It used to be that if you wanted a deck, you bought wood. That was it. But in the last decade, the decking world has changed. Composite decking has exploded onto the scene, appearing in gardens from Bradley Stoke to Bedminster.
At Joe's Fencing, we install roughly 50/50 of each. We don't have a favourite, but we do know that one will suit your lifestyle much better than the other. The choice usually comes down to two battles: Budget vs. Maintenance and Tradition vs. Modernity.
Here is our honest breakdown of the pros and cons for Bristol homeowners.
Timber Decking: The Natural Choice
Usually made from pressure-treated softwood (pine), this is the traditional British deck.
The Pros
- Cost: It is significantly cheaper upfront. If you are on a tight budget, timber wins hands down.
- Aesthetics: You can't fake nature. For a rustic, cottage-style garden, real wood looks and feels authentic.
- Flexible: Don't like the colour in 5 years? You can strip it and stain it a different shade. You can't paint composite.
The Cons (and the Bristol Reality)
- The "Ice Rink" Effect: We all know the danger of a wet wooden deck in a Bristol winter. Algae grows on damp wood, making it incredibly slippery. You must pressure wash it regularly.
- Rot & Maintenance: Even pressure-treated wood struggles with our wet clay soil and constant rain. You need to oil or stain it annually to stop it rotting, warping, or cracking.
- Lifespan: Expect 10–15 years if you look after it well. Less if you ignore it.
Composite Decking: The Modern Contender
Made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastics, this is the "fit and forget" option.
The Pros
- Low Maintenance: This is the big selling point. It never needs painting, staining, or sealing. A quick wash with soapy water in spring is all it asks.
- No Rot or Splinters: Because it’s plastic-based, it doesn't rot. It’s also splinter-free, which is a huge plus if you have kids or dogs running around barefoot.
- Anti-Slip: Good quality composite has a textured grain that offers much better grip in the wet than slimy timber.
- Colourfast: The grey or brown colour you choose is the colour it stays (mostly).
The Cons
- Price: It costs more. Expect to pay 1.5x to 2x the price of timber for the materials.
- Heat: In direct, baking sun (rare in Bristol, but it happens!), composite can get hotter underfoot than wood.
- Artificial Look: Cheaper composite can look a bit "plastic." However, the premium boards we use have incredible wood-grain detailing.
The "Lifetime Cost" Calculator
This is where it gets interesting.
Scenario A (Timber): You pay £1,500 for the deck. Then you pay £40 a year in stain and cleaner, plus your time (or paying a cleaner). In 12 years, you might need to replace it.
Scenario B (Composite): You pay £2,500 for the deck. You pay £0 in maintenance. In 12 years, it still looks like new.
If you plan to stay in your house for a long time, composite is actually cheaper in the long run.
Joe's Verdict: Which One is For You?
Choose Timber If:
- You want a lower upfront cost.
- You love the smell and feel of natural wood.
- You don't mind spending a weekend every spring power-washing and oiling.
Choose Composite If:
- You want a modern, sleek look (Grey composite is very popular with white rendered houses).
- You are busy and want zero maintenance.
- Safety (slip resistance) is a priority for elderly relatives or children.
Still not sure? We carry samples of both in the van. We can pop round, show you the difference in texture and finish, and price up both options for you.
Featured Image Image [Close-up split shot: Left side showing natural pine decking with visible grain; Right side showing modern charcoal grey composite decking boards.] Image Alt Text [Comparison of timber softwood decking vs grey composite decking boards] Tags Select Tags Decking Ideas Garden Design Low Maintenance Composite Materials Timber SEO Settings Meta Title Timber vs. Composite Decking: Which Is Best? Meta Description Wood or plastic? We compare the cost, maintenance, and lifespan of timber vs composite decking for Bristol gardens.