Decking Materials Explained

Decking is a brilliant way to bring the natural beauty of wood into your garden. While low level decks are a great surfacing choice, decking lends itself well to creating raised and tiered structures which paving simply couldn't achieve. With a careful choice of deck board it can be an incredibly long-lasting surface. We also offer decking repair and care services for anyone who would like to give their existing deck a new lease of life. If you would like any more information on any of the products below please don't hesitate to contact us.

Hardwood Decking

Hardwood decking is a long lasting, mid-price range, natural choice of deck board. It is available in a variety of different timbers, ridged + smooth finishes and different treatment options to control how the colour changes over time. If you are happy for the boards to grey evenly over a couple of years then no maintenance is required, other than the obvious occasional cleaning. It is possible to maintain the original colour by oiling the boards when new and again once a year. With this treatment the general life expectancy of a hardwood deck is upwards of 25 years.

Softwood Decking

Softwood decking is a great option if you're on a tight budget as it is at the lowest end of the price range. Although it is pressure treated to protect it, to prolong it's lifespan a softwood deck needs cleaning and staining once a year with a clear or coloured product designed for this purpose. If well maintained, you can expect a lifespan of over 15 years or more depending on atmospheric conditions.

Composite Decking

Composite decking can generally be divided into two categories; Wood/Plastic Composites (e.g. EcoDek) and Wood Free Boards (e.g. Millboard). Both are available in a variety of colours and finishes.

Wood/Plastic composites are made by blending recycled plastic with waste sawmill wood chip and colouring agents. Some low cost manufacturers produce hollow boards which are cheaper than the solid alternatives but do not deliver when it comes to lifespan so should generally be avoided. 

Wood free boards contain no organic matter and so are inert to atmospheric conditions, meaning a longer lifespan, no change in appearance or feel, and no maintenance other than cleaning. The non-porous material also resists moisture, stains, mould, algae and impact, additionally it won’t harm delicate feet or paws by splintering.

Because of the new technology put in to producing composite boards they are the most expensive of the options, balanced by their longevity and the lack of maintenance required. Both Wood/Plastic and Wood free boards are relatively new products so their  lifespan is estimated, EcoDek & Millboard are manufacturer guaranteed for 25 years. Based on the fact that it doesn't rot, one should expect a lifespan a lot longer than that.