A Comprehensive Guide to Choosing the Right Garden Decking Material

Do you want to elevate your outdoor area by installing an amazing deck?

The selection of the appropriate decking material stands as one of the most important choices you will face when planning your garden project. The abundance of available options makes it difficult to identify which material provides the best mix of aesthetics, strength and affordability.

And here's the thing...

Selecting the wrong decking material may result in a deck that develops warping, cracking or fading within several years which can result in expensive repair bills.

The good news? This detailed garden decking cost guide will enable you to confidently select the ideal decking material for your project. After reading this guide you will be able to identify the ideal decking material that fits both your personal requirements and financial constraints while considering your local climate conditions.

Inside This Guide:

• Understanding Different Decking Materials

• Key Factors in Choosing Decking Material

• Comparing Costs and Longevity

• Maintenance Requirements by Material Type

Understanding Different Decking Materials

Garden decking materials exist in multiple distinct categories. Every material delivers distinctive benefits and challenges that will affect your long-term experience.

Timber Decking: The Classic Choice

Among decking materials timber retains its position as the top choice for most people. Timber brings authentic warmth along with its beauty that synthetic alternatives find difficult to match. The most common timber options include:

• Softwoods: More affordable but require regular maintenance

• Hardwoods: More expensive but incredibly durable

• Pressure-treated timber undergoes chemical treatment to defend against rotting and insect damage.

Timber presents a natural appearance that instantly ties your space to nature. Timber stays warm when you walk on it in direct sunlight while also being easily stainable to complement any exterior color palette. However, timber does require regular maintenance. The cost of a garden deck made from timber changes depending on which wood species you choose. You can purchase basic pressure-treated pine decking boards for £15-£30 per square meter while premium hardwood decking options range from £60-£120 per square meter.

Composite Decking: The Modern Alternative

Composite decking has transformed the way we live outdoors. This material combines wood fibers and recycled plastic to provide a wood-like appearance with reduced maintenance needs.

The benefits of composite decking include:

• Minimal maintenance requirements (no staining or sealing)

• Exceptional resistance to fading, scratching, and staining

• Availability in a wide range of colors and finishes

• Splinter-free surface that's comfortable for bare feet

Market research indicates that the global decking market will reach a value of $15 billion by 2025 while composite materials steadily increase their market presence. The trend demonstrates a rising preference for durable materials that require minimal upkeep for outdoor areas.

The primary drawback? Upfront costs for composite decking exceed those of standard pressure-treated timber. The lower maintenance expenses over time lead many homeowners to perceive composite decking as better value for their money.

PVC and Plastic Decking: The Lightweight Option

Decking manufactured entirely from PVC or assorted plastics provides several unique benefits.

• Extremely low maintenance

• Completely impervious to moisture and insects

• Lightweight and easy to install

• Available in a range of colors and styles

Synthetic decking materials produce unnatural looks and can heat up excessively when exposed to direct sunlight. Modern PVC decking now presents a more natural look because technological improvements have produced textured surfaces that resemble wood grain.

Aluminum Decking: The Premium Performance Option

Aluminum decking stands out for its exceptional durability despite being less frequently seen in residential applications.

• Virtually maintenance-free

• Fireproof and won't rot, warp, crack, or splinter

• Exceptionally long-lasting (50+ years)

• Stays cool underfoot even in hot weather

The main disadvantage of aluminum decking is its high upfront cost which exceeds other decking material options. The initial costs of aluminum decking become worthwhile for those seeking a lasting solution.

Key Factors in Choosing Decking Material

Climate Considerations

The weather conditions in your region must guide your selection of decking materials.

• Rainy regions: Prioritize rot resistance with composite, PVC, or pressure-treated timber

• Hot, sunny areas: Look for materials that won't become uncomfortably hot

• Coastal locations: Choose materials specifically rated for salt exposure

Usage Patterns

Select your deck materials based on how you intend to use the deck.

• Heavy entertaining: Choose highly durable materials that resist scratching and staining

• Pool/spa surround: Select materials designed to perform well when wet

• Family use with children: Consider splinter-free options like composite or plastic

Comparing Costs and Longevity

Initial Material Costs

A basic comparison of prices per square meter is provided below:

• Pressure-treated softwood: £15-£30

• Hardwood timber: £60-£120

• Composite decking: £50-£100

• PVC/plastic decking: £50-£90

• Aluminum decking: £90-£150

Professional installation labor costs add an estimated £70-£120 to each square meter of your project.

Lifespan and Long-Term Value

To make a comparison of total ownership costs you should take these typical lifespans into consideration:

• Pressure-treated softwood: 10-15 years with proper maintenance

• Hardwood timber: 15-25+ years with proper maintenance

• Composite decking: 25-30+ years with minimal maintenance

• PVC/plastic decking: 25-30+ years with minimal maintenance

• Aluminum decking: 50+ years with minimal maintenance

The UK Wood Plastic Composite (WPC) decking market will grow to $476.54 million by 2028 at a CAGR of 6.71% between 2023 and 2030. The expansion demonstrates that homeowners now prioritize extended product life and reduced maintenance responsibilities when making choices.

Maintenance Costs

• Timber decking: needs annual cleaning and must be restained and resealed every one to three years at a cost of £5-£15 per square meter each year.

• Composite/PVC/Aluminum decking: needs only occasional cleaning which costs less than £1 per square meter annually.

Maintenance Requirements

Timber Maintenance

Timber decking requires the most regular care:

• Perform annual cleaning on timber decks using power washing or deck cleaner scrubbing.

• Timber decking needs sanding and reapplication of stain/sealer every one to three years for refinishing.

• Repairs: Replace individual damaged boards as needed

Although timber stands out for its aesthetic appeal, it demands continuous maintenance efforts. Neglecting these maintenance steps will lead to rapid degradation of both the deck's appearance and structural soundness.

Composite and PVC Maintenance

These materials require minimal maintenance:

• Cleaning: Occasional washing with soap and water

• Inspection: Annual check for loose fasteners

These options provide busy homeowners with hassle-free outdoor enjoyment since no sanding or staining and sealing is necessary.

Environmental Considerations

Modern composite decking contains recycled materials as numerous brands incorporate as much as 95% recycled content in their products. Eco-friendly materials are becoming the focus point for the global decking industry.

When selecting timber products, seek out FSC certification to guarantee the wood originates from sustainably managed forests. Eco-friendly materials and nature-inspired tones have become popular for 2025 due to the increasing consumer focus on sustainability in home improvement projects.

What's Best For Your Garden? 

This summary outlines the most suitable material for various use cases.

• Best for tight budgets: Pressure-treated softwood

• Best for low maintenance: Composite or PVC

• Best for traditional aesthetics: Hardwood timber

• Best for maximum lifespan: Aluminum

• Best all-rounder: High-quality composite

Wrapping It All Up

Selecting suitable garden decking material requires weighing factors such as visual appeal, longevity, upkeep needs, expense, and ecological impact. Every situation demands its own optimal choice as there is no singular best option applicable for everyone.

If you evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each material type you can choose a suitable option that will bring you long-term satisfaction. Your garden can benefit from the perfect decking solution whether you choose timber for its natural beauty, composite for its low maintenance, or aluminum for its extreme durability.