Wood vs Composite Decking: Which is Right for You?

In the landcaping industry many debates rage. Artificial grass or turf? Tarmac or concrete? Finally we ask, wooden or composite decking? In this article, we’ll compare the cost, durability and maintenance of each to help you make an informed decision.

This article will briefly summarize:

The Pros and Cons of wood and composite

Various species of wood and composite brands

A brief history of composite decking.

A cost benefit analysis

Our team offer decking in Oxford, Bicester, Banbury and through the county of Oxfordshire. Feel free to reach out to us with your comments and questions.

The Benefits Of Wood

Remodeling Magazine’s annual report has consistently ranked wooden decking as a lead investment for homeowners – Edging its composite rival in successive polls. The principle selling points of wood are cost, natural aesthetic and texture.

The natural warm tones of wood create a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Wood can be around 15-30% cheaper too. Although of course, this can vary as there are various species of hardwood and softwood such as redwood, oak, yellow balau and iroko.

The Benefits Of Composite

The origins of composite decking date back to the 1990’s. Billed as a solution to the shortcomings of wood, composite is a blend of composite and wooden fibers making it resistant to fade, rot and insects. Today a variety of composite products are on the market including PVC and capped supplied by brands including Millboard, Trex and NeoTimber.

Cost/Benefit Considerations

With fluctuating seasonal prices and inflation in mind, we’ll resist offering firm figures on any materials. As noted above, wood can be up to 30% cheaper than composite options. How do these options trend as a long term investment?

With regular staining and cleaning, the cost of wood maintenance can add up over time. The lifespan of wood can be around 20+ years. Iroko and balau species are arguably the most durable species. Composite brands often endure for over 25 or 30 years.

Purchasing wood may offer a more affordable option upfront. However, that saving is mitigated by maintenance costs and lifespan when compared to composite brands.