If you’re planning on installing a deck or fence in the near future, or if it is time to upgrade your current installation, you’ve got a decision to make. Will you go with traditional timber, or will you choose composite materials? Both of these options have their share of benefits and drawbacks.
Read on to learn what you need to know to make an educated decision for your Australian property and make a decision between innovative composite vs timber decking.
The Appeal of Timber Decking: Benefits to Consider
There are plenty of reasons why Australian homeowners have traditionally chosen timber decking for their outdoor spaces:
Natural Beauty and Versatility
Timber is a highly versatile material. You can give your timber deck a traditional and rustic look when stained or painted a certain way (think a classic white picket fence style or a deck with lightly stained rustic timber beams), or a luxurious and slick look using a different stain or paint (such as smooth, buffed dark-stained hardwood decking). The natural aesthetic and feel of real wood underfoot is a significant draw for many.
Customisable Appearance
With timber decking, you can easily strip one stain or colour and change it if you get tired of your first choice or wish to refresh its look over the years.
Workability and Initial Cost
Timber is generally easy to work with – it can be cut, shaped, sanded, stained, or painted. Popular choices like Treated Pine are readily available, making timber decking a relatively inexpensive option for some projects, at least in terms of upfront costs.
Good for DIY
If you’re looking to save money on installation (at least in the short term – more on this later), timber can be a good choice for DIY enthusiasts.
The Downsides of Timber Decking: What to Be Aware Of
While timber decking has many attractions, it also comes with significant drawbacks, especially considering the harsh Australian climate:
High Maintenance Demands
While timber decking looks great to begin with, it requires a lot of ongoing maintenance to keep it in good condition. Annual sanding, oiling, painting, or staining adds to the cost of the timber deck each year – both in terms of money spent on materials and the labour or time spent by yourself.
Susceptibility to Weathering and Damage
Even with annual maintenance, timber decking is prone to weathering easily under the Australian sun and rain. It will begin to break down, warp, cup, splinter, weaken, and potentially rot in the elements. Decking boards, even for popular hardwoods like Merbau or Jarrah, if not meticulously maintained, will likely still need to be replaced every few years to extend the life of your deck, adding further costs.
Pest Issues
Timber can be susceptible to termites and other wood-boring insects, which can be a significant concern in many parts of Australia.
Environmental Concerns
For the environmentally conscious, producing timber for decking requires cutting down trees. While some manufacturers practice sustainable forestry, not all do. It’s essential to research the source of your timber to ensure their practices align with your values (e.g., look for FSC certification).
The Advantages of Composite Decking: A Modern Solution for Australian Homes
Engineered as an alternative to timber, composite decking is rapidly gaining popularity in Australia, and for very good reasons:
If you choose the right composite decking, you essentially get all the aesthetic benefits of timber decking with none of the maintenance drawbacks. Some lower-quality composites might look more like plastic boards with a printed ‘wood-look’. Therefore, it’s essential to see and feel the composite before you buy. Higher quality composite decking boards, such as those from NewTechWood, look and feel almost indistinguishable from real timber decking, featuring tangible and visible grooves, knots, and natural colour variations in the grain.
Exceptional Durability and Ultra-Low Maintenance
Composite decking is highly durable and virtually maintenance-free – no annual sanding, oiling, staining, or painting is required. High-end composites, like the fully capped boards used by NewTechWood, have a protective layer around all four sides. This added layer of protection makes composite decks UV-resistant, fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and aging-resistant. Basically, quality WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) decking material is immune to most hazards that break down timber decking over time, making it a durable, low-maintenance choice that can stand up to the demanding Australian elements throughout the years.
Long-Term Cost-Effectiveness
While some composite decking materials may have a slightly higher initial outlay compared to the cheapest timber options, they are often on par with better-quality hardwood decking. Crucially, unlike timber decking, minimal ongoing maintenance is needed. This means no significant additional costs are added to the initial investment, making composite decking far more economical in the long term.
Eco-Friendly Options
Many high-quality composite decking brands, including NewTechWood, utilise recycled materials (like plastics and reclaimed wood fibres), reducing landfill waste and the demand for virgin timber.
Considerations for Composite Decking: What to Note
There really aren’t many drawbacks to high-quality composite decking, but there are a few points to mention:
Initial Investment
Premium composite decking materials can be more expensive upfront than cheaper timber decking boards like Treated Pine. Still, they are generally comparable in price to better-quality Australian hardwood decking options. NewTechWood is an example of the benefits of composite decking boards, even entry-level boards like Avenue Decking.
Colour Permanence
Composite decking materials can’t be stripped and re-stained or painted like timber decking can. This means it’s essential to choose the right colour and finish from the outset to suit your home and style. Luckily, reputable brands offer a wide range of modern colours.
Quality Varies
At the lower end of the market, some composite decking materials may not closely replicate the natural look of wood decking, resulting in an appearance that can seem artificial. As mentioned, this isn’t an issue with better quality composite products like NewTechWood’s composite timber decking alternatives, which are designed for a realistic look and feel and exceeding industry standards in all aspects – we build with the Benchmark.
Heat Absorption
Darker coloured composite decking can absorb more heat in direct sun than lighter colours or some natural timbers. However, many modern composites are engineered to reduce heat build-up.
Timber Decking vs Composite Decking: Quick Comparison for Aussies
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison highlighting the key differences for an Australian homeowner:
Feature: Upfront Cost
- Timber Decking: Lower for softwoods (e.g., Pine); comparable to composites for premium hardwoods.
- High-Quality Composite Decking (e.g., NewTechWood): Higher than softwoods; comparable or slightly higher than premium hardwoods.
Feature: Long-Term Cost
- Timber Decking: Significantly higher due to ongoing maintenance (staining, sealing, repairs, replacements).
- High-Quality Composite Decking: Significantly lower due to minimal maintenance.
Feature: Maintenance
- Timber Decking: High: Regular sanding, oiling, staining, painting needed to prevent rot, warping, splinters in Australian conditions.
- High-Quality Composite Decking: Very Low: Occasional cleaning with soap and water. No staining or sealing required.
Feature: Durability & Lifespan
- Timber Decking: Varies by timber type and maintenance; susceptible to rot, pests, warping, fading, and splintering. Lifespan 10-20 years with diligent upkeep.
- High-Quality Composite Decking: Excellent: Resistant to rot, pests, warping, fading, staining, and splinters. Lifespan 25+ years (often with warranty).
Feature: Aesthetics
- Timber Decking: Natural wood look and feel, can be stained/painted various colours. Can weather and change appearance over time.
- High-Quality Composite Decking: Authentic wood look and feel with realistic grain and colour variations. Consistent colour and appearance over time.
Feature: Environmental Impact
- Timber Decking: Can be sustainable if sourced from certified forests; deforestation is a concern with uncertified timber.
- High-Quality Composite Decking: Often made from recycled wood fibres and plastics, reducing landfill and virgin material use.
Feature: Resistance to Australian Elements (Sun, Rain, Pests)
- Timber Decking: Can be prone to damage without constant protection. Termites can be an issue.
- High-Quality Composite Decking: Highly resistant to UV, moisture, and pests. Designed for harsh climates.
Composite vs Timber Decking: The Verdict for Your Australian Decking Project
Both composite timber decking alternatives and natural timber decking have their unique selling points for an Australian home. However, for many homeowners, the significant drawbacks of wood decking – particularly the relentless effort and ongoing cost of upkeep in the face of harsh Australian weather – often outweigh the initial benefits.
High-quality composite decking, on the other hand, presents a compelling case with far more benefits than drawbacks for the modern Australian lifestyle. It’s not only an attractive and durable option but also proves to be cost-effective in the long term as it won’t demand your precious time or open your wallet for constant maintenance. Products like NewTechWood even offer extensive warranties (e.g., a 25-year warranty on our composite decking and fencing!), providing peace of mind for your investment.
Ultimately, if you’re looking for a beautiful, long-lasting, and low-maintenance decking solution that allows you more time to enjoy your outdoor space rather than working on it, premium composite decking is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for savvy Australian homeowners.
Ready to explore the benefits of low-maintenance composite decking for your Australian home? Find out more about NewTechWood’s quality composite decks, fences, wall cladding, and screening.
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