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Overhauling the garden, keen to extend your outside space, or simply want to cut back on mowing duties – whatever your reason for building a decking area, it’s a great decision.
But it’s only your first.
And the next one is the biggie.
Do you stick with tradition and go with wooden decking or take a more modern approach and choose composite decking? Is there really much difference between the two and, if so, which is the better option?
Let’s find out…
Appearance
Roll back 20 years and composite decking may have been guilty of looking cheap and plastic, but this is no longer true of modern boards.
These days, place wooden decking next to its composite counterpart and most people would struggle to spot the difference.
For those paying close attention to detail, you’ll find wood offers a more natural variation with knots and unique graining, compared to the more uniform design of composite.
Upkeep
Wooden decking can last a lifetime – but not without hard work.
Painting, wood treatments, and regular cleaning are ongoing requirements. But it does carry the advantage of being able to remedy any damage. A badly scratched or stained board can easily be sanded and repainted to remove all visible traces of a problem.
Composite decking requires minimal maintenance. Thanks to its impressive durability and resistance to rot and fungus, it promises to stay looking as good as new for many years to come – without all the effort!
The sticking point here is that repairing damage isn’t as straightforward and badly damaged boards will need replacing.
Eco credentials
There’s no denying, wood is a fantastically sustainable and environmentally friendly material.
Shop around though, and you’ll discover that many composite decking manufacturers actually produce boards using recycled wood fibres and plastics – making them pretty competitive in the environmentally friendly stakes.
Choice
Think that for choice and design flexibility wood is your only option? It’s not true.
Yes, you can paint wooden decking any colour – but that’s all the freedom you have.
Composite boards come pre-painted – typically in more limited colourways such as grey, black and brown – but despite popular belief, boards can be painted. You’ll also find that many composite boards are reversible, giving you the option to choose between authentic-looking wood grain or a more modern, lined effect.
Safety
Wooden decking is notoriously slippy when wet. You can easily counter this by fitting grips or attaching chicken wire to the surface during wet seasons, but it does impact the look. Proper maintenance is also needed to reduce the risk of splinters – a concern for those with young children and pets.
In comparison, most composite decking comes with the convenience of built-in grip. So you can enjoy your decking whatever the weather, without worrying about nasty slips. It also doesn’t splinter!
Price
This is usually the deal breaker – so which is more expensive?
It’s not a black-and-white question. Initially, composite decking tends to work out as the pricier option, but this needs to be costed out against the expense of the ongoing treatments, oils and stains needed to preserve wood. Composite decking requires none of these things, so over time can prove to be more pocket-friendly.
The result?
In truth, both options make a great investment, and the right choice will largely come down to individual preference. But, if you’re looking for long-term value and minimal effort for maximum return, you really can’t do better than composite decking.
Think composite could be right for you? Then why not take a look at the high-quality boards available now from HR Composites, or for more questions answered about the difference between wooden and composite decking, give them a call on 01965 557711.
