Should I Choose Natural Wood Or Composite Decking?

Choosing the right decking material for your outdoor space can be a tough decision. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Two popular options for decking are natural wood and composite wood. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of each material to help you make an informed decision.

Natural Wood Decking

Natural wood decking is a classic choice for outdoor spaces. The natural beauty of wood adds warmth and character to any deck, and the different types of wood available mean you can customise the look to fit your style. Some common types of wood used for decking include cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated lumber.

Benefits of Natural Wood Decking:

1. Natural Beauty – Natural wood decking is beautiful, with unique grain patterns and colours that can’t be replicated by any other material.
2. Cost-effective – Natural wood decking is generally more cost-effective than composite wood decking, especially if you choose a softwood like pressure-treated lumber.
3. Easy to Replace – If a plank of natural wood decking becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced with a new one.

Drawbacks of Natural Wood Decking:

1. High Maintenance – Natural wood decking requires regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. This includes cleaning, sanding, staining, and sealing.
2. Vulnerable to Weather and Pests – Natural wood decking is vulnerable to weathering, rot, and pests like woodlouse.
3. Shorter Lifespan – Natural wood decking generally has a shorter lifespan than composite wood decking.

Composite Wood Decking

Composite wood decking is made from a combination of wood fibres and recycled plastic, making it a durable and eco-friendly option. Composite wood decking comes in a variety of colours and styles, allowing you to customise the look to fit your style.

Benefits of Composite Wood Decking:

1. Low Maintenance – Composite wood decking requires minimal maintenance, including cleaning and occasional power washing.
2. Durable – Composite wood decking is resistant to weathering, rot, and pests, making it a long-lasting option.
3. Eco-Friendly – Composite wood decking is made from recycled materials, making it an environmentally friendly option.

Drawbacks of Composite Wood Decking:

1. More Expensive – Composite wood decking is generally more expensive than natural wood decking.
2. Limited Customisation – While composite wood decking comes in a variety of colours and styles, it can’t match the unique grain patterns and colours of natural wood decking.
3. Heat Retention – Composite wood decking can retain heat, making it uncomfortable to walk on in hot weather.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between natural wood and composite wood decking depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Natural wood decking is a beautiful and cost-effective option, but requires more maintenance and has a shorter lifespan. Composite wood decking is durable, eco-friendly, and low maintenance, but can be more expensive and may retain heat. Ultimately, it’s important to choose a decking material that fits your style, budget, and lifestyle.