Which Decking Is Best? Composite vs Timber Decking

Is your outdoor space ready for an upgrade, but you can’t decide between classic charm and modern convenience?

Choosing between composite and traditional timber comes down to balancing upfront costs against long-term upkeep.
In this guide, we compare both materials across key factors, from costs and installation to lifespan and sustainability, to help you choose the ideal decking solution for your home.

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Photo by Milada Vigerova on Pexels

What Is Composite Decking and Wood Decking Made Of?

Composite Decking Materials

Manufacturers make composite boards by mixing recycled wood fibers with plastics like high-density polyethylene. They bond this mixture under high heat to create dense boards that mimic natural wood grain while resisting water and rot.

Timber Decking Materials

A natural wood deck brings organic warmth and unique character to your garden.
Timber decking comes in both softwood (pine, spruce) or hardwood (oak) options. Builders and DIY fans often choose traditional softwood decking for its classic look, lower price, and easy cutting on site.

Is Composite or Timber Decking More Expensive?

Composite Decking Cost

Composite decking costs more upfront than standard softwood. The boards themselves carry a higher price tag per square metres, and specialized hidden clips or matching screws add to your starting total.

However, looking only at the initial price misses the full picture. Because composite boards never need oils, stains, or sealants, they deliver a highly cost effective option over 10 to 20 years by keeping ongoing upkeep expenses near zero.

Timber Decking Cost

The initial cost of decking made from natural timber remains lower, especially if you pick pressure-treated softwood like pine or spruce. While hardwoods like Ipe or Oak cost more, softwood provides the cheapest way to build a wooden deck.

To figure out the true cost of decking over time, you must factor in the price of oils, cleaners, brushes, and stains every 12 to 18 months.

What Size Are Decking Boards?

Composite Decking Board Sizes

Suppliers sell composite boards in standard lengths and styles, giving your garden deck a clean, uniform look:

• Standard board widths range from 135mm to 150mm.
• Thicknesses usually run between 20mm and 25mm.
• Common lengths are 3.6m and 4.8m.
• Capped and uncapped finishes offer choices between smooth, grooved, or wood-grain textures.
• Precise factory sizing guarantees every board fits perfectly.

Timber Decking Board Sizes

Natural wood gives you plenty of sizing flexibility on site:

• Board widths range from narrow 90mm options to wide 145mm boards.
• Thicknesses vary from 28mm to 38mm, giving strength to complex frames.
• Stock lengths reach up to 4.8m or 5.1m, depending on the wood.
• Surface options include anti-slip grooves or smooth finishes.
• Natural wood shapes vary, so you need to sort boards before laying them down.

What Maintenance Does Decking Need?

Composite Decking Maintenance

Homeowners love composite boards because they promise minimal maintenance through every season:

• Sweeping and an occasional wash with warm soapy water keeps them clean.
• You never need to sand, seal, paint, or oil the boards.
• The material resists mold, mildew, and algae growth naturally.
• Spilled food, grease, and liquids won’t easily stain the surface.

Timber Decking Maintenance

Real wood takes regular work to protect it from the weather:

• Scrubbing or power-washing once a year removes dirt, moss, and algae.
• Sanding smooths out splinters and rough spots.
• Applying oils or sealers every 1 to 2 years prevents rot and sun damage.
• Checking joists and boards regularly helps you spot moisture damage early.

How Long Does Composite and Timber Decking Last?

Composite Decking Lifespan

Composite boards stand up well to heavy foot traffic, rot, splinters, warping, and bugs. Thanks to built-in UV protection and water resistance, quality composite decks easily last 25 to 30 years or more, giving homeowners complete peace of mind.

Timber Decking Lifespan

Softwood timber lasts about 10 to 15 years if you care for it properly. While hardwood can last over 25 years, untreated wood quickly rots, warps, splits, and grows fungus.

Which Decking Is Easiest To Install?

Composite Decking Installation

To install composite decking properly, builders use hidden clips that fit into side grooves. This hides the screws and creates even gaps automatically. However, composite boards need closer joist spacing and specific gaps for heat expansion. Because the work requires extra precision, installation labour costs a bit more.

Timber Decking Installation

Carpenters fit timber decking by driving standard deck screws straight through the top of the boards. You can easily cut, shape, and notch wood on site using basic tools, which keeps labour costs down.

Is Decking Environmentally Friendly?

Composite Decking Sustainability

Composite decking reuses large amounts of recycled plastic and wood sawdust, keeping waste out of landfills. However, the finished boards cannot break down naturally at the end of their life.

Timber Decking Sustainability

When sourced from responsibly managed forests, natural wood is renewable, stores carbon, and breaks down naturally when discarded.

Composite Decking vs Timber Decking Summary

Choosing between composite and timber comes down to your budget and how much time you want to spend maintaining your outdoor living spaces:

Mid-range boards £50-£80 per m2

Precise measurements required

Little to no maintenance

25 to 30 years

Materials cannot break down

Average cost of decking boards

Installation

Maintenance

Lifespan

Sustainability

Pine £18-£30/m2. Oak £45-£90/m2.

Basic installation

Every 12 to 18 months

10 to 15 years for softwood

Materials break down naturally

Ready to Start Your Garden Makeover?

Find the perfect decking solution for your home.
Browse our range of high-quality composite and timber decking today, or contact us to discuss your project!