The composite vs timber decking debate is one we have regularly with clients across Hampshire and Dorset. Both options can look excellent and both have genuine strengths. The right choice depends on how much maintenance you are prepared to do and what your long-term budget looks like.
Timber Decking
Pressure-treated softwood decking is still the most widely installed option in Hampshire gardens. It is affordable, has a natural warmth that composite cannot fully replicate, and with proper annual maintenance it lasts 15–20 years.
- Lower initial cost — typically 30–50% less than composite
- Natural appearance and feel
- Requires annual cleaning, treating or oiling
- Susceptible to algae — can become slippery without treatment
- Lifespan: 15–20 years with maintenance
Composite Decking
Composite boards — made from wood fibre and plastic — need no annual treatment and resist algae far better than timber. Most products come with a 25-year manufacturer guarantee. The initial cost is higher but the lifetime cost is often comparable once maintenance is factored in.
Our Recommendation
For clients who want a beautiful deck but minimal maintenance, composite is consistently the right recommendation. For clients with a tighter budget and a willingness to do annual maintenance, quality pressure-treated timber remains an excellent choice.
A&T Landscapes installs both composite and timber decking across Hampshire, Dorset and Wiltshire. Call 07735 916029 for a decking quote.