Composite or timber is usually the first real decision in a decking project, and it is worth getting right because it shapes the cost, the upkeep and how the deck looks in five years' time. Neither is the better material in every garden. They suit different priorities, and both depend on a well-built frame underneath.
This guide compares them on the questions homeowners actually ask. In it, "timber" covers both treated softwood and hardwood; where the two differ sharply, we say so.
At a glance
Composite and timber decking compared (general characteristics, not product claims)
| Question | Timber | Composite |
|---|---|---|
| Installed price (our ranges) | £1,500–£4,500 for a ground-level deck | £2,800–£8,500 for a fitted deck |
| Routine care | Sweeping, cleaning and periodic re-oiling or staining | Sweeping and washing to the maker's method; no staining |
| Look over time | Weathers towards silver-grey unless a finish is kept up | Colour stays more even, though it can fade or mark |
| Heat in sun | Varies with colour and finish | Dark boards can get uncomfortably hot |
| Grip when wet | Depends on cleanliness and drainage, grooved or not | Same; not immune to algae |
| Fixing a damaged board | A board can be swapped and refinished | Needs the same range and colour, which may be discontinued |
| Under the surface | Treated, graded structural frame | A frame set out to the board maker's rules |
Upfront cost
On price alone, timber usually wins. Our range for timber decking installation starts at £1,500, while composite decking installation starts at £2,800. Treated softwood is the cheapest option; hardwood narrows the gap. Composite boards cost more, and many ranges need closer supports, so the frame can cost more too. Our timber decking cost guide and composite decking fitted price guide break both down.
Upkeep
This is where composite earns its premium. It does not need staining or oiling. It still needs sweeping, washing and its gaps kept clear, using the cleaning method its manufacturer recommends. Timber needs the same cleaning plus a fresh finish when the previous one wears, and how often that is depends on the product, the weather and how much the deck is used. Some people enjoy that work. Others pay for decking cleaning and restoration, which we price at £150–£650 for a modest deck, so it is worth putting a figure on it when comparing.
If you would rather let timber weather naturally to grey, upkeep falls considerably. You still need to keep it clean and check fixings.
How each one ages
Timber changes. Left untreated it turns silver; with a maintained finish it holds a warmer colour. Boards can check (develop small surface splits) and move slightly with the seasons. Many people like that a timber deck looks like it belongs in a garden.
Composite stays more uniform, but it is not unchanging. Uncapped boards in particular can fade or take stains from food, leaves and plant pots, and any composite can scratch. Capped boards have a protective outer layer that resists this better. Whichever you choose, look at a sample outdoors in your own light before ordering.
Heat and grip
Dark decking of any kind gets hot in strong sun, but dark composite is often noticeably warmer to bare feet than timber. If the deck faces south and children or pets will use it, a lighter colour is worth considering.
Neither material is slip-proof. Algae, wet leaves and dirt make any deck slippery, and grooves do not guarantee grip because dirt collects in them too. Shaded, damp corners are a problem whatever you build with. Regular cleaning and clear gaps matter more than the material.
Repairs
A damaged timber board can usually be replaced with a similar one and, once the new wood is ready, finished to blend in. A composite board needs the same range, profile and colour; if that has been discontinued, a single-board repair may stand out. Keep a few spare boards from the original installation if you choose composite.
What both have in common
Both sit on a structure, and that structure matters more to a deck's life than the boards. A composite surface on a poor frame will fail just as a timber one will. Both need ventilation underneath, a finished height that respects the house's damp-proof course and air bricks, and access to any drains or covers below. Both are treated the same way for planning purposes: the material does not decide whether permission is needed.
If you are undecided, ask installers to price the same footprint in timber and in composite. You will see the real difference for your garden, not a general one.
Which suits you?
- Lean towards timber if budget matters most, you like natural grain, you do not mind refinishing, or the deck suits an older property or a planted garden.
- Lean towards composite if you want to avoid staining, prefer an even colour, and are happy to pay more at the start.
- Either way, choose a lighter colour for a sunny deck and plan for cleaning in shady spots.
The decking cost calculator gives a rough figure for either material. After that, ask for quotes and say whether you want timber and composite priced separately.
Frequently asked questions
Is composite decking cheaper in the long run?
It can be, if you would otherwise pay for regular timber refinishing, but it costs more to install. Work out the likely upkeep for timber and compare it with the difference in installed price for your deck.
Does composite decking get slippery?
It can. Algae and dirt grow on composite as well as timber, especially in shade. Regular cleaning and good drainage keep either material safer underfoot.
Can I oil or stain composite decking?
Usually not. Composite is cleaned to its maker's instructions, and sanding or oiling it, particularly capped boards, is generally inappropriate unless the manufacturer specifically allows it.
Do I need planning permission for one but not the other?
No. The board material does not change the planning position; height, position and the property's status do.
Ready to talk to a composite decking specialist?
Get Free Quotes →