What is the price of decking per square meter?
Decking in South Africa can cost between R1,000 and R4,400+ per square metre, depending on the type of materials and products used, the location, installation, and substructure requirements, fixings and fasteners, and labour costs. When comparing decking with other outdoor flooring options such as paving or tiles, the upfront costs can start from as little as R500 per square metre for materials, adhesives, trims and labour.
Here is a cost comparison of popular outdoor flooring options:
| Outdoor flooring | Approx. price per m² |
|---|---|
| Outdoor tiles | R500-R1,300+ |
| Paving | R500-R1,500+ |
| Softwood, a natural wood e.g. Pine | R1,000-R1,700+ |
| Hardwood, also a natural wood e.g. Balau | R1,700-R3,500+ |
| Composite, an engineered alternative from entry level to imported premium brands and ranges | R1,600-R4,400+ |
For decking, softwood is the cheapest upfront option but requires the most maintenance, and even with maintenance is likely to require replacement in less than 10 years. Hardwood is more durable but more expensive, while composite typically costs more initially but requires significantly less ongoing maintenance and better value over time.
For example, a 30 square metre pool deck could range between R30 000 for treated pine versus R48 000 for entry level composite, before adding on the substructure (e.g. timber or steel) and installation costs. Yet the real costs are after installation, where timber requires ongoing cleaning, sealing/oiling/sanding and repair, versus composite that only requires basic cleaning especially if a reputable supplier is chosen.
For composite decking, Eva-Last is a go-to manufacturer offering options from cost effective Eva-tech and durable Infinity to premium Apex Plus. Their composite decking uses rapidly renewable bamboo fibres, offering a more sustainable, low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber. With solutions offering up to a 30 year warranty, savings in maintenance materials, labour, and time are easily comprehendible when compared to timber.
Quote checklist:
Check that your quote includes the decking boards, substructure or site preparation, fasteners and fixings, installation, delivery, and VAT.
Read More About Our Composite
BENEFITS OF COMPOSITE
Composite is the solution to the upkeep hassles, lifestyle restraints, and environmental strain of wood. High quality composite offers superior functionality, longevity, and sustainability compared to timber, while still providing the beautiful aesthetic of natural hardwoods. Composite has taken the market by storm as more and more of us opt for smart products that are exceptionally low-maintenance, long-lasting, and eco-friendly.
