Composite vs timber decking: the differences that actually matter

Frame requirements come first

Composite boards are typically less stiff than timber and need closer joist centres — and closer still on a diagonal or picture-frame layout. If you are choosing composite, that decision must come before the frame is set out, not after.

Maintenance realities

Timber needs periodic cleaning and re-treatment to hold colour and resist decay. Composite needs washing to stop surface film and algae, especially in shaded gardens — it is low maintenance, not no maintenance, and a neglected composite deck gets slippery just like timber does.

Heat, colour and grip

Dark composite surfaces get noticeably hot in direct summer sun — worth thinking about on a south-facing terrace used barefoot. Timber stays cooler but silvers over time unless it is maintained. Grip depends more on the board's surface texture and cleanliness than on the material.

Damage and repair

Timber can be sanded, filled and re-oiled, and individual boards are easy to source years later. Composite resists scratching but a deep gouge or a heat mark is permanent, and matching a discontinued colour later can be difficult.

Choosing between them

Composite suits people who want a stable surface with minimal seasonal work and are building the frame new. Timber suits people who like the material, want a repairable surface, or are working with an existing frame at wider centres.

Questions we're asked about this