Composite Decking Vs Timber Decking: Pros & Cons
Choosing The Right Decking Material For Your Garden
When choosing between composite and timber garden decking, it is important to consider the upfront costs, maintenance requirements, durability, aesthetics and environmental impact. At Cut Above Landscapes Ltd, our garden landscapers in Nottingham have installed both composite and timber garden decking for numerous properties throughout the East Midlands.
Timber Garden Decking
Timber decking uses natural wood boards, available in two main categories: softwood and hardwood. Softwood decking (typically pressure-treated pine) represents the most economical option but requires ongoing maintenance. Hardwood decking uses species such as oak or teak, offering superior durability and natural weather resistance at higher initial costs. All timber decking requires regular maintenance including cleaning, treating, staining, or sealing to maintain appearance and structural integrity.
Composite Garden Decking
Composite decking is manufactured from a blend of recycled wood fibres (60%) and recycled plastic materials (40%). This combination creates a synthetic material that mimics natural timber whilst offering superior durability and lower maintenance requirements.
Modern composite products feature capped technology, where boards are wrapped with a protective polymer layer providing additional resistance to staining, fading and moisture absorption. Advanced composite decking comes in various colours and finishes, from natural wood tones to contemporary greys, with many offering dual-sided options.
Initial Investment Vs Long-Term Value
Initial material costs favour timber decking, with softwood options typically starting from £21 per square metre compared to composite at £47-95 per square metre. However, timber requires annual maintenance which can significantly “add up” over the long run. Over a 10-15 year lifespan, these recurring costs can equal the initial investment.
Composite decking's higher upfront cost is offset by minimal maintenance requirements, typically under £50 annually for cleaning. Over a 25-30 year lifespan, composite often proves more economical despite higher initial investment.
Maintenance Requirements
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep: annual cleaning with warm soapy water takes just a few hours per year. Timber demands considerably more attention, including thorough cleaning, damage inspection, and protective treatment application, a process taking several days annually.
The time saved on maintenance represents a significant advantage for composite decking, particularly appealing for busy households or those preferring low-maintenance garden solutions.
Durability & Longevity
Composite decking typically lasts 25-30 years with minimal maintenance, thanks to resistance to rot, moisture, insects and UV degradation. Modern capped composite boards offer superior performance, with many manufacturers providing 15-25 year warranties.
Timber lifespan varies significantly: pressure-treated softwood lasts 10-15 years with proper care, whilst premium hardwoods can last 20+ years when maintained correctly. Neglected timber may require replacement within 5-7 years.
Design Considerations
Timber garden decking offers authentic natural beauty with unique grain patterns and colour variations creating character and warmth. However, natural variations can present challenges, with knots and defects potentially requiring board replacement.
Composite provides consistent appearance with uniform colour and texture, creating clean, contemporary lines. Advanced products closely mimic natural wood grain, making them virtually indistinguishable from timber at normal viewing distances.
Performance In Different Conditions
Composite garden decking performs consistently across various weather conditions but can become hot in direct sunlight, particularly darker colours. Timber decking remains comfortable underfoot in hot weather but is more susceptible to moisture damage. Both materials can become slippery when wet, though composite's resistance to mould growth typically makes it safer in damp conditions.
Professional Decking From Cut Above Landscapes Ltd
At Cut Above Landscapes Ltd, we provide expert guidance on material selection, working with high-quality products including premium composite and timber garden decking. We install both composite and timber decking for customers across the Nottingham and Derby region, completing every installation to the strictest standards
From initial consultation to completion, we offer honest advice about design options and maintenance requirements, ensuring you get the most from your garden decking year-round. Contact Cut Above Landscapes Ltd to discuss your garden decking project and create your perfect outdoor space.
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