Timber vs Composite Decking: Which One is Best?

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Thinking about the addition of a new deck to your home? You're not alone.

A well-thought-out outdoor area can turn your backyard into a spot for entertaining, unwinding, and soaking up the bright Aussie sunshine.

But before you get too caught up in visions of summer barbies and twilight dinners with your besties, there's one big, meaty decision that we need to chew on—timber decking or composite?

Both materials have their strong points, and choosing the right decking material comes down to your main priorities: natural beauty, minimal upkeep, lasting durability, or affordable deck installation.

In this guide, we will spell out everything you need to know to help you make a wise decision. Let’s roll in!

What is Timber Decking?

Timber decking is composed of natural wood, offering an authentic, warm appearance that's difficult to surpass.

If you adore the concept of walking in your backyard on real timber and gazing at its natural grain in admiration, then timber decking might be your ideal decking material.

Popular Timber Species in Australia

There are abundant timber choices you can make, depending on the look and strength you want.

Decking hardwoods: These are much denser and way more durable than any softwood. Think Merbau, Spotted Gum, or Blackbutt decking. These timbers hold up well in nasty weather and have a much longer lifespan than any softwood options and are typically milled in accordance with Australian Standard AS 2796.
Softwoods: Treated pine is a popular choice. It’s cost-effective and easier to use, but if you go this route, you’ll need to stay on top of regular maintenance for good condition. Otherwise, it has a much shorter lifespan than any hardwood decking.

The Natural Attraction of Timber

Decking made from natural timber provides that 'authentic' sensation.

Each plank is one of a kind, allowing for a natural look that fits perfectly with the surrounding topography.

As it ages, timber weathers into a silver-grey finish unless you apply oiling or staining to maintain the colour regularly.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking boards are formed from a mix of wood fibres and composite materials like recycled plastics. The result is a board that's low-maintenance, super durable, and a reasonable alternative to wood.

The Manufacturing Process

Recycled wood and materials are used to manufacture composite boards, making them an environmentally friendly product.

Composite decking is made to resist fading, warping, and splintering.

While many brands vary greatly, high-quality composite decking that comes from trusted names in this industry usually carries long warranties and is backed by responsive customer service.

Variety of Colours and Textures

A selection from earthy tones to contemporary greys gives you every possible backyard style.

A wide variety of colors and grain styles exists in composite decking, a perfect fit for matching its different home designs.

Timber vs Composite Decking: A Side-by-Side Look

Let’s break it down into the important factors that are of the utmost concern to homeowners.

Feature	Timber Decking	Composite Decking
Natural Beauty	✅ Yes – it’s the real thing	❌ Imitation wood grain only
Upfront Costs	✅ Lower upfront cost	❌ Higher upfront cost
Labour Costs	✅ Slightly lower to install	❌ Higher due to material weight
Ongoing Maintenance	❌ Requires staining/sealing	✅ Very little maintenance required
Lifespan	10–15 years (with care)	25–30 years (long-term)
Environmental Impact	Depends on sourcing	✅ Made with recycled materials
Surface Temperature	✅ Cooler in summer months	❌ Can be hot under bare feet
Aesthetics	✅ Unique, natural grain	✅ Consistent look, variety of colours
Composite vs Wood	❌ Higher maintenance, lower durability	✅ More durable, less maintenance

Advantages of Composite Decking

The composite timber deck is gaining popularity, and for good reason.

Requires very little maintenance: You won't need to oil or stain it each year. Just clean it every now and then, and you're good.
Great option for long-term savings: While initial costs are higher, you save on those nasty maintenance products and labour over time.
Long-lasting decking solution: Composite is highly resistant to decay, termites, and moisture damage—making it a far more secure solution than standard timber decking.
Friendly choice: Composites are made from recycled wood and are an ecologically responsible alternative to timber.
Variety of colour: Composite decking is available in a wide range of colours. Therefore, it affords a greater range of creative design possibilities.

Disadvantages of Composite Decking

It's not all sunshine and rainbows. Below are some aspects you need to mull over:

Surface temperature: Composite deck boards can become excessively hot underfoot, particularly in the summer months.
Not the real thing: Although it appears nearly identical, composite doesn’t quite replicate the look, feel, or cozy appeal of real wood.
Cost: You have to pay more per square metre compared to most timber products.

When is Timber the Better Option?

You desire a decking option that possesses natural beauty and a traditional, rustic aura.
You are okay with performing some annual upkeep to make sure it ages gracefully.
Your short-term financial outlook demands a cost-effective solution.
You are in love with the real timber option and all the magical, warm vibes it gives off in your outdoor space.

When is Composite the Better Option?

You want a high-quality product, low-maintenance deck that withstands the test of time.
You prefer a sleek, modern look with a range of colours.
You’re concerned about long-term costs and environmental impact.
You want a deck that stays in good condition with minimal maintenance requirements.

Cost Breakdown: Square Metre Pricing and More

When planning the budget for a new deck, think about more than just the cost of the materials.

You will need to cover the labour cost, installation time if you are doing the project in phases, and maintenance, which usually picks up after the warranty period ends.

Timber Decking

Reduced material cost per m².
Requires sealing and oil, with more labour required down the track.
Lifespan depends heavily on how well it’s maintained.

Composite Decking

Upfront costs are higher, but there is no necessity for staining, oiling, or making regular repairs.
You are apt to spend less over the long term and obtain a product of higher quality with a longer lifespan.

Which One is Best for Your Home?

A stylish outdoor dining area on a modern composite decking with a sleek table and chairs, surrounded by greenery

At the end of the day, the right choice boils down to your way of life, your finances, and the degree of energy you wish to invest in maintaining your outdoor decking.

Have a passion for the natural appearance and texture of wood? Opt for timber boards.

Seeking a contemporary, environmentally friendly material that requires little upkeep? Then composite is your best bet.

At Slide Living, we construct outdoor decks in Albury-Wodonga that complement your residence, way of life, and pocketbook.

Whether you pick traditional timber decking or composite timber decking, we’ll assist you from top to bottom in selecting the perfect decking material for your dream backyard to bring it to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Composite decking usually lasts around 30 years. Natural timber decking, with annual maintenance, may last up to 10-15 years.
Composite decking materials frequently utilize recycled and recycled wood. This makes composite deck boards a friendlier choice in terms of lower carbon emissions.
Yes, you can do it yourself, as composite decking is super simple to install; however, you could also consider the option of hiring a professional to do it for you. That way, you can ensure the deck's structural integrity, avoiding any dumb mistakes that might lead to its downfall.
If you’re thinking short-term, timber products have a lower up-front cost. However, for long-term savings, composite decking may be the choice that most obviously saves your penny.
It can, especially during the hot summer months. Surface temperature fluctuates by brand, but a few composite decking brands now offer "cooler" technology.
The majority of high-quality composite decking is designed to be slip-resistant, making it safer than some wooden decks in areas where wetness is a concern.
High-quality hardwoods such as Merbau timber, Spotted Gum, and Blackbutt are all very fine options for offering durability and a stunning appearance.
Yes! There are many composite decking products available in textures and colors that closely imitate the natural beauty of timber options.
Think about your personal preferences and tastes, how much budget you have, how much upkeep you're willing to do, and whether being green is a big deal to you.

Timber vs Composite Decking: Which One is Best for Your Home?