In order to decide whether composite decking or timber decking is right for your Devon garden, consider each material’s characteristics in relation to the following key factors: your property’s style, your tastes, your budget, expected footfall, climate and the amount of time you have for maintenance. We’ll discuss these topics in this guide to composite vs timber decking to help you make the best choice.
We’re ideally placed to compare composite decking and timber. In addition to working with timber, we provide a bespoke composite decking design and installation service for Devon homeowners. You’ll find examples of our stunning projects in our gallery.
Enhance your garden with a high-end deck – call our Devon composite decking experts today on 01626 332533.
Benefits of Garden Decking
A deck is a level surface that’s either just above ground level or higher with steps and railings. Decking gives you a practical yet attractive recreational area and has numerous advantages:
A high-quality deck increases your home’s living space, visual appeal and value. As Good Homes magazine says, decking can ‘take your outdoor space to the next level’.
Decking is suitable for flat or sloping gardens. Plus, you can create single-level or tiered decks in various shapes. If you can dream it, we can design and install it!
You can enhance your deck with numerous features (inset lights, a pergola, an outdoor kitchen, etc.) and create zones for dining, relaxing, socialising and more with screens.
Decking can be used all year round and requires less upkeep than grass. It’s a superb investment when you want to enjoy your garden more.
Characteristics of Composite and Timber Decking
Composite and timber are the two main materials used for decking. As Homebuilding & Renovating magazine emphasises, choosing between them ‘is a key component in the decision-making process’ when you’re planning your deck.
Composite decking contains reclaimed wood fibre (such as sawdust) and recycled plastic (often high-density polyethylene, which is strong and resistant to moisture). The mixture is moulded into robust, uniform boards that have a grooved or wood grain-effect texture and are permanently dyed various colours. Sophisticated black composite decking is a firm favourite among our clients.
Composite decking manufacturers, including Trex, position it as an innovative alternative to decking made of timber (i.e. wood that’s been cut into sturdy boards and treated). Timber decking retains its wood grain texture or is given grooves. It’s usually painted or stained and may include imperfections such as knots.
Composite decking’s success is due to the fact it resembles timber but doesn’t have timber’s vulnerabilities, as we’ll explain.
Composite Decking Pros and Cons
Composite decking installation could be the right choice for your Devon garden if:
- You want decking that complements a contemporary/modern property and has a sleek, consistent appearance.
- You have a busy lifestyle so need low-maintenance yet durable decking. Composite decking just needs occasional sweeping and washing, resists fading and lasts 25+ years.
- You often have guests so require decking that withstands high footfall, resists stains/scratches and doesn’t splinter so is safer for children and pets.
- Your deck will be near a pool or exposed to lots of rain – composite decking is anti-slip and rot-resistant.
- You’re looking for a sustainable material.
But bear in mind:
- Composite decking is denser than timber, so it’s harder to handle and needs a stronger framework. Thankfully, our professional installation service means you don’t need to worry about anything.
- Its initial costs tend to be higher.However,you’ll save money on maintenance.
- It can feel hot underfoot in strong sunlight so needs shade.
Timber Decking Pros and Cons
You might choose timber decking for your Devon garden if:
- You want decking that complements a traditional property and highlights the charm of wood’s natural variations.
- You want the freedom to change your deck’s colour in the future.
- You have a particularly limited budget – timber tends to be cheaper.
- You’re looking for a natural, renewable material that’s fairly easy to handle.
However, there are drawbacks:
- Timber decking requires considerably more maintenance than composite (sanding, re-staining, re-sealing, etc.) and doesn’t last as long (10-15 years).
- It’s less resistant to sun damage, warping, stains, scratches, rot, pests, etc., and is prone to splintering.
- Timber can be very slippery when wet.
Please note: At Jacksons Landscape Designs, we do not install softwood decking. Softwood may be cheaper initially, but it lacks the durability and longevity of composite or quality hardwood, making it a false economy in the long run. We only work with materials that provide lasting value for our clients
Devon Composite Decking – Expert Design and Installation
By combining natural and synthetic elements, composite decking gives you the best of both worlds: the beauty of wood and the superior durability of plastic.
That’s why we design and install high-end composite decking for homeowners in Newton Abbot, Torbay, Exeter and beyond.
For a comprehensive Devon composite decking service, call Jacksons Landscape Designs today on 01626 332533.