Composite Decking – The Pros and Cons

This is a question that many home and business owners ask themselves after deciding to upgrade their property with a new outdoor deck. Here are some vital factors that you’ll need to consider –

Some composite timbers will heat up when left in direct sunlight on hot days, making them difficult to walk on with bare feet. If you are building a composite deck that will be exposed to the sun during Summer, take care to select the correct product. WA Timber Decking Professionals recommend choosing a composite with a lower plastic component for this reason.

Conversely, Australian hardwood timbers have evolved over millions of years to withstand the tough Australian climate and will keep cool, even when exposed to the sun for long periods of time.

The majority of high-quality composite decking requires little to no ongoing maintenance, other than a regular clean. Whereas most hardwood timbers should be treated and sealed every 6-12 months (depending on exposure to the elements and volume/type of use).

If maintenance is a concern and you would prefer to use natural timber, there are some that require very little maintenance. For example, Iron Deck and Park Deck are two unique options of Ironwood Ironbark decking that are derived from reclaimed timber being exposed to the sun for several weeks. A natural timber accelerated ageing serum is applied on a daily basis and the face of the wood is finally wire brushed. The finished product offers a unique weathered look with greater structural integrity, and slip resistance and requires virtually no maintenance.

The manufacturing process from one composite to another can vary considerably. Some composites are considered to be less environmentally friendly than others, particularly those made from raw materials and resins that are unsustainable. Currently, no composite on the market is recyclable and this may be a deterrent for some buyers looking towards a ‘greener footprint’. In saying this, a quality composite should last 10+ years.

At WA Timber Decking Professionals, we advocate the use of recycled, reclaimed and sustainable hardwood timbers. As a family-owned and operated business, we understand that our forests are a vital part of the ecosystem, and we are passionate about conserving the environment for future generations.

From recycled and reclaimed hardwood Australian red and grey Ironbark to Spotted Gum, Blackbutt, Darwin Stringybark and other timbers produced under the fundamentals of Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management, we can source a diverse range of eco-friendly timbers, depending on your individual requirements.

There is now a huge variety of composite decking on the market to choose from. The price will vary significantly from low-quality options that are much cheaper than most hardwoods, right through to the best quality which is typically more expensive than hardwood timbers.

Like most things, if you select a ‘cheap and nasty’ option it’ll most likely cost you more money in the long term and/or significantly reduce the practicality and longevity of your deck.

One of the main reasons that people elect to go with real timber decking is the natural beauty and richness of the timber. Composite timbers are designed to mimic the look of real timbers, however, they are available in a wider range of colours.

Whether you prefer the natural look of hardwood timber or the more manufactured look of composite is up to your individual taste. Both hardwoods and composites come in a variety of colours to suit just about any requirement.

In many cases, composite boards can be heavier than natural timber decking. However, this does not necessarily mean they’re any stronger. In fact, most composites have a lower strength rating than just about all hardwood timber options on the market and as they are man-made products, they have less structural integrity than natural timber. The extra weight of composite timbers will need to be considered when building the frame and substrate of your deck. It is advised to check the manufacturer’s warranty when building the decking substrate.

The longevity of your deck will depend on several factors including the choice of timber or composite, the volume and type of use, where it is positioned and your climate.

If you’re considering composite decking or any other timber product for your upcoming project, make sure you give us a call. With nearly 20 years of experience, our highly skilled and passionate team have designed and constructed hundreds of custom-built outdoor decks and structures throughout homes and businesses in WA.

Unlike many of our competitors, we’ll take the time to understand your requirements and visit you on-site to learn what options are most suitable, then provide the best possible advice tailored to your individual needs. But don’t just take our word for it, read what some of our ecstatic customers have to say –

“The design, work ethics and professionalism of this company is A+. I have got a magnificent deck done to the highest standard. Best investment I have ever made. Well done to you and your employees. Thank you. Lucille.” Lucille Halls