If you are planning a garden transformation this year, you have likely hit the big fork in the road: Timber or Composite?
Ten years ago, composite was a niche product with a shiny, plastic look. Today, it rivals wood in popularity. At Joe's Fencing & Landscaping, we install hundreds of decks across Bristol every year, and the split is now almost 50/50. But which one is right for you? It usually comes down to budget versus maintenance.
1. Timber Decking: The Natural Choice
There is a reason we have used wood for centuries. It is beautiful, workable, and affordable.
The Pros
- The Price Tag: Softwood timber is significantly cheaper upfront. If you are on a tight budget, you can get a lot more square footage for your money compared to composite.
- The Aesthetic: For period properties in Clifton or rustic cottage gardens, you can't beat the look of real wood. It has a natural warmth and variation that synthetic materials struggle to replicate perfectly.
- Temperature: In the height of summer, real wood tends to stay cooler underfoot than dense composite boards.
The Cons
- Maintenance is Mandatory: This is the big trade-off. In our damp Bristol climate, timber turns grey and grows algae if left untreated. You must clean and oil it annually, or it will become a slippery hazard.
- Lifespan: Even pressure-treated softwood will eventually rot. Expect 10–15 years of life, whereas composite can last 25+.
2. Composite Decking: The Modern Contender
Made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic, composite is designed to fix the flaws of timber.
The Pros
- Zero Maintenance: Put away the paintbrush. Composite never needs staining, sealing, or painting. A quick wash with soapy water in spring is all it asks.
- Rot and Warp Proof: It won't twist, splinter, or rot. This makes it safe for children and pets (no splinters!).
- Consistency: If you want a sleek, modern grey deck that looks exactly the same in five years as it does today, this is the material for you.
The Cons
- Upfront Cost: You can expect to pay 30–60% more for materials compared to softwood. However, when you factor in 10 years of buying decking oil and stain, the lifetime cost evens out.
- Artificial Look: Cheaper composites can look "plasticky." You need to invest in high-quality "capped" boards with a wood-grain texture to get a realistic finish.
The Verdict?
Choose Timber if: You love the natural, rustic look, you have a smaller initial budget, and you don't mind spending a sunny weekend once a year oiling the deck.
Choose Composite if: You want a sleek, modern entertainment space that you can use all year round without ever worrying about maintenance, rot, or slipping.
Featured Image Image * [Split screen comparison image. Left side: A classic grooved timber deck with a warm pine colour. Right side: A modern slate-grey composite deck with a smooth wood-grain finish.] Image Alt Text * Comparison of timber decking vs composite decking materials Tags Select Tags * Decking, Composite, Timber, Home Improvement, Garden Design, Bristol SEO Settings Meta Title * Timber vs. Composite Decking: Pros, Cons & Cost Meta Description * Timber or Composite? We compare the cost, maintenance, and lifespan of softwood vs. composite decking to help you choose for your Bristol garden.