Wood feels timeless and composite promises calm maintenance—yet the best choice often hinges on climate, texture, and drainage.
Maybe the question isn’t “which is prettier,” but “which survives your site with the least drama?”
Executive Snapshot
| Factor | Composite Decking | Wood Decking (exterior hardwood/softwood) |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan (surface look) | Cap resists UV/stains; color drift (ΔE) slower with ASA caps. | Natural patina or graying; finish cycles needed to hold color—how often is that realistic? |
| Maintenance hours | Neutral-pH wash; periodic deep clean. | Sanding/oiling cycles; spot board swaps; more closures. |
| Heat in sun | Driven by color/finish; light matte runs cooler. | Dark oils heat up too; shade helps both. Is “charcoal” worth it at 2pm? |
| Slip (wet) | Texture + cleaning plan maintain wet grip. | Tread roughens then glazes with films/algae unless cleaned on schedule. |
| Look/feel | Stable aesthetic; many textures. | Authentic grain and scent—if you’ll accept routine care. |
| 10-Year TCO | Usually lower in hot/coastal or high-traffic sites. | Often higher due to refinish cycles and downtime. |
Deep dive: our 10-year TCO comparison and installs in the Project Gallery.
Lifespan: What Actually Fails First?
Composite
With a weatherable cap (e.g., ASA), color/gloss hold better, provided cap thickness and bond are consistent.
If the site bakes under high UV, would a lighter matte finish keep the surface pleasant longer?
Background on weatherable polymers: ASA overview.
Wood
Timber moves with moisture and sun; coatings wear. A rich oil finish in spring looks great—by late summer, will it still pass a slip audit?
Why texture and cleaning matter for wet grip: UK HSE notes on slips here.
Maintenance: Hours vs. Outcomes
- Composite: routine neutral-pH cleaning; annual deep clean; freshwater rinse for hardware in coastal sites.
- Wood: scheduled sanding/oiling; faster color drift without shade; watch for raised grain and checking at end cuts.
- Is a weekend closure for refinishing acceptable in high-revenue seasons—or is “light and frequent” cleaning the wiser bet?
See maintenance contract patterns: Maintenance 101 and FAQ.
Heat Under Sun: Color Beats Material
Both composite and wood heat up; color and finish dominate. Light/mid matte tones and shade planning reduce surface temperature.
If the brief insists on deep charcoal, would a pergola be cheaper than complaints later?
General context on reflectance/albedo: albedo.
Spec & Install Details That Decide the Winner
- Slip method + texture: name the method (Pendulum/DCOF or DIN 51097) and the exact texture supplied.
- Subframe: rooftop pedestals with rails; keep 1–2% falls to drains—does your planter layout block outlets on day one?
- Gaps & ventilation: clip-controlled side gaps (≈4–6 mm), temp-based end gaps, ≥50 mm airflow under deck.
- Edges: bullnose/fascia, safe radii for barefoot comfort; avoid trapping water at trims.
Product spans & textures: Ecosolid Decking.
FAQ (the things people hint at)
Will composite feel “plastic” next to real timber?
Modern matte/open-grain emboss reduces sheen and glare. Side-by-side trials outdoors (not showroom lights) are more honest.
Can wood keep its rich tone without weekly attention?
Possible with shade and strict care cycles, but expect more closures and higher seasonal labor compared with composite.
What about fire on balconies/roofs?
Ask for assembly evidence per jurisdiction (EU EN 13501-1 flooring class; local balcony/roof build-ups). Don’t rely on board-only claims.
