Renovating
What You Need to Know About Composite Timber Decking
If you don't fancy the upkeep of real timber decking, low-maintenance composite timber could be an appealing alternative
Is it eco-friendly?
Yes. It is made from up to 95-per- cent recycled materials.
Yes. It is made from up to 95-per- cent recycled materials.
What are the benefits of using it over real timber?
- Less maintenance (no oiling, painting or staining required)
- Durable – quality composite boards will last 25 years
- Copes with harsh weather conditions
- Extra-long board lengths are available
- Quick to install
- Can be installed in high or difficult-to-access spots
- Won’t split, rot or twist
- No splinters
A landscape designer’s verdict
“While it is low maintenance, I have yet to see a composite decking product that achieves a convincing representation of real timber,” says Janine Mendel, landscape designer at Cultivart Landscape Design. “Having said that, some clients are adamant they don’t want the maintenance timber requires.”
“Composite decking is also more expensive than real timber. Some products scratch, which cannot be remedied with oiling like real timber can, and most will fade over time, which means an uneven colour if half of it is under cover.”
“On the plus-side, chlorine-resistant composites can be used around swimming pools. There are also many colours available, including on-trend, weathered light-grey. For real timber to achieve a similarly aged appearance, it would actually need to weather, which would cause it to deteriorate,” she says.
“While it is low maintenance, I have yet to see a composite decking product that achieves a convincing representation of real timber,” says Janine Mendel, landscape designer at Cultivart Landscape Design. “Having said that, some clients are adamant they don’t want the maintenance timber requires.”
“Composite decking is also more expensive than real timber. Some products scratch, which cannot be remedied with oiling like real timber can, and most will fade over time, which means an uneven colour if half of it is under cover.”
“On the plus-side, chlorine-resistant composites can be used around swimming pools. There are also many colours available, including on-trend, weathered light-grey. For real timber to achieve a similarly aged appearance, it would actually need to weather, which would cause it to deteriorate,” she says.
Image: ModWood
Where can you use it?
Exterior decking, screening and facades; interior wall cladding.
Where can you use it?
Exterior decking, screening and facades; interior wall cladding.
Image: ModWood
What are some signs of quality to look for?
“Look for solid boards rather than hollow ones,” advises Adrian Mason, Australian distributor of Trex composite decking. “Also, make sure boards are capped on three sides. If a board is totally encapsulated on all sides, the internal core can’t breathe and there is a risk of de-lamination.”
What are some signs of quality to look for?
“Look for solid boards rather than hollow ones,” advises Adrian Mason, Australian distributor of Trex composite decking. “Also, make sure boards are capped on three sides. If a board is totally encapsulated on all sides, the internal core can’t breathe and there is a risk of de-lamination.”
How do you clean it?
“With two tools – a hose in one hand and a glass of wine in the other,” says Mason.
“Warm, soapy water and a broom will clean up the boards in most instances,” adds James Grandison, market development manager at ModWood.
“With two tools – a hose in one hand and a glass of wine in the other,” says Mason.
“Warm, soapy water and a broom will clean up the boards in most instances,” adds James Grandison, market development manager at ModWood.
Which looks are trending?
“Grey-toned decking is taking over from traditional brown decking – think slate, charcoal grey and pale grey,” says David Elms, director at Futurewood. “Deep, realistic timber-grain patterns and streaked colours are also key,” adds Mason.
“Wider boards are popular,” says Grandison. “They’re much quicker to install than narrower ones and give your outdoor area a contemporary, minimalist feel.”
“Grey-toned decking is taking over from traditional brown decking – think slate, charcoal grey and pale grey,” says David Elms, director at Futurewood. “Deep, realistic timber-grain patterns and streaked colours are also key,” adds Mason.
“Wider boards are popular,” says Grandison. “They’re much quicker to install than narrower ones and give your outdoor area a contemporary, minimalist feel.”
Image: Trex
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Decking that looks and feels like real wood, but is made from a combination of recycled-wood fibres (sawdust) and plastic. It is sometimes called WPC (wood plastic composite) decking or wood-alternate decking.