Decoding the true costs of premium composite decking in Australia

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14 July 2025

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4 min read

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Premium composite decking has emerged as a top contender for our beloved backyard entertaining spaces, promising durability, low maintenance, and an upmarket style. But how does the cost of premium composite decking compare to traditional timber or budget composite options, and what’s the real return on investment?

Upfront costs of timber vs composite decking

When assessing the cost of decking, it's tempting to focus solely on the initial purchase and installation costs. Premium composite decking, particularly from brands like Woodevo, does come with a higher upfront price tag.

“The board cost or the system is around $150 per square metre, while PVC is around $200 for supply,” explains Owen Wang, Director of Woodevo, an Australian wholesaler of premium composite decking.

“For our Home range, supply and install is between $350-400 per square metre. Our Advanced range starts from around $400-500.”

While this may appear steep compared to some timber options, it’s crucial to note that hardwood timber decking has also surged in cost and is now a comparable outlay.

“Hardwood timber costs a similar price these days, at least $350 to $400 per square metre. But after a year or two, you need to oil and maintain the timber deck,” they continue. “With PVC, you don’t need any dollar cost for the long run.”

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Maintenance is where composite decking pays off

The appeal of premium composite decking lies largely in its minimal maintenance requirements. Where timber demands seasonal oiling, sanding, and possible repairs due to warping, sap or rot, composite alternatives are hassle-free.

“People are busy, so there’s no time to maintain your garden,” says Owen. “By using maintenance-free products, you have time to rest and enjoy your backyard.”

This not only saves money in upkeep but also offers peace of mind, particularly for families with limited time or mobility.

“You spend a little bit more in the first year, but from the second year, you start to get the value of it.”

One of the common concerns about composite materials (as well as timber) is heat retention and expansion due to Australia’s high temperatures. But modern solutions in installation and materials have addressed this.

“People are worried about the contraction rate of composite decking, but new technology has reduced this dramatically,” notes Owen. “We introduced heavy-duty installation systems [TrueLock and QuickLock] to make sure the clips are strong enough to minimise any movement.”

As for temperature? Modern composite decking is engineered to handle Australia’s harsh climate.

“WPC is still a little bit hotter than timber, but PVC is almost the same as timber in summertime,” says Owen. “There’s even a UV reflection layer that reflects the UV back to the sky to reduce surface temperature.”

Additionally, safety ratings now rival or exceed those of timber, with Woodevo products’ anti-slip rating of R5 P13, which is the highest rating.

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The lifestyle value of small Spaces

For many Australians, backyards are evolving into smaller, smarter spaces.

“The backyard is always the lifestyle for Australia. This has never changed,” says Owen. “But people tend to choose a smaller backyard nowadays. It’s easy to maintain and enjoyable with a decent deck, a little bit of seating area for kids to enjoy, and for the family to have a barbecue, that is the whole purpose, isn’t it?”

Composite decking complements this shift perfectly: it’s stylish, low-maintenance, and space-efficient.

While premium composite decking does require a higher upfront investment, its long-term financial and practical advantages are difficult to ignore:

  • No ongoing maintenance costs
  • Maintains a beautiful finish for years
  • Performs better in the face of natural wear and tear
  • Contributes to a more sustainable building industry.


Quality composite decking isn’t just about current performance; it’s an investment of ease for the future.

“We have a 25-year warranty for our Home range, 30 years for our PVC decking. We have legal documents to cover this warranty, rather than only a statement or a virtual warranty.”

Eco-conscious homeowners can also take comfort in the green credentials of composite decking, as WPC decks utilise nearly 95 per cent recycled material.

In contrast, timber, especially hardwoods, relies on tree harvesting, which Owen remarks, “has growing environmental and regulatory concerns”

“Basically, these days if you install composite decking, you won’t have any troubles,” says Owen.

For those who prioritise ease, longevity, and lifestyle quality, premium composite decking is an investment that will pay dividends for years to come.

View the Woodevo range or contact them on ArchiPro today for a price for your next project.

Thank you for your interest, we will be in touch with you soon.
Visit woodevo.com.au