Composite decking vs timber decking
Choosing garden decking used to be a relatively easy task; not least because there weren’t many options to choose from. But gone are the days where we’re just limited to choosing grooved and reeded timber decking boards.
With the introduction of composite decking, a whole new world of style, colour and flexibility has become available.
So when you’re searching for the perfect decking, it’s important to understand the difference between composite and timber and what’s most suitable for your outside space.
Timber decking – advantages & disadvantages
Timber decking has long been a popular way to create sociable spaces in gardens and outdoor areas.
Advantages of timber decking
- Hardwearing and has a long life with the right maintenance
- Treated to withstand rot and fungi
- Eco-friendly material, responsibly sourced from managed forests
- Easily adaptable to any type of space
- Easy to install for most competent DIYers
- Cost effective way of creating a social outdoor area
Disadvantages of timber decking
The main disadvantage to timber decking is the maintenance that it requires to look its best.
To keep them in the best condition, wood decking boards need a good clean and treatment each year.
Decking treatments could include using decking oils and specialist protector. Some decking paints and stains also include waterproofing and protecting agents.
How long do wood decks last?
“Timber decking can last a lifetime if treated to Use Class 4 and maintained using appropriate products”, says Jeremy English, Timber Commercial Manager at Elliotts.
Use Class 4 timber (also known as UC4) is one of the highest treatment grades of timber and has a long service life against rot and decay.
UC4 timber will usually be used in projects that involve being in contact with the ground or water, such as garden decking and fencing.
Composite decking – advantages & disadvantages
Composite decking has come a long way in the last 10 years from looking like plastic to looking so identical to authentic timber decks that it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference.
Advantages of composite decking
- No need for annual maintenance
- No rotting, warping or splinters
- No colour fading
- Stain resistant
- Weather-resistant (UV and frost)
- High anti-slip ratings
Disadvantages of composite decking
The main disadvantage to composite decking when compared to timber decking is the initial cost.
Due to the high quality of the materials and the labour involved in producing the boards, composite decking has a higher price point than timber. But it can be argued that the initial outlay is offset by its other features.
“Colour permanence may also be seen as a disadvantage of composite decking. Timber decking can be stained and painted your favourite colours, but you’ll be unable to change the colour of your composite decking unless you change the boards,” says Victoria Anderson, Landscaping Category Manager for Elliotts.
Is composite decking environmentally friendly?
Popular composite decking brands, like Trex and Millboard, are also eco-friendly.
Trex is made from 95% recycled content and has never cut down a tree in the making of its products, with more than 1 billion pounds of plastic and timber scrap kept out of landfills each year.
Over a third of the raw materials used for making the structural core of Millboard is recycled and boasts a CO2 footprint that matches a bunch of bananas.
Which composite decking brands are best?
“As composite decking has grown in popularity, lots of brands have appeared on the market and it can be difficult to know which one to choose”, says Victoria.
“There are now budget ranges which are closer in price to timber decking, but these are prone to cracking, being hot under foot in the sun and colour fade.”
“At Elliotts we have chosen products that will last and you can fit and forget – Millboard and Trex.”
Which is cheaper, composite or timber decking?
When comparing costs for decking boards, timber decks are much cheaper than composite.
Our timber decking boards start from £3 per m2 compared with Trex which starts at £10.88 per m2 and Millboard starting at £21.30 per m2. So if budget is a deciding factor, then timber decking will be much kinder to your purse strings.
Composite decking vs timber decking; which is best?
Both timber and composite decking are brilliant choices for gardens and outdoor spaces.
But which is best depends on what type of space you’re trying to create and what is a priority for you.
Want to create a safe space for children to play? With incredible anti-slip properties and stain resistance, composite would be the best choice for worry-free use.
Need decking that is easy to maintain? Whether you’re low on time or skill, composite decks need little maintenance and provides a ready-to-go space all year round.
Need to keep an eye on the budget? Timber decking would provide a great deck whilst looking after the pennies.
Prefer natural materials and don’t mind some up keep? Timber decking is a more obvious choice for those who prefer earthly materials and are happy to put some love and time into keeping a good looking deck.
“Nothing beats the feel and lustre of genuine timber”, says Jeremy English, Timber Commercial Manager at Elliotts.
“Also, timber sourced sustainably is always the greener option.”
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