Choosing decking is easier when you start with the garden and the way you will use it. The boards matter, but so do the structure underneath, access, levels and the time you want to spend on upkeep. Both timber and composite can be considered for a new deck or replacement.
Start with the finish you want
Timber has natural variation in grain and colour. Composite gives you a choice of manufactured finishes, which vary between ranges. Look at samples outdoors beside the house and paving, rather than judging only from a photograph. Ask how the selected product is expected to weather.
Consider how the edges, steps and thresholds will look as well as the main surface. These details can influence the installation and the material needed.
Compare the care, not just the first price
Timber
Allow for cleaning and the care recommended for the selected timber and finish. Depending on the product, that may include renewing a protective coating. Ask what the maintenance involves before choosing a finish you cannot realistically keep up with.
Composite
Composite still needs care. Leaves, dirt and spills should be dealt with using the selected manufacturer's cleaning instructions. Do not assume every board tolerates the same chemicals, tools or pressure-washing settings. A lower-maintenance choice is not a maintenance-free one.
Check what is underneath
A change of boards is not automatically a straightforward swap. On an existing deck, the joists and supports need checking for condition and compatibility with the new specification. The support spacing, ventilation, drainage and fixing details depend on the product and site.
On our Whetstone N20 composite replacement, the sound sub-frame was retained. That decision was specific to that terrace. It should not be used to assume that an old structure at another property is suitable.
What changes the estimate?
- Size and shape: the area, board layout and amount of edge detailing.
- Preparation: removing an old deck and any work required to the supports or ground.
- Access: how materials and old boards can be moved to and from the garden.
- Specification: boards, fixings, steps and finishes around doors or balustrades.
Compare estimates against the same written scope. Check what is included below the surface and how any unexpected structural work will be handled. A previous project's budget is context, not a price for your garden.
Questions to ask before deciding
- Which exact board and fixing system is being proposed?
- What needs to be done to the supporting structure?
- What cleaning and future upkeep does the manufacturer recommend?
- How are edges, steps and the house threshold finished?
- What does any product warranty cover, and what are its conditions?
No material is the right answer for every garden. Our decking installation service in Barnet and North London starts with discussing the site and the finish you want. If decking is part of a wider change, our garden planning guide can help you consider the whole space.
Further reading
For general background, see TRADA's timber decking guidance and the manufacturer Silvadec's composite care guidance. The instructions for the exact product you choose take precedence.