Lots of our customers decide to have a decked area in their garden. Choosing between natural wood and manufactured composites can be a tough decision. We'll walk through the general pros and cons to help you choose the best option for your garden project.
Wood
You can choose from many types & sizes of wood decking, with each species looking and ageing differently, and many offering 20-year guarantees. Hardwoods come in various colours, whilst softwood decking is usually a light pine colour. However, you can stain it to virtually any colour you wish.
Then there is the choice between hardwood and softwood. 'Hard' and 'Soft' refer to the tree type and generally, whether they are deciduous or evergreen. To make things a little more complicated, hardwoods aren't always hard, and softwoods are not always soft. Make sure you research your choice well before purchasing.
Hardwoods generally come from the tropics. Much has been written about illegal logging and deforestation, so please make sure your decking comes from a reliable, legal source.
Softwood for decking is usually grown in northern Europe and is faster growing than typical hardwoods; therefore, it is generally more sustainable and cheaper.
Both Hardwoods and Softwoods should come from carefully managed forests, but if you're concerned, you can always look for the FSC mark. Both types of wooden decking will need regular cleaning and re-treating to extend their life & looks. A whole host of products are available to help you achieve the finish you want. Do look at any special re-treatment or initial fixing requirements stipulated in any guarantee(s). Special oils & screws/fixings for some hardwood species can be costly. Hardwood decking installation is generally 2 to 3 times more expensive than softwood.
Composite
Composite decks have come a long way in the last 10 years, are more durable in most ways, and many come with 25- to 40-year guarantees. Composite boards also come in a variety of materials, colours, and finishes to create a more modern outdoor space. They require far less maintenance than wood. A light scrub with a gentle soap-and-water mix twice a year is usually all they need to stay looking as good as new. Some composite decking requires special fixing clips or fixings, which can be expensive. Do make sure these are included in any material quotes you get. In most cases, the total cost, including composite decking installation, will be higher than wood.
What's underneath still counts!
A house is only as strong as its foundations, and it's much the same with decking. Whether you opt for wood or composite, take advice from your local decking supplier or contractor when purchasing your deck support frame materials. Don't skimp on the supporting structure or fixings. Take care with thinner decking. Cost-wise, this can look like a good deal, but as this usually needs the support joists to be much closer together to stop the deck "bouncing", you may not save as much as you think.
Conclusion
Over time, the higher costs of composite decking will even out with its wooden counterpart, so if you're investing for the long term, it's worth serious consideration. If you're not planning to stay in your home for the long haul, then wooden decking is excellent for someone willing to do a bit of DIY and maintain it every year. Both have plus points, and it's about what suits you, your family, and your budget best!
If you'd like to view samples of the decking types we can supply or need some advice, please visit us or contact the Sales Team.
