The Pros and Cons of Composite Decking: An Honest Guide

Composite decking has massive advantages over traditional timber, which is why it has become the go-to material for modern gardens. However, no product is perfect.

When researching how to build your decking right, it is crucial to understand both the benefits and the limitations of the materials you are investing in. Below, we break down the honest pros and cons of composite decking so you know exactly what to expect.

The Pros of Composite Decking

Stable, Long-Lasting Colour

Unlike traditional timber, the colour you buy is the colour that stays. Granted, uncapped composite products will naturally settle into a slightly lighter version of their original shade as they weather in the sun. However, your rich brown or vibrant grey will never turn into the dull, silver-grey shade that untreated timber eventually becomes.

Effortless Care

Say goodbye to exhausting annual upkeep. You will never need to paint, seal, or stain a composite board. The upkeep is effortless—simply wash the deck down with soapy water to keep it looking fresh, giving it a bit of extra attention during the heavy-use spring and summer months.

Eco-Friendly Manufacturing

Composite is manufactured from recycled wood fibers and plastics. This means the product not only looks better over the years, but it also actively repurposes waste materials that would otherwise end up sitting in a landfill. It is a much greener choice for an environmentally conscious garden.

Moisture and Stain Resistance

All composite decking boards are incredibly moisture resistant. Because water cannot easily penetrate the core, your decking will never rot, crumble, flake, or decay.

• Note on Stains: True stain resistance is specific to capped boards, which feature a protective polymer sleeve that allows you to easily wipe away wine spills and BBQ grease.

Longevity and Mildew Prevention

Because composite absorbs so little moisture, the threat of mold and mildew is hugely reduced. On capped boards, mold penetration is virtually non-existent. While uncapped boards can develop minor surface mildew over the years if they aren’t regularly cleaned, the overall structural longevity of composite far outpaces traditional wood.

The Cons of Composite Decking

Thermal Expansion Gaps

Because composite boards contain high-density plastics, they naturally expand and contract as the temperature changes. To accommodate this, you must leave specific expansion gaps between the boards during installation. While this is structurally necessary, some customers do not like the visual appearance of these gaps.

Shorter Joist Centres

Timber subframes can often be built with joists spaced 400mm apart. Composite decking requires a much tighter subframe. Whether you are using hollow or solid boards, your joist centres must be built at a strict 300mm to properly support the weight and prevent the boards from sagging. This means you will need to buy slightly more subframe material.

High Upfront Cost

There is no getting around the price tag. The initial material cost for composite decking is significantly higher than that of traditional timber. While it pays for itself over time through zero maintenance costs, the upfront investment requires a larger day-one budget.

Conclusion

The cons of composite decking largely revolve around the initial installation—higher upfront costs, strict joist spacing, and managing expansion gaps. However, once the deck is built, the pros completely take over. If you want a garden space that you can simply enjoy year after year without the burden of heavy maintenance, composite is unmatched.

Ready to start your project? Browse our full range of high-quality composite decking boards to find the perfect fit for your garden.