Composite Decking Boards

SydBoy on 04/01/2022 - 18:28

I am currently looking to install new deck in backyard and it come with big shock to me that all composite decking prices gone to sky thanks to Covid.

I would appreciate if I get any lead on place where I can source bargain material for composite decking boards, under deck frame (metal or timber) as I am looking to engage tradie on Labor cost basis while I supply all materials.

I tried bunnings, some online website to source decking boards and they come around $90/sqm to $140/sqm. I am looking to build 16sqm deck in Sydney.

Thanks

Home & Garden

Comments

  • leelemon on 04/01/2022 - 18:59

    You could probably snag some cheap/free second hand ones on FB marketplace, gumtree or ebay (used) -
    If you're lucky, you can sometimes find unused boards from people who have over ordered or who have changed their mind.

    • SydBoy on 04/01/2022 - 19:25

      I am not after free but all I can see around is between$90 to $145 per sqm which is simply too much for 20mm plastic with wood composite when you can literally do concrete for $80/sqm.

      • SBOB on 04/01/2022 - 19:42
        +1

        Where did you get the idea decking would ever be cheaper than concrete per sqm? (Let alone fasteners, framing, support etc costs)

        What price did you think they were pre covid/building supply shortages?

        • SydBoy on 04/01/2022 - 20:33

          mate, I am only talking about decking boards here. So only decking board currently sold between $90/sqm to $145/sqm.

          I agree and understand over all cost of decking including frame, footing should go above concrete for sure. I am not convinced that 20mm or 25mm thick plastic and wood composite per sqm cost more then concrete that is what I meant in my comment.

          • SBOB on 04/01/2022 - 20:46
            +1

            @SydBoy: As I said, what do you think the prices were pre covid?

            I don't think they have changed much

            • SydBoy on 05/01/2022 - 21:48

              @SBOB: Mate in 2018 Dec and Jan 2019 I have been given quote of $2750 for composite decking of 16sqm.

              Now I got quote of $5,000 plus extra to remove rubbish.

              • SBOB on 05/01/2022 - 21:53

                @SydBoy: remove rubbish? so you're hiring someone to do it?
                chances are the majority of that cost then is the labour increase/demand, not decking.

                • SydBoy on 05/01/2022 - 22:59

                  @SBOB: Removal of rubbish means that I have to pay for skip bin on top of the decking works.

                  I probably need to wait out this omicron issue for few weeks before I get more quote or hunt for supply of material.

              • bmxr on 10/01/2022 - 18:29

                @SydBoy: Was it just one quote you obtained for $5,000? Always get at least 3 quotes when outlaying this much on a trade.

                We're looking at a composite deck built over an existing slab for 50m2 and will certainly be getting (at least) three competitive quotes!

  • Ocker on 04/01/2022 - 19:46

    The price of being green is never going to be cheap

    • SydBoy on 04/01/2022 - 20:36

      Composite might be costly then timber but still not this much high prices… !

      Over last six months thanks to Covid the shipping rates gone up (we can't go into real reason behind that on this forum.. lol) and that could be the main reason behind increased price on everything but shipping rates come down over last two months so there shouldn't be reason to keep charging high price.

  • brendanm on 04/01/2022 - 21:49

    Buy wood instead?

  • hasselbladsnapper on 04/01/2022 - 22:24

    I have used timber - River red's from Bunnings, have lasted so far 10/11 years. Important to deck oil the underside befor use. Deep set the SS screws to allow for a "Deep Sand" one day, cupping tends to occur at some stage, and requires sanding to restore flatness and allow water sheding. Just deep sanding mine for the first time!! Light hand sand and re-coat at least once a year, minimum 2 coats. Find boards with as few knots as possible - mine have none, but were hand picked from several packs, I did that at Bunnings.

    Use " joist saver" soft plastic strip rolled out over the joist's, before fixing the boards, the JS is quite cheap, and sheds the water away from the joists.

    I'm a keen DIY type, I suspect most pro deckers would not do this except on their own decking. The composite decking, I understand can be marked and scratched, and the potential UV factor needs to be considered, I expect the cheap stuff my have a shortish life?. Cheers.

    • SydBoy on 05/01/2022 - 21:50

      I had wooden deck and it was looking ugly and in bad condition obviously due to my lack of care and yearly maintenance but that is the reason I am looking at composite now.

  • hasselbladsnapper on 06/01/2022 - 22:00

    Yes, you must keep the care up in the longer term, or disaster!. Composite could be good OR another disaster??. There is a lot of spin on this stuff, would be nice to see a decent test done by CSIRO regarding life and UV damage. UV plays hell with many materials!!.

    • SydBoy on 07/01/2022 - 07:06

      One of the biggest issue I have with timber deck is the gap between the board which became place for weeds and spider to come out and we can't enjoy the deck.

      Is there a way we can avoid having gap between deck board?

  • hasselbladsnapper on 10/01/2022 - 15:34

    I'm not sure, if I recall there was a metal clip that could reduce the gaps, and butt the boards closer but that would perhaps affect the drainage. When I did my deck, I placed builders plastic and weed mat under the deck held by metal "U" pins and some old bricks - no weeds!.

    • SydBoy on 10/01/2022 - 17:28

      I had weed mat before and my Kikiu is strong enough to come out of it. That is after I spread weed killer on it.

      Is it true that gap not required between composite boards?

  • Euphemistic on 10/01/2022 - 15:45

    I suspect the going rate is what the going rate is. You might find a cheaper product at a cheaper price, but do you want a low quality finish?

    • SydBoy on 10/01/2022 - 17:29

      Reasonable is what I am after but current supply chain issue and high Labor rate making it unreasonable 😃

      • Euphemistic on 10/01/2022 - 18:18

        Unfortunately you’ve got to pay what the price is.

  • Brite on 26/04/2024 - 12:34

    If you're on the lookout for high-quality composite decking materials at a more affordable price point, I highly recommend checking out Brite Decking. Their range of composite decking boards offers exceptional value without compromising on quality. With a variety of styles and colors to choose from, you're sure to find the perfect option to suit your backyard aesthetic.

    You may check their products here https://www.britedecking.com.au/composite-decking-boards/

Login or Join to leave a comment
Login Join