Composite Decking

Composite Decking

Composite Decking Installers near me

So what is composite decking, why should you chose it and is there any difference in composite decking installation compared to timber? And why is it becoming so popular across the UK? At Zest Decking we take the time to discuss the pros and cons with you and whilst composite may be the best decking choice for some people it may not be best for you. We'll understand what you're after - and if composite decking ticks the boxes for budget and aesthetics, we know it will tick the boxes for durability and low maintenance, which is why it is rapidly catching up timber decking as the first choice for decking in this country.

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What is composite decking?

Composite decking is mostly made up of plastic polymers but this material is also combined with very fine wood fibres, almost powder like in size and a bonding agent, which combines the two materials. Most wood fibres used in composite decking come from recycled sources, as are a number of the polymers used making them a good environmental choice.

Since composite decking is a man made material which goes through a production process it means that some aspects of production can be altered or varied. This can be in terms of designs shown on the outer surface, it can also be in terms of the thickness and construction of the actual composite deck panels as some are solid whilst many others are hollow to some degree. The other variable is the ability to add difference dyes to the mix which means that much wider colour options are available from composite decking as apposed to timber decking although most composite decking focuses on shades of greys and browns since most people want there to be some resemblance to timber and these neutral colours blend quite naturally into a garden environment. That said there are those people who want their decking to be a showcase feature in the garden and blacks, whites, greens and redder browns can also be found.

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Composite decking maintenance

The primary reason composite decking is chosen is that it requires little to no maintenance. Whilst you may not need to perform the same treatments as you would for timber it's not to say that composite decking keeps itself clean. Like any outdoor or indeed indoor items which are regularly used the build of dirt and debris is inevitable, which is especially the case with any outdoor structure.

In the same way that you will choose to clean you car, cleaning your composite decking will simply mean that your decking will continue to look as though it has recently been installed. Even though, decking should be installed to provide a subtle run off for water, there may still be areas where a small build up of water may occur which itself will attract addition dirt and grime. Simply brushing off will minimise any build up of dirt if left for the water to simply dry out.

If you perhaps have left attending to your decking over the winter months and dirt, bird droppings and leaves have accumulated on your composite decking maintenance will simply be a gentle pressure wash, or brushing with some mild detergent water which will quickly bring up your composite decking to its former self.

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Cost of Composite Decking versus Timber Decking


The biggest difference between the cost of composite decking versus timber decking is the initial upfront installation cost with composite being more expensive than timber. However,  this cost differential is continuing to close as timber prices continue to rise at quite alarming rates and more entrants are joining the composite deck ranks where this healthy competition is keeping prices more stable.

However, when discussing 'lifetime costs' then the cost picture does change over time. The amount and rate however will vary as to how much cost you place on your own time, assuming you would carry out your own timber maintenance work. There are no real 'material' costs associated with cleaning composite decking and since no treatment is required there are no costs here. For timber application of 'deck oils or other protection treatments have a pound costs so over the course of 10-20 years this adds up. The other more variable costs is the time spent apply these treatments year after year. If you decide to pay a garden service company to do this for you then you will know the exact cost but it you decide to do this yourselves what price do you put on your time - £10 or £20 per hour? What else would you have preferred to be doing with this time? Clearly the reason you have decking installed is to enjoy your outdoor area rather than creating more maintenance jobs for the garden. It is this 'opportunity cost' which is the greatest factor for most people who chose to go down the composite route and stretch there budget a little more to have composite decking installed.


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Timber Decking verses Composite Decking

We've already covered some of the cost comparisons so what other areas are there to compare between the two most popular types of decking?

One if longevity, which also factors into costs. When selecting timber decking the lowest cost option is pressure treated timber decking. However, this will need treating on a regular basis if you are to get this type of decking to last to around 15 years. Even though composite decking doesn't need treating many manufacturers will give 20 year guarantees to there materials - some even going as far as 30 years. So if you are planning on staying in your current home for life, then you may have to replace your timber decking twice, whilst your composite decking is only changed once. This durability with minimal maintenance has great appeal for people in their forever homes.

Another comparison factor is the environmental side. Whilst plastic has had, and still has some poor publicity some people will simply want to use natural resources such as wood. fortunately most wood used in timber decking is responsibly and sustainably sourced so this can be seen as renewals. However, since much of the plastic used in composite decking and the timber is also from recycled resources this difference is less marked. Also factoring in the lifetime aspect - not having to replace your composite decking as frequently as timber clouds this 'carbon footprint' debate further.

At a very basic level some people simply like the natural look and feel of wood. Whilst composites are being designed to have a wood effect to close this gap, they will struggle to replicate the feel of natural wood underfoot.

We hope we've covered a number of points to consider when making your choice which will not doubt end up being based on budget and personal preference.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Decking Tips

  • How long should timber decking last?

    Clearly, a major factor in how long timber decking will last will depend on the level and frequency of wood treatment. Using good quality decking protective treatment applied at the very least every three years should mean that your softwood decking lasts about 15 years. If you’ve inherited decking by moving house the telltale signs mentioned earlier such as cracking and shrinkage may mean that your decking has gone beyond retrospective treatment and you’ll need to look at full deck replacement. If your structural timber is in good condition it may mean a simpler and less costly task of simply replacing the deck boards. Even with a timber structure, composite decking can be still be fitted onto this base to provide a low maintenance alternative to timber deck boards. Otherwise, prepare yourself for deck treatment work every couple of years to make your new softwood timber decking last at least 15 years!

  • When does decking need replacing?

    There will be a number of indicators that your decking is past its prime. Clearly, the final decision will rest with you in terms of how long you leave it and of course whether your finances will allow for a new decking this year rather than next. 

    That said, we’ll try and provide you with some points to review and hope that when the time comes you will give us at Zest Decking a call.

    If you have boards where gaps are growing between them, or there is deck board movement, this can be an indicator that there may be an issue with the supporting structural timber below as well as the deck boards on top. A good way to check is to remove at least one of the boards to decide if the issue is with the decking boards, the structural timbers or both. If you have balustrades and handrails which also have a lot of play in them it’s a good indication that your decking structure has pretty much had its day.

    If the structure has been checked and given the thumbs up but deck boards have extensive cracks, splinters, colour variations or other damage you can simply replace the boards.

    Ideally, if you are having new or replacement timber deck boards it is prudent to have these fitted with a slight slope to allow rainwater to run off and not stagnate or puddle in the deck grooves.  Therefore the decking should be laid so that the slope runs along the length of the grooves to allow water to run off the wooden decking helping it to last longer.

    If you have movement of the total structure or it looks like it is leaning, then there is an issue with the structure, most likely around the structural deck posts. Clearly, this poses a potentially serious hazard and replacing your decking completely, should be recommended.


  • Which decking boards are best?

    Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. Best for the price will be softwood decking as this will be the cheapest decking board option but the downside is that they will require by far the most maintenance so long term may not be the cheapest if you were to add up the time, effort and treatment materials for over 15 or so years. However, if your initial budget is limited this is a great way to finally getting yourself a decking area for your garden. The better wood-alternative is hardwood decking but this can end up being one of the most expensive decking materials. It is expensive as hardwoods such as walnut and balau are much slower growing than softwoods so are not as widely available. They will generally have a natural darker appearance and will look like an expensive interior floor and will require quite little maintenance. If looked after well, they can last almost as long as composite boards, so will have a lower cost if the total cost of your decking is divided over the number of years it lasts. 

    Finally, composite and plastic boards are the lowest maintenance options by far. For the general look and feel composite will provide a more authentic wood effect due to the natural wood fibres also since the production process is slightly simpler the cost of plastic should be slightly less than composite. Plastic decking will typically ‘look more plastic’ than composite decking and there have been instances where if plastic decking has not been laid with appropriate expansion gaps warping may occur. For the smaller additional cost of composite decking to have a great looking virtually maintenance-free decking which should last at least 30 years composite will generally be the best long term decking both in terms of overall lifetime costs and aesthetics.


  • Where’s the best place for deck lights?

    Adding lights to your decking can make your decking a real showpiece as darkness starts to decent on your garden in later summer. However, too few and they provide little practical use and you would still need to provide additional lighting for your decking. Too many and the aura will be overbearing and unpleasant for most people. 

    Since deck lights can be placed in a number of locations getting the correct balance between them will make a big difference to the overall look of your decking at night.

    Incorporating decking in the centre of a deck board, avoiding joints and between 1.2m and 1.8m apart is a good rule of thumb. Where you have stairs leading to your deck, aim for the lights per step being a similar distance apart. Where you have wall lights at the side of your decking, since these serve a more decorative purpose, extending the space 2-3m apart should work fine whilst lights on balustrades should be 1.8m-2.5m apart.


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