When you think about decking, you’re probably thinking about a local pub setting to socialise with friends or a time you went on holiday to a caravan with an outdoor space to relax. Well, you can replicate that space in your very own back garden.
We know it’s no use choosing a random decking material, so we’re here to offer you help. Our buyer’s guide is here to inform you about what is available, ensuring you can make an informed decision before proceeding with your purchase. Read on to learn more about the types of decking materials, decking layouts, average decking costs and other information about decking via this guide. Then head over to our range of decking to find one that suits your design and budget needs.
Table of contents
- What is decking?
- What decking material lasts the longest?
- Decking board vs decking tiles
- How much does decking cost?
What is decking?
Decking is defined as boards fixed to the ground in a garden or outdoor area for people to walk on. However, that term has likely changed because it no longer has to be fixed to the ground since raised decking is now an option for many property owners.
What is timber decking?
Timber decking, simply put, is wooden decking. It’s a traditional material for decking boards and is long desired for its appearance. With that said, there are alternatives nowadays offering what timber cannot. We’ll define these in more detail later in the guide.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking is very popular for modern homeowners. A combination of plastic and wood, many designs ensure a more varied design than timber decking. You can find out more about this material further as you read on.
What is aluminium decking?
Less common but increasingly popular is aluminium decking. This is a new style of outdoor flooring. It’s made using lightweight aluminium and is considered a more durable and eco-friendly choice because it can also be recycled. You can find more details about this type of material and others below.
You can also view our dedicated guide to aluminium decking here.
What decking material lasts the longest?
Decking can last 10-30 years, sometimes longer, with suitable care and maintenance. Composite and timber decking are two of the sturdier contenders.
Unlike composite decking, however, timber decking can have parts of the deck replaced. Composite decking must be replaced entirely, which can be more expensive in the long run.
Another material that many are starting to consider is aluminium decking. This material has many valuable benefits. With good maintenance, aluminium decking can last 60 years.
We’ve broken down the pros and cons of each material to help you understand what makes them worth it.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Timber decking | •Easy to install and clean. •Environmentally friendly. •Sustainable and long-lasting. •Available in hardwood or softwood. •Can be used in urban environments. •Can prevent accumulation of; litter, dirt and food waste. | •Needs re-staining or oiling. •Needs yearly maintenance. •Can fade, crack, splinter or warp over time. •Hardwood can be more expensive. |
| Composite decking (plastic and wood) | •Easy to install. •Slip resistance and splinter resistance. •High resistance to insects and moisture. •Available in a variety of colours and styles. •Hard-wearing with low-maintenance requirements. | •Can fade over time. •At risk of scratches. •At the risk of mould and mildew. •Can be weighty and sag over time. •Can be toxic (depending on materials used). |
| Aluminium decking | •Fixings can be hidden. •Exceptionally long life. •Can be recycled over and over. •Highly durable with corrosion resistance. •Incredibly versatile for simple or complex plans. •Lightweight for easy transportation and handling. •A hollow decking board that can disperse heat faster. | •Design choices can be limited. •Can cost more with the initial purchase. •A noise risk when walking across it or during heavy rainfall (check whether your decking is manufactured with noise-reducing features). |
Want specifics about your ideal type of decking? Find out how long composite decking lasts, whether aluminium decking scratches easily and how to keep your decking clean in our handy guides.
Decking board vs decking tiles
Whether you believe it or not, choosing decking tiles or decking boards does affect your decking. Below is a breakdown of the various pros and cons of each.
| Types of decking | Pros | Cons |
| Decking boards | •Decking in its traditional form. •Long lifespan. •Can add value to a property. •More consistent design. •More suitable for projects with more complex or grand designs (e.g. raised decking). | •Less than favourable initial cost. •At risk of rot and dampness if untreated. •Will need treatment before laying and decorating. |
| Decking tiles | •Easy to install and clean. •Can be snapped in place for temporary or permanent fixtures. •Used for smaller decking spaces. •Can be put over existing surfaces. •Can be easily removed/replaced because of snap technology. •Commonly available with the anti-slip feature. | •Little design consistency. •Limited lifetime so needs regular maintenance. |
You can choose to have a decking kit if preferred. They typically have all the accessories needed to install a new deck. Some decking kits even feature pergolas for a touch of extra luxury.
How much does decking cost?
Unfortunately, there is no strict rule for the cost of decking. With that said, average decking prices can be as little as £1000 to as high as £30,000. These varying costs are affected by:
- The number of accessories your deck will have (i.e. stairs, balustrades, etc.).
- The material of your decking.
- How large your deck will be.
- The design of the decking (non-slip, smooth, textured, etc.).
- How complicated the installation will be.
In some cases, you will even find softwood cheaper than hardwood decking despite both being wood. The reasoning for this is that hardwood is a bit denser and more durable than softwood.
So, you’re all ready to buy and install your new deck. You’ll need to plan it out first. Do you want raised decking, too? You can learn how to install raised decking via our guide.
We also have a guide to staining your decking if you want a surface that looks shiny and new.
The possibilities are endless. Explore our range of decking at Landscaping Superstore, then check out our other guides to help you through the process.
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