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How Long Does Decking Last?
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This article will summarize the longevity of various decking options including softwood, hardwood and composite. Feel free to contact us with your questions.
How long does decking last? With adequate maintenance, most species of softwood can last for around 15 years. Many composite brands can last for over 25 years. This is rivalled by some hardwoods, yellow balau, iroko and ipe.
Wooden decking remains a popular investment among our clients.
Client feedback suggests the low upfront cost coupled with the natural texture and grain patterns remain strong selling points.
British decks are typically derived from a select group of soft and hardwood species. Popular softwood species including pine, redwood and cedar. While hardwoods are often sourced from oak and larch. While the quality of suppliers may vary, the TDCA (Timber Decking & Cladding Association) seal of approval is a safeguard of note.
Wooden decking does require more maintenance. This may include sealing and staining every 2 years, clearing debris and replacing split deck boards as needed. Following this routine will allow your wooden deck to last for 15 years.
There are a class of durable hardwoods our team recommend too.
While not British in origin, they can be sourced from local suppliers such as Timbmet in Faringdon. These include Iroko, Ipe, Cumaru and Yellow Balau, pictured above.
Yellow Balau, or Bangkirai, is among our favourites. Sourced from Indonesia, balau is a dense, durable material with a warm, golden brown aesthetic. All wood types require extra care. In doing so, these hardwoods can last for around 25 years.
Composite decking entered the market in the early 90’s. The Trex Origins range was the forerunner in the evolution of new decking options. Composite decking was billed as an easy maintenance, non-slip, durable decking surface. Suppliers we work with are:
Trex
Millboard
Timbertech
Cladco
NeoTimber, Composite Prime & Dino Decking
While these manufacturers produce modern, sleek designs they also recognize the appeal of wood. In doing so they strive to emulate the natural grain patterns and texture. Millboard’s Enhanced Grain and Weathered Oak ranges illustrate this perfectly.
These options typically have a shelflife of around 25 years. This can be extended with capped composite decking.
Second generation composite is capped for added durability. Capped decking is covered by a polymer shell, making it more resistant to staining and seasonal extremes. Our deck experts expect capped composite to last for 25-30+ years.
While some companies, such as Trex, cap every deck board others do so for select products. NeoTimber, for example, only cap their Advanced and Deluxe grades. It’s always worth double checking with your supplier of choice.
At Oxfordshire Decking we offer a comprehensive landscaping service and work with Britain’s leading suppliers. We can help you decipher the benefits and price points of various surfaces including turf, artificial grass, paving and decking.
In closing, the lifespan of your deck is an interplay between materials, maintenance and the environment. Whether you’ve chosen traditional or exotic wood or composite options, you need to offer adequate care and attention to ensure it stands the test of time.