6,200

15m²

NewTechWood

Recycled plastic lumber

£5,500 – £6,000

15m²

Millboard

Recycled plastic lumber

£7,200 – £7,700

(Excludes VAT).


Why Choose Premium Composite Decking in the North West?

Investing in quality materials and expert installation ensures:

●     Lifespan of 20–50 years

●     Low maintenance – no sanding, staining, or sealing

●     Resistance to rot, splintering, and algae

●     Slip-resistance for year-round safety

●     Better value over time compared to cheaper alternatives


Get Your Free Composite Decking Quote

At Duralive Decking Ltd, we design and build bespoke composite decking projects in Merseyside, Wirral, Cheshire, and the wider North West using only premium materials and expert craftsmanship.

📞 Call us today or request a free, no-obligation quote to find out exactly how much your dream deck will cost.

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