Composite vs Natural Timber Decking

Two of the most popular outdoor decking materials are timber and composite materials. Both have pros and cons, and the following article compares the differences to help you make the right choice for your home and lifestyle.

Key Takeaways

• Timber decking offers a natural look but requires more maintenance.
• Composite decking is low maintenance and resistant to weather damage.
• Cost-wise, composite decking may be more expensive upfront but saves money on upkeep.
• Both materials have their own unique aesthetic appeal.
• Environmental impact varies; timber is renewable, while composite often uses recycled materials.

Timber Decking

Made from hardwoods and softwoods and available in several width sizes and timber species, timber decking is traditionally the most popular choice for Australian outdoor decks. It offers a durable, long-lasting, natural look that looks great against any home style.

Types of Timber Decking

The most common types of timber used in decking include:

Hardwoods:

• Merbau - A strong wood with a bold look that varies from dark brown to reddish-brown. It has natural oils that enhance its shine and colour over time.
• Jarrah - Durable, long-lasting wood that comes in shades from dark brown to deep red. It resists termites and rot and is hard to damage.
• Spotted Gum - A heat-resistant hardwood often found in bushfire-prone areas. It looks great in different shades of brown and is easy to stain and paint.
• Blackbutt - A tough wood that's very popular in areas with a high Bushfire Attack Level. It's found in NSW and QLD and has a light cream to light brown colour.

Softwoods:

• Treated pine - A pressure-treated wood that is long-lasting, adaptable and affordable. It is designed to withstand decay, termites, and rot.

Advantages of Timber Decking

Timber decking has heaps of benefits for Aussie homes. It looks stunning and provides a natural, inviting, warm feel that makes a space seem bigger than it is. Timber blends in beautifully with old and new homes, and there are many options for finishes and colours.

Apart from looking good, timber decking resists termites, pests, decay and wear and tear. It can handle harsh weather, from blazing hot summers to heavy rains, without much trouble.

Maintenance is low, and a bit of cleaning and sealing now and then will keep it in great shape. And let's not forget— a timber deck can also add real value to your property, making it more attractive to buyers if you decide to sell.

Disadvantages of Timber Decking

It requires annual painting, staining, sealing, or oiling to maintain its appearance and protect it from the elements. Once installed, changing or keeping the colour looking its absolute best is more challenging than composite.

Timber decking needs regular cleaning, which can be time-consuming and expensive if you hire someone.

Even though timber is strong, it can still split, scratch, crack, or warp, especially if it hasn't been installed correctly or is in a particularly harsh climate. It can also become a little slippery when wet.

Composite Decking

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a modern alternative to traditional timber decking. It is made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic materials, creating a durable, weather-resistant product that mimics the look of natural-grained timber while offering enhanced longevity and minimal maintenance.

Materials Used in Composite Decking

The materials in composite decking can vary, but they typically include:

• Recycled wood fibers
• High-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)

The materials are blended using heat and pressure to form solid decking boards.

Advantages of Composite Decking

Composite decking has a longer lifespan than timber decking - 20 to 30 years compared to 15-20 for timber. You don't have to do much to keep it looking good — wash it with soap and water now and then. It doesn't rot, warp, or get damaged by native pests and is also water resistant. Composite decks are also safer because they don't split, and many have surfaces that aren't slippery.

Composite decking also comes in many colours and styles. You can even make it look like real wood. While it initially costs more, you save money over time because you don't need to buy things to maintain it, like paint or stains.

Disadvantages of Composite Decking

Composite decking does a great job of mimicking the look of wood, but it will always be different from natural timber. Even though it will save you money on upkeep in the long run, it can be more pricey to install as it always requires the services of a professional deck builder rather than doing it yourself.

There are fewer choices with design styles and colours, and if you damage a board, it's not as easy to repair as timber. Composite boards can feel a bit hotter in the harsh months as the materials they are made from can retain heat.