Composite decks are an excellent investment for any homeowner looking to add outdoor living space. They are strong, durable, and can be made in almost any shape or size. Building composite decking can be an expensive project, though.Composite deck projects can cost tens of thousands of dollars, depending on their size and function.
But there are still ways we can save on the composite decking budget. Let’s be clear though, a lower price means fewer features or benefits. Everyone has a budget when building composite decking. The key is needing to know which features are mandatory and which ones are optional.
How to save when building a composite deck?
- Installing a deck yourself
- Choose a simple design
- Choose different brands
- Use simple patterns
- Reduce deck size
- Installing a deck in the off-season
Install the deck yourself
There is a saying that “time is money”. This advice is especially true when you’re talking about installing composite decks. From a technical standpoint, building a deck is one of the easiest construction projects available. If you are skilled enough and don’t mind hard work, then building your own deck is definitely possible. If you’re frail and hate sweating, then installing a deck yourself isn’t a good option.
Hiring a professional contractor can save you a lot of time and provide you with superior building quality. If you plan to complete the composite decking project yourself, it will undoubtedly take longer. But you won’t need to pay any labor costs. In a regular deck building project, about half of the project cost is labor. That’s because you can save thousands of dollars by installing composite decking yourself. But planning a decking project takes weeks instead of days.
If you’re looking for a cost- and time-saving solution, have a contractor install the substructure. They can dig the holes, place the posts, pour the foundation and hang all the joists. This makes it easier for you to complete all the deck laying tasks.
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Choose a simple design
Most composite decking manufacturers offer a range of products at different price points. Choosing a quality deck is beautiful, with beautiful colors and textures. They look just as good as natural wood and have a nice edge to them, but they can also be more expensive. Take a look at some of the more affordable products and patterns, and you may find that a simple gray or brown color looks great. And these simple designs tend to be 25% to 40% less expensive than other products.
Also, choose a hollow composite decking or composite decking with a grooved underside. These decks are specially designed to be lighter in weight. These decks are specifically designed to be lighter in weight, and they use less material, making them cheaper.
Compare different brands
There are many companies that manufacture composite decking and many composite decking brands on the market, but most consumers can only name one: TREX. In fact, TREX has become the generic term for composite decking for many homeowners. In fact, for many homeowners TREX has become a generic term for composite decking. However, there are still many composite decking brands that make great products at a lower cost.
Use simple patterns
This is a very simple money-saving tip, but one that is easily overlooked. Many people like the look of diagonal trim, contrasting color inlays, and herringbone composite trim. But you’ll need to spend more time on cutting, which will increase your costs. Considering a parallel or perpendicular design approach can save you some time and money.
Reduce the size of your deck
Before you start deck building, think carefully about how you plan to use the deck and how much space you will need. If you don’t entertain a lot of people, then you don’t need a deck that can accommodate thirty people. If you like to dine outdoors with a few friends, then building a smaller deck can be significantly less expensive.
Installing a deck in the off-season
If you are patient enough, consider building your deck project in the off-season to reduce the cost of professional installation. Everyone wants to build an outdoor deck in the early spring season. But if you can wait until fall or winter, contractors will have more availability and more flexibility with labor costs.
To summarize
Building composite decking is an expensive project, but there are still options that can help you save money. Find ways to cut costs where it doesn’t make sense and ask for discounts wherever possible. Using these tips, your deck can fit well within your budget without sacrificing quality or style.
Now that you know HOW to save when building a composite deck, it’s time to get started on your project. Hopefully, this article has provided you with some useful tips and ideas to help you save more money when installing your deck.