A composite deck is the choice most South Florida owners land on after watching pressure-treated pine split, warp and grow mold. J. Perry & Sons builds composite and PVC decks across Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade as part of our deck building work: the frame, the boards, railing, stairs, and the permit. We install on new pressure-treated or aluminum framing, or on sleepers over an existing concrete patio. A composite deck on a new frame runs $85–$140 per sq ft installed; over a sound slab, $65–$110.
Composite Deck Cost in South Florida: $85–$140 per sq ft on a new frame
| Scope | Unit | Installed range |
|---|---|---|
| Composite or PVC deck boards on new framing, footings, hidden fasteners | per sq ft | $85–$140 |
| Composite deck over an existing concrete slab on sleepers | per sq ft | $65–$110 |
| Composite or aluminum railing, posts and top rail | per lin ft | $140–$260 |
| Stairs, landings and benches | per set | $2,750–$5,250 |
| Rooftop or elevated deck on pedestals over waterproofing by others | per sq ft | $115–$160 |
| Demolition and haul-away of an old wood deck | per sq ft | $4–$9 |
The low end is a simple rectangle close to grade in a standard board line. The high end is a premium capped board or PVC, picture-frame borders, multiple levels, curves or a deck high enough to need engineered framing. Permits, footings and inspections are included in our price when we pull the permit.
Composite decking product families
We install the major composite and PVC lines and use whichever one you choose, named here as product families rather than ranked:
Trex. Capped composite in several tiers, from entry lines to premium colors with deeper grain.
TimberTech. Offers both capped composite boards and full PVC (cellular) boards under its own lines.
Fiberon. Capped composite in several tiers, with PVC options as well.
PVC (cellular) decking. No wood fiber in the core. Lighter, and often chosen for wet locations, docks and pool surrounds.
Each brand publishes its own heat, fading and installation data, and each warranty depends on installing to the manufacturer's spacing, fastener and ventilation rules. We follow those rules so the warranty stays valid. Tell us which board you like, or bring a sample, and we price it.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or email jperrysonsgc@gmail.com. Send a photo of the area and rough dimensions and we'll return a range the same day.
Heat, mold and moisture on composite decks in Florida
Heat. Every deck surface gets hot in full sun here, and darker composite gets hotter than lighter colors. If the deck faces south or west with no shade, lighter shades and shade structures make the biggest difference. Ask for a sample and leave it in your yard at noon before deciding.
Mold and mildew. Capped boards resist staining far better than older uncapped composite, but mold can still grow on dirt and pollen sitting on the surface in our humidity. A periodic wash with the cleaner the manufacturer approves handles it. Good airflow under the deck matters as much as the board itself.
Framing. The boards are only as good as the frame. We use ground-contact pressure-treated lumber or aluminum framing, joist tape on wood framing, and joist spacing per the board manufacturer, tighter for diagonal patterns.
Expansion. Composite moves with temperature. We gap ends and edges to the manufacturer's spec so boards do not buckle in August.
How we build a composite deck
- Site check and layout. Grade, drainage, doors and thresholds, distance to property lines.
- Permit drawings and HOA. Drawings prepared for the permit; we coordinate a licensed engineer when the deck height or span requires one. HOA approval with the owner.
- Footings and posts. Holes dug, concrete footings poured, posts set and braced.
- Frame. Beams, joists, blocking and joist tape, checked for level and spacing.
- Framing inspection. Scheduled and attended before boards go down.
- Boards. Hidden fasteners, picture-frame border if chosen, gapped to spec.
- Railing and stairs. Posts blocked into the frame, rails and balusters per code.
- Final inspection and cleanup.
Over a slab, steps 3 to 5 become sleepers fastened to the concrete with slope maintained for drainage.
Permits for decks in South Florida
Most raised decks need a building permit, and in Broward and Miami-Dade the High-Velocity Hurricane Zone sets strict fastening and uplift rules for the frame and railing. Railings, stair rise and run, and guard heights are inspected. Decks over a slab close to grade are sometimes simpler, but check with the building department before assuming none is needed. HOAs often regulate color and setbacks. We pull the permit, attend inspections and close it out. More on our permits and compliance page.
What a composite deck estimate includes
- Deck square footage, height and shape
- Board line and color, fastening method, border
- Framing type (pressure-treated or aluminum) and footing count
- Railing lineal feet and style, stairs and landings
- Demolition of any old deck
- Permit, drawings and inspections
- Workmanship warranty on every job; materials carry the manufacturer's warranty. Terms are in your written contract.
Related deck and outdoor services
- Composite vs pressure-treated deck cost: side-by-side pricing.
- Pool remodeling: deck, coping and tile around the pool.
- Outdoor kitchens: islands that sit on or beside a deck.
- Artificial turf and putting greens: the yard beyond the deck.
Composite deck builders by city
- Deck builders in Fort Lauderdale
- Deck builders in Weston
- Deck builders in Parkland
- Deck builders in Boca Raton
- Deck builders in Delray Beach
- Deck builders in Wellington
- Deck builders in West Palm Beach
- Deck builders in Miami
Planning guides: Deck permit requirements · Deck repair vs replace · Backyard expansion cost
Composite decking — FAQ
How much does a composite deck cost in South Florida? $85–$140 per sq ft on a new frame with footings, and $65–$110 per sq ft on sleepers over an existing concrete slab. Railing adds $140–$260 per lin ft.
Which composite brand should I choose? We install all the major lines, including Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon and PVC boards, and do not push one. Compare samples for color, heat in your sun and the warranty terms, then pick.
Do composite decks get too hot in Florida? All decking gets hot in direct sun, and dark colors more so. Lighter shades and shade help most. Test a sample in your yard before choosing.
Can you install composite decking over my concrete patio? Yes, on sleepers fastened to the slab, if the slab is sound and there is enough height at the door threshold. Drainage under the sleepers is kept open.
Do I need a permit for a deck? Most raised decks do, and railings and stairs are inspected. We pull the permit and handle inspections; for low decks over a slab, check with the building department first.
How do I get an exact price? Call (561) 556-7509 or email jperrysonsgc@gmail.com with photos and rough dimensions. A written estimate is typically ready within 24–48 hours after a site review and scope confirmation.
Free estimate — call (561) 556-7509 or email jperrysonsgc@gmail.com. Licensed Florida general contractor CGC1540699. Serving Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties.