Choosing decking material affects how your garden looks, how much time you spend maintaining it, and how long it lasts.
Both composite and timber can make a good deck. The right choice depends on budget and how much upkeep you want.
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Timber
Softwood decking, usually pressure-treated pine, is the cheapest option. Hardwoods last longer and look richer but cost much more. All timber needs cleaning and oiling or staining every year or two, and it fades to grey without treatment.
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Composite
Composite boards combine wood fibres and plastic. They do not need staining, resist rot, and do not splinter. Quality varies widely: cheaper boards can fade, get very hot in sun, or flex. Better boards are capped with a protective layer.
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Comparing the two
- ✿Upfront cost: softwood lowest, composite and hardwood higher
- ✿Maintenance: composite lowest
- ✿Feel: timber is warmer and more natural underfoot
- ✿Slip: both can be slippery when algae grows; grooved and textured boards help
- ✿Lifespan: good composite and hardwood typically outlast softwood
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Do not forget the frame
Whatever boards you choose, the frame underneath is usually treated timber or aluminium. A poorly built or untreated frame will fail long before the boards. Ensure good ventilation underneath and correct joist spacing for the board type.
This is general landscaping and garden information, not professional advice. Costs, regulations, and plant suitability vary by location. Call before you dig to locate buried utilities, and consult a licensed landscaper or engineer for retaining walls, drainage, and structural work.