Choosing between timber or composite decking is one of the biggest decisions when planning a new deck, and it shapes how the finished space looks, how much upkeep it needs and what it costs over its lifetime. Both build a beautiful, usable garden level, but they behave very differently, so it is worth weighing up timber decking against composite decking before you commit to new garden decking.
This guide compares timber and composite decking on cost, maintenance, lifespan, looks and safety, so you can pick the right board for your home and budget here in the South West.
Timber decking is made from natural wood, usually softwood or hardwood, that is treated to resist rot and weather. Composite decking is made from a mix of recycled wood fibres and plastic, moulded into boards that mimic the look of wood without much of the upkeep.
In short, timber gives you a natural material at a lower price but with more maintenance, while composite costs more upfront and rewards you with a low-care, long-lasting finish.
Timber is the traditional choice and still a firm favourite for its warmth and natural character. Its main strengths and drawbacks are:
For guidance on choosing and caring for boards, the Timber Decking and Cladding Association is a useful independent source. We install quality timber decking built to last.
Composite has become hugely popular for gardens where low maintenance matters most. Its pros and cons are close to the mirror image of timber:
Our composite decking installations use premium boards for a finish that lasts with almost no effort.
Timber is cheaper to buy and install, so it wins on upfront cost. Composite costs more at the outset, but because it needs no treating and lasts longer, the gap narrows over the years once you factor in maintenance and replacement.
Put simply, timber is the lower-cost choice today, while composite often works out better value over a decade or more. The table below sums up how they compare.
| Factor | Timber decking | Composite decking |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Lower | Higher |
| Maintenance | Yearly cleaning and treating | Occasional wash |
| Lifespan | Around 10 to 20 years with care | 25 years or more |
| Look | Natural, silvers with age | Uniform, wood-effect |
| Slip resistance | Can be slippery when wet | Slip-resistant grades available |
Composite is not perfect, and it helps to know the trade-offs. The higher upfront price is the main one, and cheaper boards can look artificial or fade over time.
Composite can also get noticeably warm underfoot in direct sun, and unlike timber it cannot be sanded back and re-stained, so if you want a different colour later you would replace the boards. Quality varies a lot between brands, which is why the board you choose matters.
Timber asks for a yearly routine of cleaning and re-treating or oiling to keep it protected and looking its best, and a well-cared-for deck lasts a good many years. Let that slip and the boards weather far faster.
Composite is the low-effort option, needing only an occasional wash, and yes, you can jet wash it on a suitable setting. With little more than that it will stay sound for 25 years or more.
For many homeowners, yes. If you want to spend weekends enjoying the garden rather than maintaining it, the higher upfront cost buys years of low-hassle use and a long lifespan.
It is especially worth it for holiday lets and second homes that sit unused for weeks, and for busy families or anyone who would rather not treat a deck every year. If budget is tight or you love the look of real wood, timber still makes great sense.
Choose timber if you want the lowest upfront cost, a natural material and the flexibility to re-stain it, and you do not mind the yearly upkeep. Choose composite if low maintenance, a long lifespan and slip resistance matter more than the initial price.
For coastal gardens, poolsides, balconies and second homes, composite is usually the smart pick. Our team fits both across the region, including full decking in Devon, and for design inspiration see our Raised Decking Ideas.
We design and build both timber and composite decks across the South West, from garden levels to poolsides and balconies.
For one project we installed durable, slip-resistant composite decking around a swimming pool, where low maintenance and grip in the wet were essential. See the full swimming pool decking project, or browse more work in our case studies.
The main drawbacks are a higher upfront cost, boards that can get warm in direct sun, and the fact you cannot sand and re-stain them like timber. Quality also varies between brands, so it pays to choose a good board.
For most people wanting a low-maintenance, long-lasting deck, yes. It costs more at first but saves years of treating and lasts longer, which suits second homes and busy households especially well.
Yes, composite decking can be jet washed on a suitable pressure setting, keeping a sensible distance and following the maker’s guidance. That, plus an occasional soapy wash, is usually all the cleaning it needs.
Composite generally lasts longer, often 25 years or more, while timber typically lasts around 10 to 20 years with regular care. Good maintenance makes a big difference to timber’s lifespan.
Whether you have set your heart on natural timber or low-maintenance composite, we can help you choose the right boards and build a deck that lasts. From garden levels and balconies to poolside decking, our team handles it all.
Get in touch through our contact page or email us at info@outdoorhomeimprovements.co.uk to talk through your ideas and arrange a site visit.
