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 The guide to help you decide which material will be most suited to your style and requirements.

Decking is a great way to bring the style of interiors into the exterior world. Here at LDSolutions we don’t just offer garden decking, we are also experts in fitting caravan and poolside deck.

Now you may be pondering over the idea of whether or not to choose composite or wood as the material for your decking. We have the answers for you to aid in your decision making.

There are many pros and cons to why you should either opt for wooden or composite approach. Firstly let’s get into the difference between composite and wooden deck.

What is composite decking?

Composite deck is a material combined of various other materials including wood and plastics to create a wood like effect. When mixing wood with plastics it creates a natural wood like appearance. 

Unlike wooden material, composite is far more durable and comes with little to no maintenance. This style of decking is a perfect choice for those who would like the appearance of wood, at the same time as having little maintenance. 

Composite deck is widely chosen by garden lovers and caravan goers as their main choice of decking. Find out more about composite decking here.

What is wooden decking?

Wooden deck is made completely of natural wood, such as pine which is a cost effective choice of wood. Another popular choice of wood is cedar, which is slightly more expensive than pine, however is more durable and moisture resistant. 

Wooden deck comes in numerous sizes and grades for you to choose from. Wood has to be treated so it is protected from rot, insect infestation and outdoor elements. Treating your wooden deck keeps the wood healthier for longer. 

Despite wooden deck requiring more maintenance it is still a popular choice for homeowners and caravans goers to use when choosing a material for their deck.

What are the costs of composite decking vs wood decking?

When it comes to costs of composite deck and wooden deck, there are a few factors you have to consider before making your purchase. 

Now composite deck may initially have a more expensive starting point than the majority of softwoods, however when comparing composite deck to hardwoods, not much separates them when it comes to cost. 

Predominantly composite deck ranges between £45.00-£200.00 per square metre, this would also include the decking board and fasteners. On top of paying for the deck there would also be labour costs for specialists to install the deck. If you are looking for a specialist contact us here.

Even though wooden deck may have a cheaper upfront cost, the maintenance involved is far superior to that of the composite deck. Composite decking can be purchased in a variety of colours and is not going to fade over time and has little to no maintenance to keep it looking as good as the day you bought it.

Wooden deck needs to be painted and treated every 2-3 years, thus making the costs even out. Therefore not only is there a cost to maintain the deck every 2-3 years, there is also more maintenance involved to ensure the wooden deck stays healthy and reduces the chance of you having to replace the wood. 

How long does composite decking last compared to wooden decking?

As composite deck is composed of wood and plastic, naturally when the properties are combined they create a deck solution that lasts longer than wood. Typically you are looking around the 20-30 year mark on how long your composite deck will last. 

Composite deck is protected from mould, insects and extreme temperature. Unlike wooden deck, composite deck is also less prone to cracking, splintering and fading. 

Wooden deck only lasts a maximum 10-15 years opposed to composite deckings of an incredible 20-30 years. 

If you are wanting wooden deck to last longer, it is always advised that you seek the knowledge of a specialist, as they can give tips and tricks into keeping wooden deck healthier and lasting for longer. However composite deck, based on how it is made, will always reign supreme over wooden deck. 

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

You may be thinking that as composite deck has elements of plastics that it can become slippery when it is wet. In the grand scheme of things, yes composite deck is going to be slippery when it becomes wet, however there are measures you can take to reduce the risk of slipping. 

Smooth and polished deck are always going to have less traction than those with a non slip pattern or a slip resistant coating and mats.

Now that we have dove into the differences between composite and wooden deck, it’s now time to weigh up the pros and cons and see which deck is best suited to you and your home or caravan.

Composite decking pros and cons 

Pros –

• Little to no maintenance – as composite deck doesn’t have to be stained or painted; it makes the maintenance of the deck far easier than wooden decking. Lightly cleaning the deck with warm soapy water will keep it in shape all year round

• Resistance – Composite deck is water tight making it resistant to a variety of things including rot, moisture and insect damage. 

• Durable  – Composite deck is guaranteed to outlast wooden decking by quite the margin. It is designed to withstand extreme temperatures that wooden decking simply can’t handle. 

Cons – 

• Costs – Initially the upfront cost of composite deck is superior to wooden. 

• Repair – Even though the maintenance of composite deck is easier than wooden, if something is to go wrong with composite deck it can be more difficult to repair than wood

• Weight – As composite deck is a heavier material than wood, you will need a stronger foundation to support the deck which can be more expensive than wooden. 

Wooden Decking Pros & Cons

Pros – 

• Affordability – Wooden deck as an upfront cost is cheaper than composite deck. Even more lavish types of wood are still more cost effective.

• Style – If a stylish natural look is what you are after, then wooden deck is the one for you. With a variety of woods and paint colours, the look of the deck is limitless.

• Repair – Most homeowners can deal with minor damages to their wooden deck by sanding or refinishing any areas that become slightly damaged.

Cons –

• Wear and tear – Exposed wood can easily be damaged by extreme weather conditions, rot, insect infestation and moisture.

• High maintenance – If not cleaned and treated each year wooden deck stands no chance of competing against composite deck when it comes to durability.

• Quality – As wood is not human made like composite decking, the quality can differ between different wood types, potentially giving you an inconsistency in your deck.

If you are still unsure on which deck to choose for your home garden, pool or caravan, then feel free to get in touch with our experts who can further guide you with your decision.