Composite Decking
Composite Decking vs Timber
Timber is cheaper on day one. In a climate as wet as ours, that advantage rarely survives the third winter.
Upfront cost
Softwood is roughly half the material cost of a quality capped composite. Hardwood closes the gap considerably. Labour is broadly similar because the substructure is identical.
Lifespan and maintenance
Softwood needs annual treatment and typically wants replacing within ten years here. A capped composite board carries a 25 year warranty and needs washing, nothing more. Over twenty years, composite is comfortably the cheaper surface.
Grip and algae
This is the Cumbrian argument. Untreated timber under trees becomes genuinely slippery. Capped composite resists algae because there is no exposed grain for it to colonise, and modern grain-embossed surfaces grip well when wet.
Appearance
Timber has a warmth and movement that composite cannot fully imitate, and it silvers beautifully if you accept that. Composite holds its tone permanently. Choose timber if you love the material; choose composite if you love the space.
Common questions
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We will walk your garden, take levels and talk honestly about what will work — no pressure, no sales pitch.
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