For decades, timber has been the default choice for garden decking. It is natural, affordable, and easy to work with. But anyone who has owned a wooden deck in the UK knows the yearly struggle: scrubbing off green algae, re-staining to stop the grey fade, and watching out for splinters.
At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we have seen a massive shift towards composite decking. But is it worth the extra investment? We tracked a specific project to demonstrate the real-world benefits.
The Project: A Damp Corner in Fishponds
The Client: A busy family with two large dogs and a north-facing garden.
The Challenge: Their existing softwood deck was only six years old but was already failing. Because the garden received very little direct sunlight, the wood never fully dried out in winter. The result was a slimy, black surface that was dangerous to walk on, and boards that had begun to rot through at the joists.
The Solution: Capped Composite
We recommended ripping out the old wood and replacing it with a high-quality capped composite board (a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibre wrapped in a protective shell).
1. The "Forever" Frame
There is no point putting a 25-year deck board on a frame that will rot in 10 years. For this project, we used pressure-treated structural timber for the sub-frame, but with a crucial upgrade: Joist Tape.
We applied a bitumen-based flashing tape to the top of every timber joist. This creates a waterproof seal around the screws and prevents water from sitting on the wood, effectively doubling the life of the frame.
2. The Aesthetic
The client chose a "Slate Grey" wood-grain finish. Unlike painted timber, this colour is baked into the material. It won't peel, flake, or fade significantly under UV light.
3. Pet-Proof Durability
With two dogs running in and out, the scratch resistance of composite was a major selling point. The "capped" surface is incredibly hard-wearing, meaning dog claws (and moving garden furniture) won't gouge the surface.
The Result: One Year Later
We visited the property 12 months post-installation to inspect the deck. In a typical year, a wooden deck in this location would already be showing signs of green algae build-up.
The Verdict:
- Zero Algae: The non-porous surface meant algae couldn't root. A quick spray with a garden hose was all it took to clean it.
- Safety: The textured grain provided excellent grip, even when wet.
- Stability: No warped boards, no popped screws, and no splinters.
Is It Worth the Cost?
Composite materials typically cost 30-50% more than standard softwood upfront. However, when you factor in the cost of stain, deck cleaner, and your own time every spring for 10 years, the composite deck pays for itself.
For this Bristol family, reclaiming their garden without the chore of maintenance was priceless.
Featured Image Image * [Close up shot of a modern grey composite deck with a realistic wood grain texture; rain droplets are beading on the surface rather than soaking in] Image Alt Text * Grey composite decking showing water resistance and wood grain texture Tags Select Tags * Composite Decking, Garden Design, Low Maintenance, Pet Friendly Garden, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * Composite Decking Case Study: Durability in Bristol Meta Description * Is composite decking worth the money? We review a recent installation in a damp Bristol garden to test its durability, slip resistance, and low maintenance.