Composite vs Wood DeckingWhich Is Better?
A comprehensive comparison of composite and wood decking materials to help you choose the right option for your budget, climate, and lifestyle.
Quick Answer
Choose composite decking if you want minimal maintenance, 25–50 year lifespan, and consistent appearance over time. Choose wood (treated softwood or cedar) if upfront budget is your primary concern, you enjoy the natural look and feel of real wood, and you are willing to maintain it annually. Composite costs 2–4x more upfront but saves money over 20+ years when you factor in staining, oiling, and replacement costs for wood.
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is an engineered building material made from a combination of wood fibres (sawdust, wood flour) and plastic polymers (typically polyethylene or polypropylene). The wood fibres provide structural rigidity and a natural appearance, while the plastic component delivers moisture resistance and durability. Most modern composite boards feature a protective polymer cap (shell) on all four sides that resists staining, fading, mould, and scratching.
Major composite decking brands available in the UK include Trex, TimberTech, Millboard, Cladco, and Composite Prime. Prices range from £20 to £50 per linear metre for the boards alone, with most homeowners choosing mid-range products at £25 to £35 per linear metre. Composite boards are typically available in 2.4 m, 3.6 m, and 4.8 m lengths and 140mm or 190mm widths.
What Is Wood Decking?
Wood decking uses natural timber boards as the deck surface. The three most common wood species for decking in the UK are treated softwood (the most affordable and widely available), western red cedar (naturally rot-resistant with a warm tone), and tropical hardwoods like iroko, cumaru, and ipe (the most durable but most expensive). Treated softwood accounts for roughly 75% of all wood decks built in the United Kingdom.
Treated softwood deck boards cost £3 to £8 per linear metre, making them the most budget-friendly decking option. Cedar ranges from £8 to £15 per linear metre, while tropical hardwoods run £15 to £35 per linear metre. Wood deck boards are available in 2.4 m, 3.0 m, 3.6 m, and 4.8 m lengths. The standard deck board is 32×150mm (finished), which provides good stiffness and comfort underfoot. Available from Jewson, Travis Perkins, Wickes, and specialist timber merchants.
Composite vs Wood: Side-by-Side Comparison
How the two materials stack up across every important category.
| Category | Composite Decking | Wood Decking |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost (per m²) | £60–£160 installed | £30–£90 installed |
| Lifespan | 25–50 years | 10–30 years (varies by species) |
| Annual Maintenance | Soap and water wash | Oil/stain every 1–2 years |
| Maintenance Cost (20 yr) | £0–£150 total | £1,500–£4,000 total |
| Appearance | Consistent, manufactured look | Natural grain, weathers to grey |
| Heat Retention | Gets very hot in sun | Stays cooler underfoot |
| Scratch Resistance | Good (capped products) | Varies by species |
| Fade Resistance | Excellent (25-yr warranty) | Greys without maintenance |
| Environmental Impact | Recycled content, long life | Renewable, shorter life |
| DIY Difficulty | Moderate (special fixings) | Easy (standard screws) |
Cost Comparison: The Full Picture
The upfront price difference between composite and wood is significant, but the total cost of ownership over the deck's lifetime tells a different story.
For a typical 4×5 m deck (20 m²), treated softwood decking material costs £200 to £400 for the boards alone. The same deck in mid-range composite (Trex or Millboard) costs £700 to £1,400 for boards. Including the substructure, fixings, and installation labour, the total installed cost is approximately £2,000 to £4,000 for wood and £4,000 to £7,000 for composite.
However, wood decks require annual maintenance. Oiling and treating a 20 m² deck costs £100 to £300 per year in materials (quality decking oil plus application supplies). Over 20 years, that is £2,000 to £6,000 in maintenance costs alone. A treated softwood deck also typically needs board replacement after 10 to 15 years (£500 to £1,500). Composite decks need only occasional soap-and-water cleaning.
Over a 25-year period, the total cost of ownership for a 4×5 m wood deck is approximately £5,000 to £12,000 (initial build plus maintenance and partial replacement). The same composite deck costs £4,000 to £7,000 total with virtually zero maintenance expense. At the 12 to 15-year mark, composite becomes the more economical choice.
When to Choose Composite Decking
Composite decking is the better choice in these situations:
- You want a low-maintenance deck that never needs oiling, staining, or painting.
- You live in a damp or coastal climate where wood decays quickly.
- You plan to stay in the home for 10+ years and want long-term value.
- You prefer a consistent, uniform appearance that will not change over time.
- You want a 25 to 50-year manufacturer warranty for peace of mind.
- You are building a raised or hard-to-access deck where maintenance would be difficult.
Composite is the best all-round choice for homeowners who prioritise convenience, durability, and long-term savings over the lowest possible upfront cost.
When to Choose Wood Decking
Wood decking makes more sense in these situations:
- Your upfront budget is limited and you need to minimise initial construction cost.
- You love the natural look, feel, and scent of real wood and are willing to maintain it.
- You live in a climate where composite would be uncomfortably hot underfoot in summer.
- You are building a temporary or short-term structure (5 to 10 year horizon).
- You enjoy DIY maintenance projects and view annual oiling as a satisfying ritual.
- You want a tropical hardwood deck (iroko, ipe) that offers both natural beauty and 25+ year durability.
Wood is ideal for budget-conscious builders, natural-wood enthusiasts, and projects where the warmth and character of real wood outweigh the maintenance commitment.
Calculate Your Deck Materials
Use our free deck calculators to estimate boards, footings, balustrade, and stairs for your project.