You’ve been out on your back porch on a cool Georgia evening, eyeing the weathered, splintering wood beneath your feet and thinking: it’s time. Time to stop patching and staining. Time to stop dreading the weekend maintenance routine. Time to invest in something that actually lasts.
So you start searching: how much does composite decking cost? And that’s where most homeowners hit a wall. Every website gives a different number. Some say $15 per square foot. Others say $60. Some skip the numbers entirely and just ask you to call for a quote, which tells you nothing.
That’s frustrating. And it shouldn’t be that way.
Here’s the truth: composite decking cost in Marietta, GA, varies based on real, understandable factors. Once you know what they are, the numbers start to make a lot of sense. This article breaks it all down honestly, with real figures from real projects.
Why Composite Decking Costs More Than Wood (And Why That’s Usually Fine)
Before we get to numbers, let’s talk about what you’re actually paying for. Composite decking is a manufactured product, typically a blend of wood fiber and recycled plastic engineered to resist rot, fading, cracking, and insect damage far better than pressure-treated lumber.
A wood deck might cost less upfront. But it demands sanding, staining, and sealing every 1–3 years. Over a 10-year span, that maintenance adds up in both money and time you’ll never get back.
Premium composite boards from brands like TimberTech, Azek, and Deckorators are backed by 25–30 year warranties and require little more than an occasional rinse.
A few stats worth knowing (2025–2026):
▸ The composite decking market was valued at approximately $6.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 6% through 2030.
▸ A composite deck addition recoups an average of 62–68% of its cost at resale, one of the strongest ROI categories in home improvement.
▸ 90% of real estate agents recommend deck additions as a top exterior upgrade before listing a home.
You’re not just buying boards. You’re buying back your weekends and adding real, measurable value to your home.
Composite Decking Cost by Brand: TimberTech, Azek, and Deckorators
Not all composite decking is created equal. The brand and product line you select have a direct impact on material cost, warranty coverage, and long-term performance. Here’s how the three leading brands compare for Marietta homeowners.
Table 1: Brand Comparison at a Glance
| Brand | Material Cost (per linear ft.) | Warranty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TimberTech | $4 – $13 | 30-year fade & stain | Mid-to-premium builds |
| Azek (PVC) | $8 – $15+ | 30-year limited | Highest-end outdoor spaces |
| Deckorators | $5 – $12 | 25-year fade & stain | Premium look, flexible budget |
Installed project totals depend on deck size, site conditions, substructure, and the level of detail. See Table 2 for full project cost ranges.
TimberTech Decking Cost
TimberTech is one of the most trusted names in composite decking, offering a range of product lines from entry-level composite to ultra-premium capped polymer boards. Their PRO and EDGE collections cover a wide spectrum of budgets without sacrificing core performance benefits.
Material costs typically run $4 to $13 per linear foot, depending on the line. TimberTech’s 30-year fade-and-stain warranty on premium boards provides meaningful protection for Georgia homeowners facing intense summer UV exposure.
Azek Decking Cost
Azek sits at the top of the TimberTech brand family, a fully capped PVC product (not wood-composite) that delivers the highest level of moisture resistance, stain resistance, and color stability available on the residential market.
Because Azek contains no wood fiber, it does not absorb moisture. Azek decking material costs typically run $8 to $15+ per linear foot. For homeowners building a statement-level outdoor living space with every detail accounted for, Azek is frequently the right answer.
Deckorators Decking Cost
Deckorators has earned a strong reputation for its mineral-based composite technology, wide color range, and realistic wood-grain aesthetics. It offers performance that competes directly with top-tier brands at a slightly more accessible price point.
Deckorators decking material costs approximately $5 to $12 per linear foot. Their Vault™ and Vista™ lines in particular have strong homeowner reviews for durability and long-term appearance.
Pro Tip: Don’t choose a brand based on material cost alone. A less expensive board installed on a substandard frame, without proper flashing or drainage, will underperform for years. Installation quality matters as much as the product itself.
Real Project Cost Ranges: What to Expect in Marietta, GA
Here’s where we get specific. The ranges below are based on real project experience in the Marietta and greater Atlanta area, not national averages pulled from a database. Local labor rates, Georgia climate considerations, and the level of detail typical of quality builds all factor in.
Table 2: Outdoor Living Project Cost by Type
| Project Type | Typical Cost Range | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level composite or pressure-treated deck | $50,000 – $60,000 | Aluminum railing included; minimal trim, no perimeter fascia |
| Composite deck full detail (any size) | $80,000 – $150,000+ | All composite boards, aluminum railing, drink rail, fascia on deck & stair stringers |
| Lighting package standard | $4,000 – $5,000 add-on | Good all-around coverage without overbuilding |
| Lighting package smart/premium | $10,000+ add-on | Smart controls, color options, step lighting, post caps |
| Covered patio / roof over existing patio | $30,000 – $100,000+ | Roof structure only; patio slab budgeted separately |
| Plain concrete patio | $5,000 – $10,000 | Standard to large size |
| Stamped concrete patio | $10,000 – $20,000 | Standard to large size |
| Paver patio | $10,000 – $30,000 | Variables: pattern, edge detail, materials |
| Outdoor kitchen (structure only) | $15,000 – $30,000+ | Appliances not included |
| Outdoor kitchen appliances | $3,000 – $15,000 | Wide range based on brand and configuration |
All figures reflect conditions in the Marietta, GA area. Projects requiring demo, substructure work, or permitting will have additional line items.
A few important notes on these numbers:
- $50,000–$60,000 baseline: Entry-level composite or pressure-treated decking with minimal trim and no detailed fascia work.
- Full composite deck starting at $80,000: Reflects a complete, properly detailed build with composite boards, aluminum railing, drink rail, and fascia finishing.
A large deck (20×16, 20×20, or bigger) can run $150,000 or more, depending on features.
- Covered patios: These ranges cover only the roof structure. A new concrete or paver surface beneath it is a separate budget item.
- Outdoor kitchens: Appliances are not included in the kitchen build price. Plan for $3,000 to $15,000 in appliances depending on brand and configuration.
Pro Tip: If your vision includes a deck, a covered patio, and an outdoor kitchen, plan the full scope upfront even if you build in phases. Designing for the full picture from day one prevents costly retrofits later and keeps the finished result cohesive.
What Drives Composite Decking Cost Up and What Brings It Down
Understanding what moves the needle helps you make smarter decisions during the planning phase.
Factors That Increase Project Cost
- Deck size and complexity: Multi-level decks, complex angles, and larger footprints increase both materials and labor significantly.
- Demo and removal: Taking down an existing structure adds $500 to $2,000+ depending on size and disposal.
- Substructure condition and upgrades: Composite or aluminum framing extends deck life but costs more than pressure-treated lumber.
- Railing systems: Cable, glass, or premium aluminum railing can add $150–$300 per linear foot.
- Stairs and fascia detail: Additional stair runs and wrapped fascia increase both labor and materials.
- Lighting and electrical: Requires design planning and coordination with electricians.
- Permitting: In Marietta and Cobb County, permits typically run $100–$500.
Factors That Can Reduce Cost
- Simpler design: Single-level decks with clean footprints reduce labor and material waste.
- Mid-tier composite lines: Durable but less expensive than top-tier boards.
- Off-peak scheduling: Fall and winter can offer better contractor availability.
- Planning upfront: Prevents costly change orders.
The Real Comparison: Composite vs. Wood Over Time
The upfront cost of composite decking is higher than wood, but lifecycle cost over 15 years often tells a different story.
Table 3: 15-Year Cost Comparison – Composite vs Pressure-Treated Wood (400 sq. ft. deck)
| Cost Category | Pressure-Treated Wood | Premium Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Initial installation | $25,000 – $40,000 | $80,000 – $100,000 |
| Annual maintenance | $800 – $2,000 / year | $50 – $150 / year |
| 15-year maintenance total | $12,000 – $30,000 | $750 – $2,250 |
| Partial replacement (year 10–12) | $3,000 – $8,000 | Minimal to none |
| Estimated 15-year total | $40,000 – $78,000 | $81,000 – $102,000 |
| Warranty coverage | 1–5 years | 25–30 years |
Honest Drawbacks: What Composite Decking Doesn’t Do Well
- Heat retention: Darker boards absorb more heat than wood in direct sunlight.
- Higher upfront cost: Premium composite projects rarely fit under $50,000.
- Substructure dependency: Even the best composite fails on a poor frame.
Ready to Know Your Real Number?
Ranges give you a framework. But eventually you need a real estimate based on your backyard and your project goals.
Kirchner Customs is a Marietta-based custom deck and outdoor living builder specializing in premium composite deck installations across the greater Atlanta area.
The team works with homeowners investing in thoughtful, high-quality outdoor spaces with no rushed timelines.
Schedule a free consultation to start a real conversation about your project. Come with questions. Leave with answers.
