Decking Cost in Kenya: Timber vs Composite Price per m²
How much does decking cost in Kenya? The short answer is that the price depends heavily on the material, substructure and installation method.
For composite decking, material prices in the Kenyan market typically start at around KSh 5,500 per m². We Do Bamboo's locally manufactured bamboo composite decking currently starts at KSh 5,485 per m² for materials.
Timber decking is harder to price with a single figure. The cost varies considerably depending on the timber species, board dimensions, treatment and whether the quotation includes the supporting structure.
That is why comparing only the advertised price of a decking board can be misleading.
In this guide, we explain the main costs involved and how timber and composite decking compare.
What Determines Decking Cost in Kenya?
Five factors have the biggest impact on the final price of a deck.
1. Decking Material
The boards themselves are the most obvious cost.
Common options in Kenya include:
treated timber
hardwood
WPC or wood plastic composite
bamboo composite
tiles or stone used as a deck-like outdoor surface
Prices can vary substantially even within one material category.
A hollow composite board, for example, will normally cost less than a heavier solid board designed for demanding commercial applications.
2. Substructure
Decking cannot normally be installed directly onto soil or an uneven surface.
The boards need a stable supporting structure made from treated timber, aluminium or another suitable material.
The condition of the existing surface therefore matters.
Installing decking over an existing level concrete slab is usually simpler than building an elevated deck over soil or uneven ground.
3. Installation
Labour depends on the complexity of the project. A simple rectangular terrace is relatively straightforward.
Projects involving:
steps
curves
swimming pools
multiple levels
access hatches
complex borders
require more cutting and installation time.
4. Project Size
Larger decks often become more efficient per square metre because transport, mobilisation and setup costs are spread over a larger area.
A 10 m² balcony should therefore not necessarily be priced using exactly the same per-m² assumptions as a 200 m² hotel deck.
5. Location
Most suppliers operate from Nairobi or other major urban areas.
Projects further away may need additional transport and accommodation for installation teams.
This can be particularly relevant for lodges, resorts and projects in remote areas.
Composite Decking Price in Kenya
Composite decking is now widely available in Kenya. Published retail prices vary by board size, quality and construction. When current retail board prices are converted using their stated dimensions, many standard WPC options sit around the mid-KSh 5,000 to low-KSh 6,000 range per square metre for boards alone.
At We Do Bamboo, our bamboo composite decking starts at: KSh 5,485 per m² for materials
Our decking is manufactured in Nairobi using locally sourced bamboo and is designed specifically for outdoor use. Different profiles are available depending on the project, from residential terraces to heavier commercial applications.
Timber Decking Price in Kenya
Timber is more difficult to reduce to a reliable standard price per square metre.
Why?
Because “timber decking” can mean very different things.
A quote may involve relatively affordable treated softwood or a much more expensive hardwood species. Board width, thickness, drying, treatment and finish all affect the price.
There is also a major difference between buying raw timber and buying timber that has been properly prepared for exterior decking.
When requesting a timber quotation, ask specifically for:
timber species
board dimensions
moisture condition
treatment
price per m² of finished coverage
substructure
installation
finishing or oiling
Without those details, comparing a timber quote against a composite quote is difficult.
Timber vs Composite: Which Is Cheaper?
At the beginning of a project, timber can be cheaper.
But that does not automatically mean it will cost less over the life of the deck. Timber normally requires periodic maintenance such as:
cleaning
sanding
oiling or staining
treatment
replacement of damaged boards
The amount of maintenance depends strongly on the timber species and exposure.
Composite decking has a higher degree of price certainty.
The finished board does not require sanding, painting or oiling, and normal maintenance is largely cleaning.
So there are really two different cost questions:
What does my deck cost to build? and What will my deck cost to own? For a project that will be used for many years, both matter.
Imported WPC vs Locally Manufactured Bamboo Composite
Another factor in Kenya is where the decking is produced.
A significant proportion of WPC decking available in the market is imported.
This does not automatically make imported WPC good or bad. There are many different grades and specifications available.
However, buyers should check:
board weight and density
hollow or solid construction
UV stabilisation
warranty
replacement availability
matching colours
technical specifications
We Do Bamboo manufactures bamboo composite decking locally in Nairobi.
This allows projects to source a locally produced composite material rather than relying entirely on imported stock.
Materials vs Installed Decking Cost
A material price per square metre is not the same as an installed deck price.
A complete quotation can include:
Decking boards
The visible finished surface.
Substructure
The joists or supporting frame underneath the deck.
Clips and fixings
Composite decking normally uses concealed clips and screws.
Labour
Preparation, layout, cutting and installation.
Edges and finishing
Steps, fascia boards and borders may add material and labour.
Site preparation
Uneven or soft ground can require additional preparation before installation begins.
When comparing quotations, make sure all suppliers are pricing approximately the same scope.
Example: 30 m² Composite Deck
A simple material calculation illustrates the difference between board price and project price.
For 30 m² of bamboo composite decking at KSh 5,485 per m²: 30 × KSh 5,485 = KSh 164,550
That is the approximate decking-board material cost.
You would then need to add:
substructure
clips and fixings
installation
edges or steps
transport where applicable
cutting allowance
We normally recommend allowing additional material for cutting and wastage, particularly on irregularly shaped decks.
What Is the Cheapest Decking Option?
The cheapest initial solution is not necessarily the cheapest long-term solution.
For a small temporary area, initial material cost may be the main concern. For a permanent home, hotel, lodge or commercial terrace, other considerations become more important:
lifespan
maintenance
downtime
appearance
replacement availability
safety
performance in sun and rain
A material that needs regular refinishing can become expensive when installed across a large hospitality project.
How to Get an Accurate Decking Quote
The easiest way to compare decking costs is to send suppliers the same information.
Provide:
total approximate area in m²
photos of the location
dimensions or drawings
whether the surface is concrete, soil or another structure
whether there are stairs or different levels
project location
This allows suppliers to price both the visible decking and what is required underneath it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does composite decking cost in Kenya?
Standard composite decking material in Kenya is commonly available from around the mid-KSh 5,000 per m² range upwards depending on the board specification. We Do Bamboo bamboo composite decking currently starts at KSh 5,485 per m² for materials.
Is timber decking cheaper than composite decking?
Timber can have a lower initial material cost depending on the species used. However, timber generally requires more ongoing maintenance, so it is worth comparing long-term costs as well as purchase price.
Does decking price include installation?
Not necessarily. Many advertised prices refer only to decking boards. Ask whether the quotation includes substructure, clips, fixings, labour and finishing.
Does composite decking need a substructure?
Yes. Composite decking boards are installed over a suitable supporting structure, normally using joists and concealed fixing clips.
Does composite decking need maintenance?
Composite decking requires cleaning but does not need regular sanding, staining or oiling like conventional timber decking.
Get a Decking Quote
Planning a terrace, pool deck, balcony, walkway or hospitality project?
Send us your approximate dimensions or project drawings and we can recommend the most suitable bamboo composite decking profile and provide a project quotation.
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