The great deck debate divides opinion among consumers and landscapers. While traditional wooden decking has long been favoured by consumers, composite options are growing in popularity. Cost, longevity and maintenance can vary drammatically.
Questions we routinely field include:
Is wood cheaper than composite decking?
What’s the lifespan of these materials?
Is composite decking easy to maintain?
This article will outline the pros and cons of the materials in question. Please reach out to our team if you need further clarification.
Traditional wooden decking remains in demand among our client base. Much like turf vs artificial grass, many prefer natural materials over synthetically derived alternatives. A wooden deck, including softwood or hardwood, can also be significantly cheaper.
The cost of a wooden deck is offset by maintenance and longevity. We’d recommend utilizing a pressure washer (at a low setting) and applying Ronseal Decking Oil once a year. We offer a maintenance service during the off season.
A wooden deck has a lifespan of 15 – 20 years. Yellow balau is among the most durable species of wood available. A composite deck can last 25 to 30 years.
An ever growing range of composite options are entering the market every year.
While Trex and Millboard have long been industry leaders, we also work with NeoTimber, Dino Decking and Eva-Last. Composite decking tends to be more expensive, there are affordable brands on offer. We also install composite subframes at our clients request.
These composite brands come in a range of textures and colours.
In this regard, it’s important to ensure your deck of choice is UV resistant. Some brand colours are known to fade with time.
If you’d like a free quote and an opportunity to review deck samples, we can help. Our team work in Gloucester, Cheltenham, Stroud, Tewkesbury, Cirencester and across the county of Gloucestershire. Contact us for further information.