Composite Decking Vs Wooden Decking

Indoor-outdoor living is the biggest garden design trend around. One of the best ways to buy into it is by building a deck, adding functionality and style to your outdoor space.

Timber is the traditional go-to material, but composite decking offers some attractive advantages for your next decking project. Let’s take a closer look.

Composite Decking VS Wooden Decking: The Key Differences

The landscape of the UK is littered with silver-grey wooden decks. While aged timber has a weather-worn charm, is it the right aesthetic for your outdoor space?

It’s hard to spot the difference between timber and composite until you’re up close. Composite decking boards are more uniform in appearance than wood, with its knots and attractive grain patterns. It’s a matter of taste which one suits your vision better.

The big difference is in the material itself. Timber is naturally sourced (look out for FSC certification), rugged, and durable, with beautiful natural variations in shade and tone.

Composite decking is engineered from recycled plastic products and hardwood chips, making it a sustainable, low-maintenance and eco-friendly choice. What’s more, it won’t warp, rot or fade, making it a fantastic choice for a hardworking family deck.

Is Composite Decking Really Worth It?

So what makes composite decking worth considering? Here’s what you need to consider:

What Is The Lifespan Of Composite Decking?

A hardwood timber deck can last a lifetime — but it involves scrupulous care and maintenance. Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and won’t develop fungus, rot, fade or start to disintegrate, keeping it looking good for years to come.

Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Timber Decking?

Softwood decking is the cheapest option, while composite decking and hardwood timber are comparable in price. Factor in a lifetime of staining, oiling and other treatments, however, and composite quickly outstrips timber decking as the cost-effective choice.

Does Composite Decking Require Much Maintenance?

Composite decking is popular because it requires so little maintenance. Sweep and wipe away any dust and debris, and your composite deck is good to go for another year.

Is Composite Decking Safe?

One area where composite decking clearly outshines the competition is safety. If you’ve ever walked across a wooden deck in the rain, you’ll know how slippery it can get. Composite decking doesn’t pose the same problem thanks to advanced slip-resistant finishes.

As a bonus, composite doesn’t splinter, so it’s safe for little hands and feet and your pets.

Will Composite Decking Look Right In My Garden?

You can paint a wooden deck any colour you like. However, paint quickly fades and cracks, requiring frequent repainting. Composite decking doesn’t have endless shades, but you have more than enough choice to match your outdoor aesthetic, from sleek and contemporary black composite decking to classic teak or walnut.

Composite Decking – The Smart Choice For Your Deck

Composite decking is a great match for wooden decking. However, if you still need convincing, here are some unique reasons to consider composite decking for your project.

Weather-resistant: Your composite deck stands up to anything, from 30°c heat to a summer rainstorm. Composite decking boards won’t expand and contract like wood, and are mould resistant in a damp climate.

Environmentally friendly: Composite is well worth considering if you want to minimise your environmental impact. Recycling waste eases pressure on resources, meaning your composite decking boards are an eco-responsible choice. Unlike timber, they don’t require chemical treatments, protecting your outdoor space from harsh toxins.

Versatile: You can style your composite decking in numerous ways to suit your outdoor space. Options like HR Dual Dek offer two complementary shades, allowing you to create herringbone and other intricate designs. Meanwhile, the HR Dek 140 composite offers a choice between traditional grooved and woodgrain finishes, catering to both classic and contemporary styles.

Transform Your Composite Deck With Modern Garden

A deck is a fantastic investment for creating a year-round outdoor space. With extended warranties and guaranteed prices, Modern Garden has the materials you need to make your dream deck a reality – from an expansive and stylish Fossil Grey decking to a cosy Sand/Hazel book nook in a courtyard garden.

We stock everything you need, including decking edge trim and accessories for a flawless finish. Shop online today or call us on 01695 557711 to find out more.

Composite Decking FAQs

Does A Composite Deck Add More Value Than A Wood Deck?

The deck itself adds value to your home, offering extra outdoor living space. However, a composite deck can be more attractive to buyers as it requires much less maintenance.

Is Composite Decking Slippery When Wet?

Thanks to anti-slip coatings, composite decking is much safer in the wet than timber.

How Often Do You Need To Clean A Composite Deck?

As a general rule, you should clean your deck every 6 months. It’s advisable to sweep it once a week to avoid dirt and debris buildup.