When you are spending thousands of pounds on a garden transformation, you want to know it’s going to last. We often hear customers say, "I don't want to be doing this again in five years."
The honest answer is that a deck can last anywhere from 7 years to 30+ years. The huge gap comes down to three things: the material you choose, the way it’s installed, and how much you enjoy scrubbing algae in the spring.
Here is our realistic lifespan guide for Bristol gardens.
1. Softwood Timber (Pressure Treated)
This is the standard green-tinted pine you see in most gardens. It’s affordable and looks great when new.
- Expected Lifespan: 10–15 years.
- The Catch: This lifespan assumes you treat it. If you install a softwood deck in a damp corner of Fishponds and never oil it, it will likely start rotting within 6–8 years.
- Maintenance Level: High. You need to clean it annually and oil it every 1–2 years to stop it drying out and cracking.
2. Hardwood (Yellow Balau / Ipe)
Hardwood is the "luxury timber" option. It’s dense, heavy, and naturally resistant to rot without needing as many chemicals.
- Expected Lifespan: 20–25+ years.
- The Catch: It is significantly more expensive to buy and harder to work with (you have to pre-drill every screw hole).
- Maintenance Level: Medium. It will naturally turn silver-grey if left alone, but it won't rot like softwood.
3. Composite Decking (Capped)
This is the game-changer. Made from a mix of recycled plastic and wood flour, wrapped in a protective plastic "shell."
- Expected Lifespan: 25–30+ years.
- The Catch: The upfront cost is higher. However, most leading brands (like the ones we install) come with 25-year manufacturer warranties.
- Maintenance Level: Very Low. It effectively lasts forever until you get bored of the colour.
The "Secret" Killer: The Sub-Frame
Here is the trade secret that most cheap quotes hide: Your deck is only as strong as the wood underneath it.
We have ripped out countless composite decks that were only 5 years old. Why? The expensive composite boards were fine, but the cheap softwood frame underneath had rotted away, causing the deck to collapse.
How we ensure longevity:
- Structural Timber: We use C24 graded pressure-treated timber for joists (the same stuff used in house roofs).
- Joist Tape: On premium installs, we apply a waterproof bitumen tape to the top of the joists. This stops rain sitting on the timber framework, potentially doubling the life of the frame.
- Airflow: We never block the airflow completely. Damp air needs to escape from under the deck, or the wood will rot from the inside out.
How to Make Your Deck Last Longer
Want to add 5 years to your deck's life? Do these three things:
- Clear the Gaps: If leaves get stuck between the boards, they hold moisture like a wet sponge. Run a knife or screwdriver through the gaps twice a year.
- Move the Furniture: Don't leave heavy plant pots in the same spot for 5 years. The wood underneath will never dry out and will rot.
- Don't Jet Wash Too Close: blasting softwood with a high-pressure lance tears the wood fibres, opening them up to more water damage. Use a brush and a hose instead.
Want a deck that outlasts your mortgage? Ask us about our composite options with rot-proof sub-frame protection.
Featured Image Image [Cross-section graphic showing a composite deck board sitting on a joist with black waterproof flashing tape protecting the timber.] Image Alt Text [Joist tape protecting decking sub-frame from rot] Tags Select Tags Decking Lifespan Composite vs Wood Garden Renovation Bristol Landscaping SEO Settings Meta Title How Long Will My Deck Last? A Realistic Guide Meta Description Softwood vs Hardwood vs Composite. We reveal the real lifespan of decking materials in Bristol and why the sub-frame is the most important part.