Composite Decking vs Timber: Which Is Worth It?

Composite Decking vs Timber

The decking debate comes up on nearly every quote we do. Homeowners want to know whether the extra cost of composite is worth it. The short answer: if you're staying in the house for more than five years, almost certainly yes. Here's the longer answer.

Upfront Cost

Timber decking: £180–£250 per square metre (installed, pressure-treated softwood). Composite decking: £250–£350 per square metre (installed, quality composite boards).

Composite is roughly 30–40% more expensive upfront. That's the figure most people focus on — but it's only part of the story.

Maintenance: The Hidden Cost

Timber decking needs treating. Every year, you need to clean it, sand any rough patches, and apply a preservative or stain. Skip a year or two and the boards start to split, warp, and rot.

Annual timber maintenance: roughly £15–£25 per square metre in materials and your own time (or £40+ per square metre if you pay someone).

Composite decking needs a wash with soapy water once a year. That's it. No staining, no sealing, no sanding.

Lifespan

• Timber decking: 10–15 years with regular maintenance, 5–8 years without
• Composite decking: 25+ years, maintenance-free

The Ten-Year Cost

Let's say you have a 25m² decking area:

Timber: £5,000 upfront + £500/year maintenance = £10,000 over ten years Composite: £7,500 upfront + £0 maintenance = £7,500 over ten years

Over a decade, composite is actually cheaper — and you haven't spent a single weekend staining the deck.

Which Looks Better?

This is subjective. Timber has a natural warmth and grain that some people love. Composite has come a long way — modern boards have realistic wood-grain finishes and come in a range of colours — but it's still engineered, not natural.

If you want the natural look and don't mind the upkeep, timber is a fine choice. If you want a deck you can use without thinking about it, composite wins.

Our Recommendation

For most family gardens, we recommend composite. The upfront cost stings, but the lack of maintenance and the longer lifespan make it the better investment. We install both — and we'll give you an honest quote for either.

Request a free online quote to compare options for your garden.

MSJ Landscaping — decking installers across South Manchester and Cheshire.