Composite Deck Cost by State
Generic composite covers the entire wood-plastic-composite + capped composite + PVC market — Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, Deckorators, MoistureShield, Wolf, Zuri, NewTechWood, DuraLife. Average 25-yr lifespan + no maintenance is the value vs PT pine which needs annual staining. National installed cost runs $35–$95/sqft (median ~$65) — multiply by your state's labor multiplier for local pricing. Use the calculator below for an exact breakdown, then pick your state for frost depth, permit fees, and the local range.
Dimensions
Plan-view length × width.
IRC R312 requires a 36″ guardrail above 30″.
320 sq ft · Mid composite · 1.22× labor · 1.10× complexity
Project advisories · IRC 2021
Guardrail included (deck 36″ off grade)
IRC R312IRC R312 mandates a 36″ guardrail on open edges when deck height exceeds 30″. 52 lf priced at Mid composite tier.
Building permit included in budget
IRC R105Northeast typical permit fee is in the budget. Most jurisdictions require a permit for decks > 200 sqft, > 30″ above grade, or attached to the house.
Hidden-fastener install premium baked in
Manufacturer specsMid composite uses hidden-fastener clip systems (Cortex / CamoClip / Trex Universal) — labor takes 25–30% longer than face-screwing PT. Already inside the tier's installed $/sqft band.
Cost breakdown
| Cost component | Share | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | 29% | $12,672 |
| Labor | 43% | $18,895 |
| Add-ons | 19% | $8,369 |
| Soft costs | 1% | $389 |
| Contingency | 9% | $4,033 |
| Total (high est.) | 100% | $44,358 |
Share of the high estimate. Switch tiers below to repaint the split.
National-median pricing (2026-Q1). Local prices vary ±15%. Materials line uses Mid composite tier; switch tiers to repaint the budget. Includes 10% contingency reserve on the high estimate.
Visualize your deck
Photoreal 3D · plan view · framing breakdown. Color matches your tier selection.
Project all-in
Same dimensions, different tier
tap to switchDIY savings
- Materials only: $12,672
- Estimated hours: 480 hr
- Skill required: advanced
Finance estimate
- Principal: $44,358
- Total interest: $9,595
- Estimate only — shop 3+ lenders.
Need exact board counts?
The Deck Material Calculator gives you a permit-ready bill of materials — every joist, hanger, fastener, and footing — validated against IRC 2021 span tables.
Estimates use 2026-Q1 national-median pricing (Home Advisor, Angi, RSMeans). Expect ±15% variance vs your local market. Always get 3 contractor bids before signing. This calculator is not a substitute for a licensed inspector or structural engineer.
Composite warranty & value
Warranty: 25-yr fade + 25-yr structural typical for mid-tier composite; PVC lines 30-50 yr lifetime.
Composite installed cost ranges from $35/sqft (entry tier like Trex Enhance Basics) to $95/sqft (luxury PVC like AZEK Harvest). National median is $50-58/sqft for a mid-tier 2026-Q1 build — multiply by your state labor multiplier for local pricing.
Composite product lines
Composite deck cost by state
Per-square-foot range with each state's labor multiplier applied. Open a state for its frost depth, permit baseline, climate notes, and a calculator pre-set to that market.
South
West
Northeast
Midwest
FAQ — Composite deck cost
How much does a Composite deck cost in 2026?
Composite installed cost ranges from $35/sqft (entry tier like Trex Enhance Basics) to $95/sqft (luxury PVC like AZEK Harvest). National median is $50-58/sqft for a mid-tier 2026-Q1 build — multiply by your state labor multiplier for local pricing. For example, a 16×20 (320 sqft) Composite deck runs roughly $11,200–$30,400 installed at the national average, before your state's labor multiplier.
Is Composite decking worth the price?
Composite carries a 25-yr fade + 25-yr structural typical for mid-tier composite; pvc lines 30-50 yr lifetime and an expected service life around 26 years. Against pressure-treated pine — which needs staining every 2–3 years and typically replacement by year 15 — the higher upfront cost usually wins on 25-year total cost of ownership.
Which Composite line should I choose?
Trex Enhance Basics (Entry composite, ~$35/sqft); TimberTech Pro Legacy (Mid composite, ~$58/sqft); Fiberon Sanctuary (Premium composite, ~$58/sqft); AZEK Vintage Mahogany (Luxury PVC, ~$72/sqft). Entry lines suit budget builds and resale-neutral projects; premium and PVC lines pay off where heat, moisture, or a 30-to-50-year warranty matter most.
Why does Composite deck cost vary by state?
Material price is roughly national-average since Composite ships from regional distribution centers. The cost swing between states is almost entirely labor: from about 0.92× the national average in low-cost regions to 1.28× in high-cost coastal markets. Pick your state below to apply the local multiplier.