Composite vs Wood Deck Cost Calculator
Compare the lifetime cost of composite and wood decking. Add your installation quotes, upkeep and lifespan to see total cost and the year composite breaks even.
Compare Your Decking Costs
Enter your deck size and the figures from your installer quotes. The calculator adds installation, yearly maintenance and replacement over your chosen period, then shows which material costs less and when composite breaks even.
Decking Cost Estimator
See how wood and composite compare over the life of your deck.
Cumulative cost over time, including maintenance and replacements.
Understanding the Metrics
Key factors that shape your total decking cost
Upfront Cost
The installed cost per square metre, including boards and labour, multiplied by your deck area. Composite usually starts higher than wood.
Maintenance
Wood decks need regular cleaning and re-treating. Composite needs far less, so its yearly upkeep is usually lower. Over a long period this adds up.
Lifespan & Replacement
When a deck reaches the end of its life it must be removed and rebuilt. A shorter lifespan means more replacements within your ownership period.
Break-Even Year
The first year when total composite cost falls to or below total wood cost. Staying in your home past this year is when composite pays off.
Decking Materials Overview
General comparisons to help you choose figures for the calculator. Real lifespans and upkeep depend on the product, climate and how well the deck is cared for.
| Feature | Pressure-Treated Softwood | Hardwood | Capped Composite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Lifespan | Roughly 10–15 years | Often 20+ years | Often 20–25+ years (warranty dependent) |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning, plus staining or sealing every 1–2 years | Periodic oiling to keep the colour | Occasional washing |
| Upfront Cost Level | Lowest | Mid to high | Mid to high |
| Look & Feel | Natural grain, weathers to grey | Rich natural grain | Consistent colour, wood-effect finish |
| Best For | Tight budgets and short-term ownership | Natural look with a long lifespan | Low upkeep and long-term ownership |
Deck Cost Calculator FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about composite and wood decking costs.
It can be. Composite usually costs more to install, but it generally needs less upkeep and lasts longer, so the gap often narrows over time. Whether it comes out cheaper depends on your local installation quotes, how often a wood deck needs treating or replacing, and how long you plan to keep it. This calculator shows the break-even year for your numbers.
Lifespans vary by product, climate and care. Pressure-treated softwood decking is commonly expected to last roughly 10 to 15 years, hardwood longer, and capped composite is often sold with warranties of 20 to 25 years or more. Use the manufacturer’s warranty and your installer’s advice as a guide, and enter your own figures.
Include cleaning, sanding and re-applying stain, oil or sealant, typically every one to two years, plus any board repairs. For composite, include occasional washing and cleaning products. Enter an average yearly cost per square metre for each material.
The break-even point is the year when the total cumulative cost of composite decking drops to or below the total cost of wood. Before that year wood is cheaper overall, and after it composite is. If there is no break-even within your chosen period, one material stays cheaper throughout.
It covers installed cost, yearly maintenance, removal and replacement, and an annual cost increase. It does not include differences in framing, railings, lighting, planning or building regulations, or resale value, so add those separately if they differ between your options.