Composite decking vs timber decking
Renovating a garden with the intention of adding value to a property can be a lengthy and daunting process. What is a reasonable budget? How long will the renovation take? What materials should be used? Premium materials such as composite decking and cladding can often be substituted with cheaper materials such as cedar and larch but when weighing up cost vs durability vs aesthetic, is it worth spending a little extra for added peace of mind?
However, when EcoscapeUK asked 100 people in garden centres and building merchants what was most important, 81% said they would be prepared to spend more if it guaranteed a durable and sound investment.
So, what is best to use and why?
Composite decking:
- Low maintenance: It can be cleaned using soap and water and can have any metal fixings used with no risk of chemical reactions or staining.
- Durability / longevity: It can last up to 5 times longer than timber decking.
- It is resistant to weather, insect and fungal decay damage.
- It is hard wearing.
- It is available in any colour.
Timber decking:
- Cheaper than composite decking, it is a good option for those with a small budget, landlords with rental properties or possibly first time home buyers.
- It requires regular maintenance: Specialist cleaning materials are required.
- Stainless steel is the only metal that can be used as fixings. any other metal will cause reactions within the wood. This is usually stain damage.
- It requires preservation / safe guarding treatment against the weather, insect damage and decay
- It can be stained to any colour.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- 11 things you didn't know about wood.
- Adhesives.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Engineered bamboo.
- Glulam.
- Hardwood.
- Laminated veneer lumber LVL.
- Physical Properties of Wood.
- Plywood.
- Recognising wood rot and insect damage in buildings.
- Softwood.
- The Benefits of Composite Decking.
- Timber.
- Timber preservation.
Featured articles and news
Mixed reactions to apprenticeship and skills reform 2025
A 'welcome shift' for some and a 'backwards step' for others.
Licensing construction in the UK
As the latest report and proposal to licence builders reaches Parliament.
Building Safety Alliance golden thread guidance
Extensive excel checklist of information with guidance document freely accessible.
Fair Payment Code and other payment initiatives
For fair and late payments, need to work together to add value.
Pre-planning delivery programmes and delay penalties
Proposed for housebuilders in government reform: Speeding Up Build Out.
High street health: converting a building for healthcare uses
The benefits of health centres acting as new anchor sites in the high street.
The Remarkable Pinwill Sisters: from ‘lady woodcarvers’ to professionals. Book review.
Skills gap and investment returns on apprenticeships
ECA welcomes new reports from JTL Training and The Electrotechnical Skills Partnership.
Committee report criticises UK retrofit schemes
CIOB responds to UK’s Energy Security and Net Zero Committee report.
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
Comments