Composite decking vs timber decking: Which is best for your garden?

Two popular decking materials are composite decking and timber decking. They might look similar at first glance, but they perform very differently over time. Understanding the difference between the two materials can help you choose the solution that suits your lifestyle and provides you with durable, long-lasting decking. 

In this blog, we’ll explain the pros and cons of each material to help you choose the right decking for your garden.

Composite decking vs timber decking: A comparison

Timber is the material that most homeowners associate with decking which offers a naturally beautiful finish. However, composite decking is now available which offers a similar appearance but better durability.

Timber decking: Pros and cons

Timber decking is made from natural wood and gives your decking project a natural appearance and traditional garden aesthetic. Timber is a living material which means it responds to weather, moisture and temperature changes throughout its lifespan.

The pros of timber decking

Timber decking provides a number of benefits including:

Natural appearance

Timber decking adds warmth and character to your garden that many people love. The natural grain, texture and subtle colour variations create a traditional look that’s perfect for any garden design.

Lower upfront cost

Timber decking can come with a lower cost when compared to other materials so can make it a good option if you’re on a budget.

Design flexibility

Timber is easy to cut, shape and work with which makes it ideal for any area of your garden whether you’re trying to fit it around curves, steps and integrated seating. This can be much easier with timber materials than composite boards.

Easy to refresh and repair

Composite decking and paving slabs often need to be completely replaced if they become damaged or worn. Timber decking boards can be sanded, treated or replaced individually which makes it easier to refresh the look of your decking over time.

The cons of timber decking

While timber decking provides a number of advantages, there are disadvantages to consider to make sure you choose the right material for your decking project.

Requires regular maintenance

Timber decking requires regular ongoing care to stay safe and attractive over the long-term. This includes cleaning, treating, staining or painting your decking to keep it looking its best and prevent problems such as rot, mould, warping and cracking. Timber can deteriorate quickly without regular treatment, so this is an important consideration.

Weathering and lifespan

If left to weather naturally over time, timber fade, crack, warp or rot over time, shortening its lifespan and leaving it unsafe for use. Shaded areas can be particularly vulnerable to these issues because the timber never has chance to dry after wet conditions.

Slippery in wet conditions

Wet timber can become very slippery, especially if algae or moss is left to build up on the surface. Regular cleaning and treatment are essential to keeping your decking safe to use.

Composite decking: Pros and cons

Composite decking has become an increasingly popular choice with homeowners who are looking for a durable and long-lasting solution for decking without the need for regular maintenance. This decking looks very similar to timber decking at a glance but it provides a number of advantages.

Low maintenance

One of the biggest benefits of composite decking is how low maintenance it is. You don’t need to sand, stain, paint or treat it on a regular basis. Simply cleaning with water and a mild detergent is enough to keep it looking its best.

Built for everyday use in the UK climate

Composite decking performs well, even in changing weather conditions. The material is resistant to rot, moisture and insect damage which makes it well suited to the UK’s inclement weather conditions. Unlike timber, it won’t warp, crack or splinter when temperatures fluctuate.

Anti-slip surface

Many composite decking boards are designed with textured or anti-slip surfaces to provide additional grip in wet conditions, making your decking safer. This makes composite a practical option for family gardens, steps or spaces used by children or older family members.

Consistent, long-lasting appearance

Composite decking provides a consistent, polished finish that continues to look this way over time, helping your deck maintain its appearance without fading or patchiness.

The cons of composite decking

It’s clear that composite decking offers a range of benefits, but it might not be the right solution for every home.

Higher upfront cost

One of the biggest disadvantages of composite decking is the initial price. Composite boards usually cost more than timber decking which can be a significant investment, especially if you’re decking a larger area. Although composite decking can be more cost-effective over the long-term, the higher upfront cost can be a barrier if you have a strict budget.

More complex installation

Composite decking systems require specific fixings and spacing allowances. This can make installation slightly more complex than timber decking, especially if you’re doing it yourself.

Which decking is right for you?

When you’re choosing between composite and timber decking, it’s important to think about how you use your garden, how much maintenance you want to carry out and how long you want your decking to last. Thinking about these elements will help you make the right decision. Here’s just a few of the factors to consider:

• Consider how you use your garden day to day: If you want to make your garden an extension of your living space, composite decking can be a better choice. Its durability, slip resistance and low maintenance make it well suited to high footfall areas. 

• Think about maintenance: One of the biggest differences between composite and timber decking is the maintenance required. Composite decking is low maintenance whereas timber decking needs regular attention to keep it safe and attractive. 

• Look beyond upfront cost: Timber decking usually has a lower upfront cost but, over time the cost of treatment, repair and replacement can add up. Composite decking carries higher upfront costs, but its long lifespan and minimal maintenance can make it more cost-effective over time. 

• Match the material to the style of your garden: Timber decking is ideal for traditional, rustic gardens. On the other hand, composite decking is the perfect addition to modern gardens.

Neither option is better, the best choice is the one that fits your lifestyle and garden design. Weighing up the factors outlined above can help you make the right choice for your home.

Choosing the right decking for your garden

Choosing between timber or composite decking isn’t about which option is better overall, it’s about which material is right for your garden and lifestyle.

Timber decking provides natural beauty and a traditional finish that’s perfect for classic garden designs but requires ongoing maintenance to help keep it looking its best. On the other hand, composite decking provides a modern, durable and low-maintenance solution that’s perfect for everyday use and the inclement UK weather.

By thinking about how you use your garden, how much time you want to spend maintaining and how you want the finished project to look, you can choose a decking material that will help you get the most from your garden in every season.

Explore Tuin’s full range of decking options to find the perfect option for your project.