Composite vs Wood Decking: Which Is Right for Your Outdoors?

Spoiler alert: There is no wrong answer! Composite and timber decking are both proper building materials for a garden deck. To help you choose which is better for your project, we summarise the factors most likely to influence your decision. After that, let your budget and personal preferences guide you.

Composite vs. Timber Decking: Things to Consider

Composite deck boards have never been more competitive with real wood in terms of cost, durability, appearance, maintenance, and eco-friendliness. Your choice of decking materials will hinge on what you value. For example, some people want low cost, while others want low maintenance.

Wood Deck

Composite Deck

Decking Cost

Composite decking used to be much more expensive than timber, but the gap has narrowed, depending on the type of wood. Pressure-treated softwoods—fir or pine—remain less expensive than most composites. However, tropical hardwood decking like ipe and balau are often more expensive than composite boards.

You should also factor in the cost of upkeep. Natural wood requires much more maintenance, including regular cleaning. Wood decks also need sanding, staining, oiling, or painting every couple of years. Composite decking materials may cost a little more to install, but they require less maintenance and come with a warranty.

Only by including all these factors can you compare deck installation costs fairly.

Aesthetic: Look and Feel

Timber decking has warmth because it’s a natural material. But it also has imperfections, such as knots and colour variations. High-quality composites, such as Trex, replicate the warmth of wooden decking while eliminating imperfections. The engineered surface is also less slippery than wood, although, in direct sunlight, it gets hotter than wood. A shade sail, awning, or umbrella can help prevent that.

Last, don’t confuse deck boards made from plastic, such as PVC, with true composite decking. PVC boards are inexpensive but lack composite boards’ elegance and colour selection.

Strength, Lifespan, and Deck Maintenance

Composite boards aren’t as stiff as timber and require more structural support. That can translate into a slight increase in installation cost, but otherwise, the difference is immaterial. Just follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

As for durability, composite boards are engineered and manufactured to last decades without splintering, warping, or succumbing to insects. While no deck is maintenance-free, the upkeep of composite decks is minimal. Just clean the surface with water and a mild detergent once or twice a year.

The durability of a timber deck depends on the type of wood, where it’s installed, and how well it’s maintained. For example, a new deck that uses pressure-treated softwood will have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. On the other hand, a hardwood deck can last twice as long, sometimes longer than a composite deck, assuming the deck is cleaned regularly and well maintained.

For any wood deck, preventive maintenance is key, so learn how to protect your deck. Be prepared to wash wood decks at least twice yearly and sand and recoat them every two or three years. Homeowners should also expect to replace or repair some wood boards from time to time.

Impact on Environment & Climate

Deciding which deck board is the most eco-friendly is complicated because both timber and composites have environmental pros and cons. So first, you’ll need to decide which factors matter most to you when it comes to sustainability.

Timber is abundant and represents an environmentally friendly choice for decks when sourced from reputable dealers. Many softwoods are already harvested and regrown sustainably. If you opt for a hardwood harvested overseas, seek vendors certified for sustainability by one or more trustworthy third parties, such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Less environmentally friendly are the chemicals wood requires to prevent decay and preserve its appearance. The biocidal chemicals used to manufacture pressure-treated wood can become airborne during installation and prevent the wood from being burned or reused at the end of its service life. Wood decks also require washing with a strong detergent once or twice yearly. Oils, stains and/or sealers must be applied every few years.

Composite boards have several environmental advantages. They’re made using recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, with some containing as much as 95 per cent recycled content. That shrinks the waste stream and preserves trees. The longevity of composite boards—up to 30 years—is another environmental benefit. Plus, a composite deck doesn’t need refinishing, which prevents harsh chemicals from entering the environment. The main environmental disadvantage of composite boards is that they cannot be recycled and will eventually go to a landfill.

Wood Decking: Pros and Cons

Pros. Wood is a traditional building material that is abundant and well accepted. It has a natural warmth that is difficult to replicate. It’s also a renewable material, especially softwoods, which are relatively inexpensive. Hardwoods last longer but cost more.

Cons. The main drawback to wood is the maintenance required to maximise the deck’s service life. Maintaining the wood entails an annual deep cleaning and a complete surface refinishing every two years or so. That’s an ongoing obligation and expense that many people prefer to avoid.

Composite Decking: Pros and Cons

Pros. High-quality composite decking provides decades of service life with only minimal upkeep. That’s a better fit with modern-day lifestyles and eliminates the mess—and the environmental cost—associated with applying stains, paints, and sealers. Composite decking also eliminates the defects inherent to natural wood and reduces the amount of waste by using recycled plastic and wood.

Cons. The main drawback to composite decking is the initial cost. However, you can recoup some of that expense because a composite deck never needs to be refinished. That saves time and money and eliminates an unpleasant and time-consuming task. On the other hand, composite boards are prone to scratches and can get overly hot in direct sunlight.

Choosing the Better Option

With so many decking options available, it can be challenging to choose one. Sometimes, the project budget, site conditions, or deck location will point the way. But it usually comes down to personal preference. Start by talking with friends and getting professional advice from local builders. The more you learn, the more comfortable you’ll be with your decision.