Choosing between composite and timber decking for your UK garden? This comprehensive guide compares costs, maintenance, lifespan, and aesthetics to help you make the right decision.
Cost Comparison
Timber Decking
£60-£96 per m²
Including installation and materials
Composite Decking
£120-£180 per m²
Including installation and materials
Maintenance Requirements
Timber Decking
- Annual cleaning and treatment
- Re-staining/oiling every 1-2 years
- Regular splinter checks
- Prone to algae and moss growth
Composite Decking
- Occasional power washing
- No staining or sealing needed
- Splinter-free surface
- Resistant to rot and decay
Lifespan & Durability
Timber decking typically lasts 10-15 years with proper maintenance, while composite decking can last 25-30 years with minimal upkeep. This makes composite more cost-effective long-term despite higher upfront costs.
Aesthetics
Timber offers authentic wood grain and a natural feel underfoot. Composite decking has improved significantly, with many premium options closely mimicking wood grain. However, timber weathers to a silver-grey patina over time unless regularly treated.
Top UK Decking Brands
Composite Decking:
- Trex: Premium brand, £96-£132/m², 25-year warranty, excellent fade/stain resistance
- Millboard: High-end, £108-£156/m², ultra-realistic wood grain, 25-year warranty
- TimberTech: Mid-premium, £84-£120/m², capped composite, 30-year warranty
- UPM ProFi: Eco-friendly, £72-£108/m², made from recycled materials, 15-year warranty
Timber Decking:
- Treated Softwood (Pine): Budget, £36-£54/m², requires annual treatment, 10-15 year lifespan
- Pressure-Treated Softwood: Mid-range, £48-£72/m², better rot resistance, 15-20 years
- Hardwood (Ipe, Cumaru): Premium, £72-£120/m², naturally durable, 25-30 years
- Thermally Modified Wood: £60-£96/m², improved stability, 20-25 years
Installation Complexity & Cost Breakdown
Timber Installation
- Easier to cut and adjust on-site
- Standard carpentry tools sufficient
- Labour: £30-£48/m²
- Materials: £30-£48/m²
- Timeline: 2-4 days (20m² deck)
Composite Installation
- Requires specialised cutting blades
- More precise installation needed
- Labour: £48-£72/m²
- Materials: £72-£108/m²
- Timeline: 3-5 days (20m² deck)
Board Profiles & Fixing Systems
Composite Decking Options:
- Grooved boards: Hidden fixing system, clean look, more expensive
- Solid boards: Traditional screws visible, cheaper, easier DIY
- Capped composite: Protective shell layer, best stain resistance
- Hollow vs solid: Hollow lighter/cheaper, solid more premium feel
Timber Decking Options:
- Grooved: Better grip, water runoff, contemporary look
- Smooth: Traditional, easier to clean, barefoot-friendly
- Reeded: Multiple grooves, extra slip resistance
Annual Maintenance Costs
Over 20 years, maintenance costs reveal the true value:
- Timber: £120-£240/year (cleaning, treatment, staining) = £2,400-£4,800 total
- Composite: £60-£120/year (occasional cleaning) = £1,200-£2,400 total
- Long-term savings with composite: £1,200-£2,400 over 20 years
Color Options & Fading
Composite Decking:
- Wide color range: greys, browns, weathered oak, teak
- Modern colors: charcoal, espresso, coastal grey
- Fading: Expect 10-15% lightening in first year, then stabilizes
- Capped boards fade less than uncapped
Timber Decking:
- Natural wood color or stain/paint
- Untreated timber weathers to silver-grey patina
- Stains/oils need reapplication annually to maintain color
Common Problems & Solutions
Timber Issues
- Splinters: Sand down annually
- Warping: Use kiln-dried timber only
- Rot: Ensure good drainage/ventilation
- Mold/algae: Annual treatment required
Composite Issues
- Heat retention: Light colors stay cooler
- Expansion: Leave 6mm gaps for movement
- Scratches: Choose capped boards
- Staining: Clean spills promptly
DIY vs Professional Installation
Can you install decking yourself?
- DIY Timber: Moderate difficulty, savings £600-£960 (20m²), requires carpentry skills
- DIY Composite: More complex, savings £960-£1,440 (20m²), precision cutting essential
- Professional recommended for: Raised decks, complex shapes, no DIY experience
- Building regulations: Decks over 300mm high may require approval
Warranties Explained
What's Typically Covered:
- Composite warranties: 15-30 years for structural integrity, 10-15 years fade/stain
- Timber warranties: 10-15 years for pressure-treated softwood (rot only)
- What's NOT covered: Improper installation, lack of maintenance, scratches, acts of nature
- Transferable: Most composite warranties transfer to new homeowners
Environmental Impact
Sustainably-sourced timber (FSC certified) is biodegradable and renewable. Composite is made from 60-95% recycled plastic and wood fibres, reducing landfill waste but not biodegradable. Choose FSC timber or recycled-content composite for lowest environmental impact.
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