Composite vs timber decking: which is best?

There are two main options for decking: composite and timber. You can find the odd deck crafted from metal or pure plastic, but for most construction professionals and homeowners, sticking to these two choices is the safest bet. Now that it is down to either composite or timber, which should you pick?

To help you decide, our EcoChoice experts have put together a quick guide weighing up the pros and cons of each. Let’s dive in!

Cost Considerations

If you are looking to keep costs down, timber is the more budget-friendly option. Though you can find species which are more expensive than composite, on the whole timber is cheaper, and there is a wide range of cost-effective options to keep your expenses down.

On the more cost-effective end of the timber spectrum are the softwoods. Pine, for example, is a very popular option and can be treated and stained to suit your project requirements. You can also use Larch and Douglas Fir for a budget-friendly option, bringing all the beauty of real timber to your project without a hefty price tag.

Durability and Maintenance

Both timber decking and composite decking are highly durable materials, making them well-suited to external applications. However, do note that not all timber species are equally durable. You need to pick a species which falls within a durability class of 1, 2 or 3, and those in category 3 can benefit from additional treatments to improve their resistance to rot and infestation.

Less durable timber will also require more frequent maintenance, with treatments needing to be re-applied every year or so (you can follow the manufacturer’s instructions for more specific guidance).

More durable species, such as Yellow Balau, Cumaru and Ipe, will require far less maintenance. Composite timber is also a minimal maintenance option and does not need to be treated in order to withstand plenty of wear and tear.

Aesthetic Preferences

Composite decking is designed to look like real timber, with a faux grain and natural colouring. It also brings a modern vibe to decking projects thanks to its uniform colour and smooth surface. However, if it is a natural aesthetic you are looking for, you cannot beat the real thing.

Timber is renowned for its timeless look, with a depth of grain and colour variation which just cannot be repeated in composite boards. The rich hues of different species blend perfectly with natural spaces, bringing an undeniable look of quality and elegance to a charming outdoor area.

Environmental Impact

EcoChoice only gets involved with composite decking if it is a blend of sustainably sourced timber and recycled plastic. This makes it a sustainable alternative to virgin plastic decking, reducing the emissions associated with producing new plastic and adding renewable, carbon-sequestering timber to the mix.

However, plastic is still plastic, and it carries a carbon footprint of around 1.5 times that of timber. For a completely biodegradable, renewable option, timber sourced from responsibly managed forests is a more eco-friendly decking material.

Find Sustainable Timber Decking

If you are ready to make your choice, we can help. At EcoChoice, we can supply both composite decking and sustainable timber decking to projects around the UK. All our timber is independently certified by the FSC® or PEFC, making it a green choice for your outdoor space.

To learn more about your decking options or find the right species, get in touch with our team today.