Timber Decking vs. Composite Decking – All You Need To Know

When it comes to building a deck in Melbourne, the first and foremost thing that you need to consider is choosing the decking material. Mostly, two types of materials are used for decking: composite decking and Timber Decking in Melbourne. Both offer their own benefits and drawbacks. Choosing the right material depends on budget, time, maintenance and overall look.

Cost:

Timber decking costs depend on the type of the wood used. For instance, softwood decking is considerably cheaper than hardwood decking and other composite decking options. If you opt for timber decking in Melbourne, you need to buy some solvents to ensure that it looks best for prolong period of time. Also, some extra expense will be required for the decking maintenance.

Life Span And Maintenance:

Well-maintained timber decking can last for the lifetime. Timber can easily be sanded down and sections can be replaced. In case, if you suffer from rot or fungus you can treat that area rather than having to change the entire deck.

On the other hand, composite decking will last around 20-30 years but requires less maintenance. It just needs to be cleaned regularly and even there is no need to treat it to prevent moisture. Due to its low maintenance, composite decking is far more in demand. However, composite decking can be prone to scratches.

Environmental Impact:

Timber is one of the most eco-friendly materials one can use. Further, composite decking is made from a combination of plastic and wood fibres. However, plastics typically have more impact on the environment due to the production processes, by-products and much more.

Strength:

The major drawback of composite decking is the strength as it is a non-structural material and requires more support. This easily overcomes by replacing joists closer, but the additional requirements can double the cost.

Look and Feel:

Both the decking options have a wide range of options, each having their own benefits and drawbacks. As compared to timber, composite decking is less slippery and are available in more colour and finishes. Also, the timber decking can have colour variations, due to the natural wood and knots.

Ultimately, choosing a material comes down to personal preferences. If you would like a non-slippery and child safe option, go for composite decking. If you are after a traditional look and natural feel, timber decking is probably the best option for you.