A fully installed composite deck in 2026 typically costs between $50 and $90 per square foot. For a standard 200 sq. ft. deck, most homeowners spend around $15,000 to $25,000.
Material costs can vary quite a bit, usually ranging from $6 to $25 per square foot, depending on the type you choose. Labour is a major part of the total, adding about $35 to $45 per square foot, especially in high-demand areas. You’ll also need to budget for permits, which generally cost between $150 and $500 depending on your municipality.
On top of that, the substructure framing can add another $3 to $6 per square foot. Keep in mind that all these costs are subject to a 13% HST in Ontario.
How Much Does Composite Decking Cost?
In Newmarket and across York Region, a fully installed composite deck costs between $50 and $90 per square foot in 2025. For a standard 200 sq. ft. deck, most homeowners spend between $15,000 and $25,000.
The cost of composite decking materials starts at $6 per square foot for entry-level boards and goes up to $25 per square foot for premium capped products. Professional installation in York Region adds between $35 and $45 per square foot, which sits at the higher end of Ontario’s provincial average.
Beyond that, substructure framing covers joists, beams, and footings, adding another $3 to $6 per square foot to your project.
Factors That Affect the Overall Composite Decking Prices
Type of Composite Decking
The type of composite decking you select exclusively determines your base material cost. Each type differs in core construction, surface protection, and material composition.
If you are unsure which product suits your project, exploring each composite decking material in detail helps you compare quotes accurately before committing to a budget.
| Type | Composition | Material Cost (per sq. ft.) |
| Uncapped WPC | Recycled wood fibres mixed with polyethylene plastic, no protective surface cap | $6 to $10 |
| Capped Composite Hollow Core | WPC core wrapped in a co-extruded polymer shell, with hollow channels running through the board | $10 to $15 |
| Capped Composite Solid Core | WPC core wrapped in a co-extruded polymer shell, fully solid throughout | $15 to $25 |
| PVC Decking | 100% polyvinyl chloride, zero wood content | $12 to $20 |
Size of Composite Decking
The total square footage of your deck directly multiplies every cost component — composite boards, substructure framing, hidden fasteners, and installation labour hours. Accurately calculating your deck’s square footage before requesting quotes gives you a realistic project budget from the start.
| Deck Size | Total Installed Cost (Ontario 2025) |
| Small — up to 100 sq. ft. | $7,500 to $12,000 |
| Medium — 200 sq. ft. | $15,000 to $25,000 |
| Large — 300 sq. ft. | $25,000 to $50,000 |
| Large and Complex | $50,000 to $100,000 and above |
Most homeowners underestimate how much usable space they actually need until the deck is built. Getting a professional deck design done first gives you accurate dimensions, a realistic material count, and a final cost you can actually commit to.
Read More: 25 Small Backyard Deck Ideas for Stylish, Functional Outdoor Spaces
Permits
In Newmarket, a building permit is required for any deck attached to your home or elevated more than 600mm above grade. The Town of Newmarket charges a flat fee of $180 to $200 per residential dwelling unit, and this fee is not subject to HST.
Once submitted, processing typically takes 10 to 20 business days. Keep in mind that mandatory inspections are required at three stages: footings, framing, and final build. Across York Region, permit fees generally range from $150 to $500, depending on your municipality.
Labour Costs in Ontario
Labour typically makes up 40% to 50% of the total deck budget in Ontario. In Newmarket and York Region, rates sit at the higher end of the provincial range due to skilled trades demand.
Professional deck builders across Ontario charge between $35 and $75 per hour in 2025, depending on location and project complexity.
| Deck Type | Total Installed Cost per Sq. Ft. |
| Ground-Level | $50 to $100 |
| Elevated or Attached | $60 to $110 |
| Second-Storey | $75 to $150 |
Getting accurate labour quotes across different deck types is where most homeowners avoid budget surprises. A free elevated deck installation estimate gives you a clear scope of what second-storey and raised builds actually involve before you commit to a contractor.
Deck Design and Complexity
A simple rectangular deck is always the most affordable layout to build. Every design element added beyond that increases both material cuts and labour hours, which directly raises your total cost.
| Design Element | Additional Cost |
| L-shaped or angled layout | Adds 10% to 15% to the total project cost |
| Curves and custom edges | Adds 20% to 30%, roughly $1.50 to $3.00 extra per sq. ft. |
| Multi-level design | Adds 25% to 40% to the base project cost |
| Second-storey walkout | Adds $5,000 to $15,000 to the base project cost |
| Built-in benches or planters | Can double the base material cost |
Choosing the right layout before committing to a budget is where most homeowners save the most money. A professional deck design consultation helps you identify which features genuinely fit your space and which ones simply add unnecessary cost.
Read More: Deck Size Guide: How to Choose the Right Deck Size for Your Home in Ontario
The Hidden Composite Decking Costs You May Need to Consider
Most composite deck quotes cover boards and labour. What they often leave out can add thousands to your final invoice.
Substructure Framing
Joists, beams, and concrete footings are not included in the board price. Expect to add $3 to $6 per square foot on top of your material cost.
Old Deck Removal
If you are replacing an existing deck, demolition and disposal is a separate cost. Budget $500 to $1,500 for removal, depending on the size and condition of the existing structure.
Railings
The Ontario Building Code requires railings on any deck elevated more than 600mm above grade. Railing systems add $40 to $100 per linear foot, depending on whether you choose wood, aluminum, composite, or glass.
Material Delivery
Composite boards are heavy, and bulk orders require freight delivery. Delivery charges in the Newmarket and York Region area typically add $200 to $600 to your total, depending on order size and supplier location.
Ledger Flashing
A ledger board attaches your deck directly to the house. Without a proper flashing and waterproofing membrane at that junction, moisture penetrates the wall cavity. Repairs from improper ledger flashing cost $3,000 to $8,000 and are one of the most common avoidable structural failures on Ontario decks.
Composite Decking Repair vs. Replacement Cost
| Factor | Repair Cost (Ontario 2025) | Replacement Cost (Ontario 2025) |
| Cost per sq. ft. | $10 to $25 | $45 to $90 and above |
| Typical total cost | $300 to $3,000 | $7,000 to $20,000 and above |
| Scope of work | Fix boards, fasteners, minor frame issues | Full deck teardown and rebuild |
| Time required | 1 to 3 days | 1 to 3 weeks |
| Lifespan impact | Extends life by 2 to 5 years | Resets lifespan to 15 to 25 years |
| Structural upgrades | Limited | Full upgrade possible |
| Permits in Ontario | Usually not required | Often required, depending on size |
| Long-term ROI | Lower | Higher |
Composite vs. Pressure-Treated vs. Cedar: The Real Cost Comparison
| Factor | Pressure-Treated | Cedar | Composite |
| Material cost (per sq. ft.) | $3 to $8 | $4 to $8 | $6 to $25 |
| Installed cost in Ontario | $45 to $65 | $55 to $75 | $50 to $70 |
| Annual maintenance cost | $300 to $500 | $300 to $500 | $50 |
| Staining and sealing required | Every 1 to 2 years | Every 1 to 3 years | Never |
| Lifespan in Ontario climate | 10 to 20 years | 15 to 25 years | 25 to 50 years |
| Freeze-thaw performance | Moderate | Moderate | Excellent |
| 20-year maintenance savings vs. composite | Spend $4,000 to $8,000 more | Spend $3,000 to $6,000 more | Baseline |
Composite and pressure-treated wood reach cost parity at roughly the 8 to 10 year mark in Ontario. Beyond that point, the composite consistently costs less in total ownership. Homeowners comparing both options can review the full breakdown of pressure-treated wood decking before making a final material decision.
Read More: How Long Do Composite Decks Last? Real Lifespan and Maintenance Guide
Tips to Reduce Composite Decking Prices Without Compromising Quality
- Small, deliberate decisions before construction starts can save you thousands, without sacrificing the final quality of your deck.
- Keep your layout simple and rectangular. Every curve or custom angle increases labour time and leads to more material waste.
- Use pressure-treated wood for the frame and composite for the surface. The structure stays hidden, so it doesn’t need premium materials.
- Go for mid-range capped composite instead of high-end brands. Options from Fiberon and Deckorators often offer 25-year warranties at lower prices than Trex or TimberTech.
- Plan your build in late fall or winter. In regions like Ontario, suppliers often clear old inventory with 10% to 30% discounts outside the peak April–August season.
- Stick with standard board colours. Basic shades usually cost $1 to $3 less per square foot than premium multi-tone finishes, with no real difference in performance.
- Always ask for itemized quotes from at least three contractors. Bundled pricing makes it hard to compare costs or spot where you’re overpaying.
DIY vs. Hiring a Professional: Which One Actually Costs Less?
DIY decking may look budget-friendly at $20–$40 per sq. ft., but you also absorb tool costs, time, and the risk of structural errors that can easily add $1,000+ in corrections.
Professional installation from brands like Trex, TimberTech, and Fiberon costs about $45–$90 per sq. ft., but includes labour, permit handling, and Ontario Building Code compliance. In areas like Ontario, it also protects warranties and avoids failed inspections, making it a safer long-term investment.
Get an Accurate Composite Decking Quote in Newmarket
Composite decking prices vary widely, but the right material, design, and contractor make all the difference in long-term value. Always request itemised quotes and factor in permits, substructure, and HST before comparing numbers.
Ready to get an accurate quote for your project? Call XP Decking at (416) 333-2366 or get your composite deck built in Newmarket today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the composite decking price per square foot in Ontario?
Composite decking materials range from $6 to $25 per square foot in Ontario. The total installed cost runs between $50 and $90 per square foot, depending on board type and labour rates.
What is the deck installation cost in Ontario in 2025?
A standard 200 sq. ft. composite deck costs between $15,000 and $25,000 fully installed in 2025, before permits, railings, and HST are added.
Does a composite deck add value to a home in Ontario?
Yes. Composite decks return an average of 82% of project cost at resale in Ontario, while also strengthening curb appeal and listing price in competitive York Region and GTA markets.
Is composite decking worth the long-term investment?
Over 20 years, composite saves most homeowners $3,000 to $5,000 in maintenance costs compared to wood, with no staining, sealing, or board replacement required through Ontario winters.
