Composite or Timber Decking?
- Designer James Treble
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Many people ask me if I prefer natural timber or composite as flooring on the deck… and truthfully, I’ve used both over the years. But when it came to creating our own outdoor spaces – first at our main home, and just recently for the granny flat – I chose composite decking from ModWood Xtreme Guard range.
Why? Simply put: it’s low-maintenance, durable, and looks great year after year. Unlike traditional timber decking, which needs to be sanded and re-oiled regularly to stay in shape, composite boards don’t crack, splinter or fade in the same way. That means less time maintaining and more time enjoying. (Sandy Bay, in the images below, is the newest colour available in the ModWood range).
ModWood’s composite decking is made from recycled HDPE plastic and wood pulp, which ticks another box for me: Sustainability. It performs well in our Australian climate – resisting sun, salt and moisture and it’s available in tones that work beautifully with both modern and classic home styles.
"It gets too hot", I hear that all the time.
Many people assume that composite decking gets too hot under the sun… but the truth is, natural timber does too. If your deck is in full sun, especially during the hotter afternoon hours, my advice is simple: choose a lighter colour, whether you’re going for composite or timber. Lighter shades reflect more heat and will always feel cooler underfoot, making your outdoor space more enjoyable year-round.
Of course, timber has its charm and for some projects, it’s the right call. But if you’re building a new deck or refreshing an old one and want something that holds up without the fuss, composite is well worth considering. It’s not just a practical solution – it’s a smart one.
James Treble is an ambassador for Planet Ark and firmly believes in sensible purchasing, recycling and creative re-purposing. James has three decades of accumulated experience in the Building Industry, Real Estate and Interior Design and regularly shares his knowledge and experience in adding value to properties through effective design & styling. Watch his free videos on YouTube, and follow him on Facebook and Instagram for more free information. Learn more from James' knowledge via his FREE online shows James Bought A House (a renovation) and James Bought A Guest House (a brand new build).
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