When you’re adding decking to your home, you need to think about whether to use genuine timber or composite. Genuine timber comes from softwood and hardwood trees, whereas composite comes from recycled plastic and wood. Each option comes with its own benefits, but here are just five reasons you should opt for timber.
- More Attractive Appearance
Composite decking has come on leaps and bounds, so it doesn’t possess the same cheap, inexpensive appearance it used to. That said, it still fails to replicate the natural warmth and authenticity of genuine timber. When designing a deck, the desire for a standout, statement piece often leans towards the enduring appeal of genuine timber. Artificial materials may lack the authentic aesthetic that timber brings to outdoor spaces. Genuine timber, with its natural beauty and unique character, continues to be the premium choice for those seeking a deck that not only blends harmoniously with the environment but also makes a lasting visual impression.
- Harder to Scratch and Stain
Composite decking’s composition of wood and plastic makes it much easier to scratch than genuine timber decking, which is something you should consider when speaking to those custom deck builders to get the job done. Even worse, scratches won’t weather into character lines as they would when dealing with timber. Since it’s a porous material, composite decking is also more susceptible to staining. From dropped wine glasses to environmental factors, that’s something you should worry about.
- Easier to Repair
Genuine timber decking won’t scratch or stain as readily as composite decking. When considering the feasibility of decking options, it’s essential to look for what’s best suited to withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Quality timber supplies play a pivotal role in ensuring the durability and resilience of your deck. Opting for genuine timber not only offers a natural and timeless aesthetic but also provides a robust solution that can withstand the elements. Even if damage does occur, repairs can be made with relative ease since timber can be sanded down and retreated. You can even remove entire sections if serious damage or moisture problems develop. Thanks to its plastic content, composite decking is significantly tougher to repair.
- Stronger Structures
The primary structural disparity between timber and composite materials hinges on their inherent strength characteristics. Unlike timber, composite materials are not inherently structural, necessitating additional support measures in construction projects. To compensate for the relatively lower strength of composites, builders often have to position joists more closely together to mitigate the risks of sagging and breakages. This increased need for structural support, coupled with the inherent weaknesses of composite materials, can result in higher construction costs. The added complexity in support systems and the potential for material-related challenges underscore the importance of careful consideration when choosing between timber and composite for construction projects, taking into account both the intended use and long-term structural requirements.
- Easier to Recycle
Both composite decking and timber decking is eco-friendly. However, composite decking is a lot harder to recycle. At some point in the future, your decking will need to be torn down. When that date rolls around, your composite decking may end up being sent to landfill – in contrast, there’s always a demand for genuine timber.