Composite Decks vs. Wood Decks: Which Is the Better Choice?

Wood is one of the oldest structural materials used in existence – and it may be hard to think of a deck being made with anything other than this age-old resource. However, there is an alternative that has grown in popularity over the years. It’s something we can also strongly vouch for depending on the situation; it is composite decking.

Are composite decks the new thing to come along and make wood obsolete? No. Composite decks have now been around a long enough time, and they do continue to make good strides in terms of quality and price. Still, both wood and composite have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the decision between the two comes down to individual preferences, budget and the desired level of maintenance.

The pros of traditional wooden decking

1. Natural aesthetics (authenticity) – it is hard to top the natural warmth and elegance of a traditionally wooden decking. We have been using timber for over 10,000 years. It is a deeply familiar material that has always made us feel good. It’s the real deal you could say. When it comes to authenticity and natural aesthetics – a beautiful hardwood like blackbutt is king.

2. Wooden decks are cheaper to build – Generally, the upfront cost of wood is going to be cheaper than that of using composite decking materials. However, the ongoing maintenance costs of using traditional wood for your decking are likely to balance things out in the long-run. In our experience, most people that do opt for a wooden deck do so for reason number 1 above and less so because of the cost these days.

3. Repairability – With wooden decking, damaged boards can be replaced, patches can be repaired, scratches can be filed. Composite decking is not so forgiving. Superficial damage is harder to work around and scratches can’t be sanded down.

4. Stays cool – As a general rule of thumb, timber stays cooler than composite, and we all know there’s nothing worse than burning feet on a hot summer day.

The cons of traditional wooden decking

1. Lifespan – the longevity of a timber deck varies massively depending on how well maintained it is and the quality of materials used. Hardwoods like blackbutt outlast softwoods like pine. Decks that are routinely stained and sealed will last longer than those that are not, etc.

   Regardless of all the above however, wooden decking will likely be outlasted by composite decking. There are some hardwoods that may give composite a good run for its money, but we give the edge to composites here.

2. Durability – Wood is susceptible to the ongoing effects of the weather, especially in warm climates such as in NSW. Exposure to the sun’s blistering heat and ever powerful UVs will result in a deterioration of your wooden decking. Warping, cracks, splits, colour fading and rot – they affect all decks at some point or another.

   Remember that real wood decking boards, as lovely as they are, come with all that nature intended, including holes and knots. By contrast, composite decking boards are manmade and designed without these defects.

What is composite decking?

Composite decks are a synthetic combination of recycled wood fibres, plastics and bonding agents. Rather than demanding new raw materials such as wood from trees they divert waste from landfills and provide long-term use for them. This use of recycled materials makes them more environmentally sustainable than wooden decks. With that being said, the quality and sustainability of composite material depends on the supplier.

At Prospect Built we have worked with NewTechWood Australia and Ekodeck and have been very impressed with the final results of these brands. Both of which use composite decks that are made from 95% recycled material! We give them the thumbs up.

(Timber can also be extremely sustainable depending on the practices used. That’s why it’s always good to know who, and where you are getting your wood from!)

Pros of composite decking

1. Low hassle – Unlike traditional wooden decking, composite material does not need to be stained nor sealed to prevent moisture damage. Less maintenance means less labour and less costs incurred over the years.

2. Peace of mind – Reputable composite decking companies usually provide a 10-30 year guarantee against things such as warping and fading – offering some protection and comfort for their customers.

3. Environmentally friendly – As mentioned above, composite materials tend to be highly recycled – anywhere from 80% and up.

4. No need to worry about splinters or slips – Unlike timber, you’re not likely to slip on a composite deck when its wet. You also need not to worry about splinters causing havoc to bare feet (unless it’s hot).

Cons of composite decking

1. Prone to scratches – Composite decks don’t scratch too easily but are susceptible to sharp items such as stones. We’ve found that scratches commonly occur when people are moving pots or garden furniture that has a small stone trapped underneath. The aim of the game is prevention because once scuffed and scratched, it is very difficult to treat. In more desperate times, deck boards can be replaced.

2. The look – This one really depends on personal taste and context. A traditional/Victorian house with complex woodwork is going to be better complimented by a wooden decking. Conversely, a contemporary home may be more suited to the use of composite. And of course, there are those that would choose the real thing 10 out of 10 times. Composite decks can look much like real wood but it’s always possible to discern the shiny, plasticky finish. Composite decking may work better as part of a stark and sleek design.

3. Scorching decks – composite decks are frustratingly good at absorbing heat. Here in Wollongong and the Sydney area, I often hear of homeowners complaining about the inaccessibility of their decks during summer. It can take hours for a composite deck to cool down enough to walk on without shoes. Children and pets are also at particular risk.

Proper planning and design can go a long way though, e.g. adequate shading, light colour options, using cool material, etc.

4. Expansion and contraction – Speaking of the heat, composite decking is susceptible to expansion and contraction when faced with swinging temperatures. Depending on the quality of the composite synthetics, this can lead to deterioration of the boards over time. At Prospect Built we only work with well-established and reputable composite deck suppliers. Again, good quality composite is going to be able to mitigate most of these problems mentioned.

Are composite decks better than wooden decks?

It depends. What is best congruent with the style of your garden? Perhaps it requires the authenticity of real timber. Maybe, it needs something more versatile and practical instead.

Composite decks typically run a higher upfront cost – but the lack of staining, sealing and other maintenance every few years means that the overall cost of a timber deck may eventually catch up.

Does that make composite deck a worthwhile investment? Perhaps not if you’re looking to relocate in a few years. A composite deck can increase the value of your property, but more so than a traditional deck? It all depends on the context of your home.

And even if the integrity of timber decks is vulnerable to the extreme weather here in the Illawarra – the practicality of composite decks is also a problem in hot weather.

As with every decision, it is crucial to consider individual circumstances and consult with professionals to determine the best choice for your specific needs. The team at Prospect Built would be more than happy to look into, and assist you with your particular needs and circumstances. We work throughout Sydney, the Illawarra and Wollongong.