If you are weighing up your outdoor space options, here are the top six reasons to choose composite over timber, followed by a detailed breakdown of each one.
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Much lower maintenance
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Longer lifespan and greater durability
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Better resistance to moisture, rot, pests and weathering
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Greater design flexibility, including colour and texture choice
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Superior performance when using PVC or advanced composites
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Better long-term cost-effectiveness despite higher upfront cost
1. Much lower maintenance
When comparing traditional timber decks and newer alternatives, one of the biggest differences is the upkeep required. With wooden decking, whether softwood or hardwood, you are looking at annual or more frequent staining, sealing or oiling, sanding, and checking for splinters, warping and decay.
By contrast, high-quality decking boards composite options, or blends of wood-plastic, and PVC decking are engineered to require far less maintenance. Composites are the obvious choice for homeowners who would rather spend their time enjoying their garden than maintaining it.
If you prefer to avoid the annual routine of sanding and staining, composite deck boards are a much smarter choice.
2. Longer lifespan and greater durability
One of the major advantages of composite deck boards is that they outlast many timber decks. A well-maintained timber deck might last 15–25 years, but many composite systems are designed for 25, 30 or even 50-year lifespans.
Timber decks are vulnerable to warping, cracking, splitting and rot over time, especially in humid or wet climates. By choosing composite, you are investing in longevity and fewer maintenance worries.
3. Better resistance to moisture, rot, pests and weathering
While timber decks can look beautiful, they come with vulnerabilities. Wood absorbs water, can swell, decay or support mould, and is prone to insect or fungal damage.
Composite deck boards and PVC decking are engineered to resist moisture ingress, rot, splintering, mould and insect damage. If your deck is exposed to harsh weather, coastal air or damp conditions, this level of resistance becomes particularly valuable.
4. Greater design flexibility, including colour, texture and finish
Another strong benefit of composite decks is their design flexibility. Modern composite materials replicate the look of natural wood grain, offer a wide range of colours, and do not require you to commit to a specific finish.
While timber decks offer a warm and authentic feel, that colour can fade over time, and changing the look through re-staining or repainting adds to cost and effort. If you are creating a contemporary outdoor space, the design freedom of composite decking boards makes them very appealing.
5. Superior performance when using PVC or advanced composite technologies
When considering higher-end composite solutions or full PVC decking systems, the performance benefits become even more apparent. These boards often include advanced core structures or protective surface layers that contain little or no organic material.
This results in better fade resistance, stain resistance and durability compared to both wood and standard wood-plastic composite boards. If you want premium materials for your decking project, PVC decking and high-performance composite deck boards are the best options available.
6. Better long-term cost-effectiveness despite higher upfront cost
It is true that composite or PVC decking has a higher initial cost compared to wood. However, when considering the lifetime cost (including purchase, installation, maintenance and replacement), the balance often shifts in favour of composite decking.
With less maintenance, fewer repairs and reduced risk of replacement, you are likely to spend far less over the long term. Time saved on staining, sanding and repairing is another important benefit that adds value.
The case for timber decks (wooden decking) – when wood still works
It is fair to say that timber decks still have their place. A natural wood deck brings warmth, authenticity and a tactile quality that is difficult to replicate. For those working within a smaller budget, wood can allow you to achieve your outdoor vision for less initial cost.
However, there are trade-offs. You will face higher maintenance needs, a shorter lifespan and more risk of structural issues over time. If you choose wood, opt for quality hardwood, ensure it is treated correctly, and commit to ongoing care.
Which product lines from us match these categories?
At Double L, we offer decking ranges that cover both composite and wood-plastic options:
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Classic Decking Range – our signature composite decking product range
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Suprotect Decking Range – our premium wood-plastic composite range
Whether you are prioritising cost, design or long-term performance, we have deck boards composite systems to match your needs.
Conclusion
If you are building a new outdoor deck or upgrading an existing timber deck, composite deck boards or PVC decking deliver excellent long-term value and performance compared with traditional wooden decking. They require less maintenance, last longer, resist weather and pests more effectively, offer greater design flexibility, and often prove more economical over time despite their higher initial cost.
That is not to say timber decks do not have their place, but if you want a durable, low-maintenance, and modern outdoor solution, composite decking is the superior choice.
Explore our Classic Decking Range and Suprotect Decking Range to find the perfect fit for your project.