Composite and decking are the most common decking materials in the UK. And each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. The best option for your garden and family is determined by your budget. How much time do you want to devote to maintenance. How long you want your deck to endure, and the overall appearance you want to achieve.
Some important factors for comparison of timber and composite deck
Decking Cost Comparison
The price of timber decking boards is determined by the type of wood used; softwood decking is significantly less expensive than hardwood decking and most komposittrall solutions. Hardwood decking costs about the same as composite decking. If you opt to buy timber decking, you’ll also need to buy stains or oil. It will keep it looking good for longer. And you’ll have to spend money on maintenance during the decking’s lifetime.
Decking Durability and Maintenance
Timber decking that is well-maintained may last a lifetime. Because wood is readily sanded and pieces may even be replaced, if you do have rot or fungus. You can fix only that region rather than having to rebuild the entire deck. However, you must maintain your decking in order for it to survive longer.
Composite decking, on the other hand, has a 20-30 year lifespan and requires less upkeep. The majority of composite decking only requires routine cleaning and no treatment or staining to prevent moisture damage. Timber is by far the most time-consuming material during its lifetime due to the minimal maintenance needs of composite decking. However, because of the plastic composition, composite decking is more prone to scratches, which are more difficult to repair than scratches on wood. Because you can’t sand a composite deck to fix minor problems.
Environmental Impact
Timber is one of the most eco-friendly byggmaterial available. All of our timber products are carefully sourced to help reduce your environmental impact. Composite decking is made up of a combination of plastic and wood fibers; the wood fibers are frequently recycled, and if you shop around, you may get decking built from recycled plastics as well. Plastics, on the other hand, have a greater environmental effect due to their manufacturing methods, by-products, and the fact that they are frequently created from cellulose, natural gas, salt, and crude oil.
Strength
One of the biggest disadvantages of composite decking is its lack of strength, or the fact that it is not a structural material and requires more support than timber decking. This may be readily remedied by spacing your joists closer together to support your decking and prevent drooping or breakages, but the extra requirements can increase the expense of your deck structure.
Feel and Look
Both materials provide a variety of alternatives and benefits and downsides, depending on your preferences. Composite decking is less slick than wood and is available in a variety of colors and finishes. The finish is also far more uniform — every board of a composite deck is the same color and texture, whereas real wood and knots can cause color differences. Composite decking will maintain its appearance and color for longer without requiring regular care, making it the ideal choice for a maintenance-free deck. Many of our customers, on the other hand, prefer the beauty and feel of real wood or the luxury of a hardwood deck. If not properly maintained, timber decking can splinter and become slippery when wet. The color options are relatively restricted, but you may alter the color of your decking with stains or paint if necessary.
Conclusion
Material selections ultimately come down to human tastes. Composite decking is the clear winner if you want a non-slip, child-safe deck that only needs to be cleaned once a year. Timber decking is definitely the best option for you if you desire a traditional look and natural feel that you won’t have to replace. Lawsons has a wide selection of softwood, hardwood, and composite decking to meet any preference. You may acquire decking supplies online or visit your local branch to do so.
