Timber vs Composite Decking

The process of making a choice between timber and composite decking can be quite strenuous, especially without the understanding of what each decking entails. On account of this, we will look at each of the two types of decking independently and quite comprehensively, before bringing out the distinguishing elements.

What is Timber Decking?

Also referred to as wood decking, these wooden planks can be made using a broad range of both soft and hardwood. The type of wood selected is influenced by the outward form or the particular attributes wished for.

For timber decking, softwood may be preferred due to its pocket-friendly cost, the simplicity of working with it, as well as its ingenuous charm and appeal to the eye. On the other hand, when we think about longevity, strength and the ease of how fast it can be ruined by moisture, using hardwood panels is more ideal.

What is Composite Decking?

A blend of reused plastic and timber filament is the primary material used to manufacture composite panels. Unlike timber decking which is purely natural, composite decking can be regarded as being artificial.

What Is the Difference Between Timber and Composite Decking?

Maintenance

For the panels to look clean and fresh, composite decking only requires to be washed while the timber decking needs to be painted regularly and sealed. This is done to lock out moisture that may cause the rotting of the wooden planks.

Even so, composite decking is more susceptible to getting scrapped due to the plastic that is one of its constituents. When this happens, making repairs is difficult. When a wooden panel is scrapped, all that is needed is to sand it down.

Longevity

Compared to man-made products, natural products are more vulnerable to being affected by changes in the atmosphere such as temperature and humidity. As a result, wooden decking tends to gradually lock in moisture. This moisture leads to the development of some organisms such as fungus, that damage the decking with time.  

This is not a concern for composite decking. Natural factors barely have an effect on composite planks. However, human activities such as scratching or placing excessive weight on the planks can wreck the decking.

Effect on the environment

One of the components that make up composite panels is plastic. The manufacturing process of plastic is hazardous to the environment and causes pollution that is also harmful to human beings. In contrast, wood is an environmentally sound product and has no bad effect, especially when properly obtained.

Physical appearance

The panels used in composite decking have quite a consistent and uniform colour. Those used in wooden decking may have some visible colour differences, attributable to the natural timber that was used.

Wooden decking has a very natural appearance while some composite decking automatically appears artificial. However, in the recent past, the plastic appearance can be altered, giving it a more ingenious look.

Practicability

Both timber and composite are workable even though manoeuvring composite is simple. It is difficult for timber to curve or take on non-conventional shapes. When the composite is required to be contoured differently,

 heating it does the magic and makes it easy to arch.

Some homeowners may opt to attach the decking themselves as a do-it-yourself project. However, it is advisable to hire a professional landscaping firm that has the expertise of dealing in timber and composite decking.

Benefits of Hiring a Professional for Decking Installation

Urban Landscapes Cardiff is a landscaping company whose speciality is timber and composite decking. Hiring them is a guarantee that you will realise value for your money because of the following reasons:

1. The end results are of a high standard.
2. They offer a variety of designs that you can choose from.
3. The process is fast and therefore saves time.

You will notice that timber and composite are the most popular types of decking. The choice between the two is reliant on the amount of money you are willing to spend on the decking process as well as the overall decking’s appearance and the durability you desire.