March 5, 2025
Composite Timber Decking vs. Natural Timber: Which Is Right for Your Sydney Home?
Are you considering building a deck on your property or an extension or remodelling of your existing outdoor setting? Whatever the project, Austek is here to help you make the right decisions to make sure your decking and pergolas in Sydney match your design specifications.
Let's start from the ground up, literally. What kind of decking suits your needs best? There are two primary choices: composite timber decking and natural timber. The choice comes down to several factors: durability, price point, and sustainability. This blog takes an honest look at the pros of each and hopefully will aid you in making the right choice.
What is Natural Timber?
It's pretty straightforward. As the name suggests, natural timber uses pure lumber harvested from trees for your decking. There are no chemical or manufacturing processes beyond simply preparing the planks for outdoor decking. It is a natural and sustainable way to use responsibly harvested lumber to make your dream deck.Advantages of Natural Timber
Natural timber's enduring appealing factors are its look and feel. Most homeowners are accustomed to timber being used for decking. Its warm, rustic appeal means it's been a mainstay of decking materials for a long time. Earlier composite decking products gave the process a bad name, as these tended to look artificial and like plastic. However, newer composite materials have been designed much closer to timber deck boards. It's hard to go past the look and appeal of natural timber when it comes to outdoor timber decking. Another advantage natural timber has over composite decking is the upfront price. With the ongoing cost of living crisis, considering every dollar spent is a reality for most households. Despite some estimates claiming the composite will pay for itself further down the line, choosing natural timber will mean your initial outlay will be substantially less. It's a good choice if you're looking for cheap decking timber.
What is Composite Timber Decking?
Composite timber is made from repurposed hardwood and recycled plastic. These materials are mixed to form a robust material that's suitable for the rigours of decking. While not as aesthetically pleasing as natural timber, there are several advantages to choosing composite decking for your project.Advantages of Composite Decking
One of the big pluses of using composite decking is its lifespan. Timber decking in Sydney and all over australia can last long, but only with regular, careful timber maintenance. This can also hurt the hip pocket with the cost associated with upkeep. Conversely, composite timber is designed to last for 20-30 years with virtually no maintenance. In most cases, composite timber requires a simple cleaning, and the best part is that there's no need to treat or stain the wood for moisture control. Another advantage of the way composite timber is made is its resistance to problems historically plaguing pure wood construction. These include moisture and mould resistance. Traditional timber can be susceptible to warping, splintering, cracking and rotting with prolonged exposure to moist conditions, so composite timber is fully capped and moisture resistant. Another problem it doesn't have is vulnerability to termite damage.
Natural vs Composite: What's the Right Call for You?
Now we've looked at both types of wood, and it's time to compare them and see which is the best choice for you! Overall, several key factors make composite timber an excellent choice. Eliminating issues associated with natural timber, such as moisture damage, splinters, and termites, makes composite a good choice for people who want a low-maintenance decking surface. The lack of maintenance beyond cleaning also means that the costs, while higher initially, can be recuperated over time by not outweighing the associated costs. Another factor that makes composite timber a good choice is the warranty. Most natural timber decking has no warranty, whereas the composite manufacturing process means it can be guaranteed for 20-30 years. However, don't write off natural timber just yet. Having a natural timber deck can be a reward for the traditionalist or someone who has time and patience. Firstly, natural timber has a timeless look and appeal. While composite has made some aesthetic strides recently, nothing can replicate timber's unique, natural look and feel. Another factor to consider is sustainability. The manufacturing process, particularly for composite timber, is not very sustainable as it requires much plastic when sustainably sourced and grown; natural timber is a far more environmentally friendly option. Polycarbonate roofing can also help protect timber decking from harsh weather while maintaining its natural charm. So, ultimately, it comes down to your priorities. If you're interested in either option, then make sure you head to options of Austek's decking in Sydney, where you can peruse the many types of composite and natural timber we have available!
Recent Articles
