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
Ministers to unleash biggest building boom in half a century
50 major infrastructure projects, 5 billion for housing and 1.5 million homes.
RIBA Principal Designer Practice Note published
With key descriptions, best practice examples and FAQs, with supporting template resources.
Electrical businesses brace for project delays in 2025
BEB survey reveals over half worried about impact of delays.
Accelerating the remediation of buildings with unsafe cladding in England
The government publishes its Remediation Acceleration Plan.
Airtightness in raised access plenum floors
New testing guidance from BSRIA out now.
Picking up the hard hat on site or not
Common factors preventing workers using head protection and how to solve them.
Building trust with customers through endorsed trades
Commitment to quality demonstrated through government endorsed scheme.
New guidance for preparing structural submissions for Gateways 2 and 3
Published by the The Institution of Structural Engineers.
CIOB launches global mental health survey
To address the silent mental health crisis in construction.
New categories in sustainability, health and safety, and emerging talent.
Key takeaways from the BSRIA Briefing 2024
Not just waiting for Net Zero, but driving it.
The ISO answer to what is a digital twin
Talking about digital twins in a more consistent manner.
Top tips and risks to look out for.
New Code of Practice for fire and escape door hardware
Published by GAI and DHF.
Retrofit of Buildings, a CIOB Technical Publication
Pertinent technical issues, retrofit measures and the roles involved.
New alliance will tackle skills shortage in greater Manchester
The pioneering Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance.
Comments