Composite decking usually wins where the customer wants consistent appearance and less routine finishing. Timber remains a sound choice where initial material cost, familiar installation and straightforward board replacement matter most.
The right answer depends on the complete build, not a board-price comparison. Subframe, fixings, access, labour, edging and future maintenance all affect the quote.
Composite and timber at a glance
| Decision | Composite decking | Timber decking |
|---|---|---|
| Routine care | Cleaning; normally no staining or oiling | Cleaning plus periodic coating where the chosen timber system requires it |
| Appearance | Consistent colour and manufactured grain | Natural variation, knots and weathering |
| Installation | Manufacturer-specific gaps, clips and subframe centres | Familiar screw fixing and carpentry methods |
| Repair | Replacement boards must match the range, profile and colour | Individual boards are often easier to source and work |
| Initial cost | Usually higher | Usually lower for standard treated softwood |
Material cost is only the first line
Composite boards commonly cost more than standard treated timber, but a fair quote also considers hidden clips, starter fixings, end caps or trims, subframe materials and the finishing labour expected over time.
Stonegate lists complete composite decking kits across ranges including Elegance, dual-sided and Rustique-style boards. Kits can make quantities clearer, but check that the included board length, fixings and edge treatment suit the exact layout.
Subframe decisions
Neither surface compensates for a poor frame. Check ground conditions, drainage, support spacing, ventilation and the board manufacturer's maximum joist centres. Do not carry a timber-deck spacing across to composite without verification.
Composite expands and contracts with temperature. Correct end gaps, side gaps and fixing points are part of the system. Timber moves with moisture and also needs suitable spacing and treatment of cut ends.
Installation time
A simple rectangular timber deck is familiar work for most landscapers and can be quick to set out. Composite hidden-fixing systems produce a clean finish, but starter clips, edge boards and precise gaps take planning.
Board length can change the job. Stonegate's catalogue includes 3.6 m and 5 m kit options. A length that spans the deck can reduce butt joints and waste, provided it can be delivered, carried to the garden and stored correctly.
Maintenance and customer expectations
Composite is often described as maintenance-free; “lower maintenance” is more accurate. It still needs cleaning, debris removal and attention to drainage. Shade, dirt and standing organic material can affect any outdoor surface.
Timber can be cleaned, recoated and refinished, which some customers see as a benefit. Others do not want that recurring work. Establish this before recommending the cheaper initial option.
Appearance and colour
Composite provides repeatable board profiles and contemporary colours, though batches can vary and installed colour may settle after exposure. Timber offers genuine grain and natural variation, then changes as it weathers.
Use a physical sample where colour matters. Screen images are useful for shortlisting, not final approval in every lighting condition. Stonegate's sample request route can help where available.
Slip, drainage and detailing
No outdoor deck should be sold as slip-proof. Surface condition, contamination, board direction, drainage and maintenance affect grip. Use the product's current technical information rather than broad claims about an entire material type.
Design falls and gaps so water can leave the deck. Keep ventilation paths open and avoid trapping soil or leaves against the subframe.
Repairs and future matching
Timber boards can often be cut and replaced with standard tools. Composite replacement is also possible, but the original profile, clip system and colour must still be available. For a larger contract, retain the range details and consider leaving the customer a correctly stored spare board.
Which should you recommend?
- Choose composite for customers prioritising consistent appearance, hidden fixings and reduced routine finishing.
- Choose timber where budget, traditional appearance and easy local repair carry more weight.
- Price both where the customer is undecided, using the same deck size, subframe assumptions and edge detail.
Use Stonegate's Composite Decking Calculator to plan board quantities, then browse the composite decking range. Record board direction, full lengths, cuts, steps and picture-frame edges before relying on the result.
Frequently asked questions
Does composite decking need a timber subframe?
It can be installed over a compatible timber or alternative subframe, but the board system dictates support centres and fixings. Follow the current installation guide.
Is composite cheaper over its lifetime?
It may reduce finishing costs, but no universal payback applies. Material price, labour, maintenance choices and service environment vary.
Can composite boards be screwed through the face?
Some details permit specific face fixing, while main boards often use proprietary clips. Use only the fixing method approved for the range.
