‍Understand the pros and cons of composite deck boards vs wood. Compare durability, maintenance, cost, and more to find the best option for your garden.

What better way to take pleasure in one’s garden than upon the solid foundations of a high-quality decking installation? Whether gathering for an evening drink, firing up the BBQ, or stealing a quiet moment with a book, the right decking provides an integral platform to maximise your outside space. 

But when it comes down to the contest between composite deck boards vs wood, deciding what’s best becomes a common conundrum for many homeowners.  

So, to clear any doubts, we’ve asked our landscaping experts to break down the pros and cons of each material, helping you choose the best option with confidence.

Composite Deck Boards vs Wood: What’s the Difference?

The obvious difference between wood and composite decking is the material itself. As we know, wood decking is made from trees and comes in various options, depending on the type of timber. You can choose from hardwood types like Oak or Cherry, or softwood options like Pine, Fir and Cedar.  

Composite decking, on the other hand, is an unnatural material made by combining wood fibres with plastic and bonding agents. The types of wood used to build composite wood include MDF, plywood and fibreboard. 

Other names used for composite wood are “manmade wood”, “engineered wood”, or “wood-plastic composite”.  

Composite Versus Wood Decking: The Advantages and Disadvantages

When deciding between wood and composite for your decking installation, there are various factors to consider. From what looks better in your garden to what requires less maintenance and promises longevity, let’s break down the pros and cons:

Durability 

The main advantage of a composite decking installation is the longevity it offers. Renowned for its durability, composite decking resists rot and warping while eliminating any splintering and insect damage. 

But to say composite decking is invincible would be an overstatement, as it can be prone to scratches, so be careful when rearranging your furniture!  

Natural wood, however, while still a highly durable material, cannot offer the same durability standards. Wood decking will be more vulnerable to moisture, UV damage and pests like woodworm, termites, carpenter ants and carpenter bees.

Despite being more vulnerable to long-term damage, the right care and maintenance can keep your wood decking much more durable.  

Appearance 

Wood decking offers organic and unique textures, unlike any other material, which gives it its charm. Like its durability, its appearance can fade, so care and maintenance are required to keep it looking its best. 

Power washing can help remove any grime or mildew, but be careful not to wash too closely, as you can damage the wood and remove its natural colour and texture.

Composite decking is designed to appear like wood decking, with realistic grain patterns, tones and colours. However, some homeowners feel they lack the authentic appearance of natural wood.

Care and Maintenance

Ideal for those hoping to enjoy their garden more while spending less time maintaining it, composite decking is renowned for its low maintenance. It doesn’t need staining, sealing, or sanding. Only occasional cleaning is recommended to keep it looking fresh.

On the other hand, wood requires fairly regular upkeep to maintain its appearance and integrity. From staining and sealing to cleaning and inspecting for rot or insect damage, wood decking will weather when not given annual care and maintenance.

Safety 

Composite boards are generally seen as a safer option, with slip-resistant surfaces that do not splinter or crack. Due to the plastic content inside the material, composite decking is more fireproof than natural wood, but not entirely fire-resistant.

Wood decking is considered perfectly safe, but without treatment, the surface can become slippery when wet, especially over time when mildew is allowed to build up. Failing to maintain your wood decking can also lead to loose boards, exposed nails and other risks.

Sustainability 

Most composite boards are made from recycled wood and plastics, making them a fairly eco-conscious purchase decision. That’s fine if your decking installation is for life, because it will prove challenging to recycle at the end of its lifespan.

Plus, the durability of composite decking should also mean it’s less likely to require replacing, which uses fewer materials and energy over time.  

But when comparing sustainability credentials, nothing comes close to beating natural wood as an eco-friendly option. After all, we take wood by felling trees, as a regenerative practice and material source, especially from responsibly managed forests. 

If you’re trying to be particularly eco-conscious, using reclaimed decking boards for your installation can go a long way to reducing the overall environmental impact in your garden.

Cost

Composite boards generally come with a higher upfront cost than traditional wood. According to Checkatrade comparison (May 2024), the average cost of composite decking per square meter with labour is £95, whereas natural wood is £65. 

However, the type of wood you choose can significantly increase the costs, with hardwood materials with labour reaching closer to £92.50 per square meter. 

Composite Versus Wood Decking: The Final Verdict

Both composite and wood decking offer distinct advantages. The right choice depends on what you value, whether that’s appearance, longevity, maintenance or budget.

By choosing composite decking, you'll receive a low-maintenance, long-lasting solution built to last and stay safe across all seasons. 

Pick natural wood, and you might prefer the style, cost and sustainability benefits while being okay with a little extra maintenance to keep up appearances and integrity.

At the end of the day, both choices provide a solid foundation to enjoy your garden. 

Perfect Your Outdoor Space with High-Quality Decking

At Instant Scenery, we design and install bespoke decking solutions tailored to your garden, lifestyle, and budget across Worcestershire and beyond.

So, whether you’re leaning towards the natural charm of wood or the low-maintenance durability of composite, we can help build your dream deck with our specialist garden design and decking installation services.

For more details about our decking installation services, get in touch with our garden design experts today. We’d love nothing more than to help you create a beautiful, lasting space you can enjoy for years to come.

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