Timber vs. Composite Decking

Timber vs. Composite Decking

When it comes to decking material, consumers are really spoilt for choice. Not only do you have a wide range of timber species to choose from, you also have a variety of composite products as well.

However, there is a downside to this – it makes the buying process more difficult. Until the early 90s, composite did not exist in the market, which meant there was only a limited supply of traditional timber species to choose from. There was no question of which material (timber or composite) was better because it simply was not an option. Now, however, customers have a plethora of options to choose from. If you are building a deck in the near future, you might be asking yourself whether you should stick with traditional timber or use composite.

Unfortunately for some, there is no black and white solution for every circumstance. Both materials have properties that will benefit your unique circumstances. While we cannot offer you a definitive answer, we can provide you with information that might help you to make a decision.

Materials

Timber decking

Until 20 years ago, timber was the only thing used for decking. Timber’s has a great aesthetic appeal – there is no denying that a well-maintained timber deck, with its natural grains and colours is a thing of beauty.

Timber vs. Composite DeckingSource: Domain

Composite decking

Even though it is a manufactured product, composite decking is designed to mimic the grains and colours of natural timber. Benefits of composite include resistance to rot and insect infestation, amongst others. There are a wide range of composite products on the market, including the brands Trex, Modwood and Timbertech.

Timber vs. Composite DeckingSource: Trex

Installation

Installation might differ between brands due to how the material expands and contracts, but generally, the installation process is more or less the same regardless of whether it is traditional decking or composite.

Composite is not as flexible as wood and might require some supporting fixings and joints. However, it is usually manufactured with a tongue and groove system that allows the boards to easily click into place, thus reducing the time it takes to install.

Maintenance

One of the biggest advantages of composite is that it requires very little maintenance in comparison to timber, which requires cleaning, resealing and resurfacing throughout the life of the product. However, composite is quite prone to mould growth, while timber is not.    

Environmentally Friendly Choice

There is a lot of conflicting information about whether composite or timber decking is better for the environment, however there are good arguments for both.

Timber is a renewable resource. In Australia, natural timber is sourced from plantations or new growth forests. Trees naturally absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and store it in their wood. CO2 continues to be trapped in the wood, even when the tree is harvested and made into timber products like decking. The manufacturing process (harvesting, milling and transportation) is also thought to be more energy efficient than the composite manufacturing process.

Composite decking is made from a combination of plastics and timber fibres from waste products (e.g. sawdust). Manufacturers of composite decking claim that their product is more environmentally friendly than timber for 2 reasons.

  1.   In decreases the demand of virgin timber, so less timber has to be harvested.
  2.   Composite products, like those from Trex, are made up of 95 percent-recycled wood and plastics. 

Cost

The cost of composite decking can be almost double that of timber. Even though it initially seems significantly more expensive, it can actually be economically viable because it lasts longer than timber and is much easier to install. If money is an issue for you, then timber is probably going to be your best bet, even though the lifespan of the product might be shorter.

Here some are estimated costs for a complete deck per square foot as sourced from Houzz.

  •     Pressure-treated wood: $15-$25
  •     Cedar: $24-$45
  •     Composite: $32-$45
  •     Redwood: $30
  •     Top-end plastic: $48
  •     Ipe: $55

How to choose?

With the information provided above, you should be able to make a more informed choice about what material is right for you. Always take into account what you will use it for, as this will help narrow the search.

When you finally go into a retailer, make sure to ask questions about what they would recommend, about the warranty of the product and how long it will last.

If you have any further queries about timber or composite decking, feel free to contact us.

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What our clients say

Austim are a great partner and timber supplier. Our business is based on the East Coast of Australia and we partner with Austim for WA projects. We have had a long lasting and great working relationship with Austim for many years. Highly recommend them.
daniel wright
daniel wright
06:31 18 Jun 19
Austim is always the first place I try when I need timber and it’s rare that I can’t get what I need there. Stuart is a rare gem of a gent to deal with – quick to respond to any queries, full of good advice and goes out of his way to help get whatever project I’m working on happening to my schedule, even when all I need is a few sticks and a handful of fixings. Highly recommend Austim, the team and young Stuart.
Anni Lilford
Anni Lilford
00:51 16 Nov 18
Stuart went out of his way to make sure we got the product we wanted. He made suggestions on possible constructions and timbers suitable. Very knowledgeable friendly staff all around. Excellent experience, highly recommended.
Holger Butenschon
Holger Butenschon
05:14 22 May 18
Hi Ben,Just wanted to thankyou for your help and advice in our selection of the Millboard Vintage Oak decking also in you recommending Grant from Premier Hardwood Decking. Grant has just completed our decking and we couldn't have asked for a more professional, reliable and competent tradesman. The decking has been installed to a very high standard and the decking itself is stunning. Ian and Sue
susan smith
susan smith
06:27 08 Oct 18
I've used Austim on a few occasions for home projects like decking and pergola, etc and each time the response to my requests for price and delivery have been excellent, the deliveries took place as negotiated, the timber quality was great and value for money. The team at Austim do a great job and make dealing with Austim a breeze.
Michael Robinson
Michael Robinson
09:06 25 Oct 18
I have worked with Austim for around 8 years now and they are one of the best suppliers in perth to deal with. I would highly recommend to use them for any timber needs!!!
Art of Timber
Art of Timber
07:55 05 Mar 20
I had been looking for some cedar for my kayak project and had rung a couple of other places with no luck. When I contacted Austim they were very helpful, had the timber in stock and I was on my was in 20 minutes. The wood was very good quality and has really finished up beautifully. Thanks to Austim.
mark alderson
mark alderson
02:03 08 Apr 17
I"d like to thank Austim for there help in supplying me with material that firstly I thought I'd have trouble sourcing as it was marring up with originally 30 year old existing timber.My project was not a massive project but still needed the attention of an new build.The timber supplied by Austim was machined to size with absolute perfection, where I had to remove old pieces and replace with the new pieces they fitted perfectly.once the floors are re-sanded and varnished they will be back to there former glory. Thanks again to the staff at Austim.Regards Bob Heppenstall.I've just added a finished photo after the Floor Sanding was completed.Original timber was Tassie Oak, and the new is Vic Ash, as you can see there is only a slight variation in the final product.I hope this gives anyone thinking doing the same the confidence to proceed. Regards Bob Heppenstall.
Robert Heppenstall
Robert Heppenstall
10:05 12 Oct 18
Great service over phone and by email. Product supplied is high quality - no issues. Staff accommodating and friendly.
M F
M F
00:18 07 May 20
Good service with fair prices.
Colin Della Bosca
Colin Della Bosca
08:14 04 Jun 20
Great service and product.I struggled to find a bench top in the size and material I wanted, so was really happy when I found one with Austim.It came fully protected with wrap and was undamaged when I got it home.Thanks
Matt Harrison
Matt Harrison
06:29 08 May 23
Good selection, friendly staff, competitive pricing. Preferred over the 'hardware store'.You can hand pick if you need superior quality, Ben Price helped me with sorting through
Dirk Wachter
Dirk Wachter
03:59 12 May 23
Quick responses, timber prepared to request including cutting to Size. Easy pick up. Highly recommend.
Martyn Lethbridge
Martyn Lethbridge
06:42 05 May 23
We wanted Marri boards to make a bed - Austim provided beautiful planed and sized boards - at a good price - delivered on time......excellent service!
Mark Warren
Mark Warren
06:53 20 Aug 21
Ordered some merbau timber through austim to replace some rotten pine stair treads. The guy on the phone was very helpful .the timber was straight and had no faults or damage. Sent a message with a picture to say the timber had been delivered. Would definitely order timber from them again
Galaxie Galaxie
Galaxie Galaxie
05:25 29 Nov 23
Ron has help me out tremendously with designing and supplying two decks. Everything required to build them including screws Concreate, stirrups and timber. Service is excellent and at competitive prices.
Craig Bussanich
Craig Bussanich
01:25 06 Oct 23
Excellent service! The gentlemen that served us was so helpful and sorted out our kitchen bench top in 15 minutes! Great product!
sophie sherlock
sophie sherlock
07:24 06 Oct 23

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“The timber quality is excellent, the price was competitive, the communication spot on and the delivery just right. Well done and thanks again”

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