Thousands of UK homeowners have revitalised their outdoor spaces recently with a colossal £18.6bn spent on UK gardens in 2021. Decked pools, verandas and outdoor seating areas all increased in popularity thanks to the wonderful properties of composite decking. In this expert guide, we’ve compiled the key composite decking pros and cons to help you choose the right material for the job.
The benefits of composite decking
There are many benefits of composite decking that make it an excellent choice for those seeking an attractive, low-maintenance garden decking that lasts. Now, let’s dive into the benefits in more detail.
1. Durability
The biggest concern when it comes to composite decking, or any type of decking for that matter is the material’s durability. Designed to be denser and stronger than timber, composite decking is able to withstand a great deal of weight, upholding its condition after years of frequent use.
2. Lifespan
One of the greatest benefits of composite decking is that the material has a long lifespan, making it well worth the investment. Stylish yet practical, composite decking upholds an impressive lifespan of 20-30 years.
3. Rot and water resistant
Composite decking has the amazing benefit of being rot and water-resistant, so you won’t ever have to worry about a build-up of moulds or fungus.
What’s more, the impervious constitution of composite wood means that other substances can’t soak into the boards, which is fantastic if you have pets, young children or friends prone to spilling things over.
4. Safety
Composite decking boards are designed to be low-slip. Due to their grained texture, they don’t require any sanding, painting, sealing or varnishing as wood decking boards may and they’re completely splinter free – great news for parents of young children!
5. Versatility
There’s a powerful argument to be made for composite decking when it comes to versatility. As the material comes in a variety of shapes and colours, you have the flexibility to design a deck to suit any need or desire. You can even use decking boards to build planters and pergolas if you have some left over.
6. Bring comfort outdoors
Adding composite decking into the mix of your garden design is a seamless way to embrace the outdoors without giving up on comfort. Think: a dreamy outdoor bar and veranda kitted out with stylish barstools and sofas, perhaps even sheltered by a whimsical pergola dripping with fairy lights.
7. Aesthetic
The appearance of composite decking has come in leaps and bounds over the years with its looks rivalling the organic appearance of real hardwood, down to its textured grain. Anything designed for traditional timber can be replicated with composite decking and is available in contemporary colours from cool grey to a classy mocha hue, there’s plenty to choose from.
8. Warranty
The majority of composite decking has a strong warranty. We offer a 10-year warranty to give you peace of mind.
Are there any disadvantages of composite decking?
We’ve covered the benefits of composite decking, but are there any downsides? Whilst there are arguably a few disadvantages of composite decking, these lie in the realms of preference – so take the following with a grain of salt.
Higher upfront costs
Although composite decking is largely beneficial, this material has a higher upfront price tag than others. But with lower maintenance costs and an increased lifespan, the lifetime costs of composite is lower overall, making it a great investment.
Maintenance
When using your decking make, sure you’re extra careful when cooking or handling hot substances like coals for barbeques or fire pits as they could cause permanent damage to the surface. Beyond that, keep it clean with a pressure washer and that’s it, you’ll never need to repaint or restain it!
Weight
Because composite decking is made from a range of recycled materials, including plastics, it is far heavier than natural wood. As a result, a stronger frame is required to withstand the weight. However, this makes the deck very sturdy indeed.
Is composite decking the way forward?
From our evaluation, the composite decking pros far outweigh the few cons. Perfect for families and pet owners, composite decking is a lifelong investment that will keep you smiling.
This longevity paired with its low maintenance and smart contemporary looks makes composite decking a brilliant option – all you need is to select your style, texture, and colour, and you should be good to go.
Get decked out
That’s everything. Now you have the full down-low on the composite decking pros and cons required to make that all-important decision; how much do you need?
Use our handy decking calculator to measure up. Work out how many decking boards you need and get your hands on a costing in a flash, simply input your dimensions and materials – we’ll do the rest.
Want an expert opinion?
If you’re looking to talk through your options, we’re more than happy to offer a helping hand. Send us a message and we’ll get back to you with a professional perspective.
