Choosing the best decking for your garden depends on your budget, maintenance preferences, and local climate. Composite decking offers the best balance of durability and low maintenance, whilst pressure-treated softwood provides excellent value for money. For premium longevity, hardwood decking remains unmatched despite higher costs.
This guide examines every major decking option available in the UK, helping you make an informed decision that suits your specific needs and budget.
Why Garden Decking Makes Sense
Garden decking transforms unusable outdoor space into functional living areas. Unlike patios, decking works on sloped ground and creates level surfaces without extensive groundwork.
Modern decking materials last 15-25 years with proper installation. They add significant value to your property whilst providing immediate outdoor entertainment space.
The key lies in choosing materials that match your maintenance schedule and weather conditions.
Different Decking Materials
Pressure-Treated Softwood Decking
Pressure-treated softwood dominates UK decking installations for good reason. Pine and spruce boards treated with preservatives offer excellent weather resistance at affordable prices.
Advantages:
- Low initial cost (£15-25 per m²)
- Easy to cut and install
- Readily available from most suppliers
- Takes stain and paint well
- Sustainable when sourced responsibly
Disadvantages:
- Requires annual treatment
- Can warp and split over time
- Surface becomes slippery when wet
- Limited colour options
Expect 10-15 years lifespan with proper maintenance. Annual cleaning and bi-annual treatment keep softwood decking looking fresh.
Popular UK suppliers like Wickes and Travis Perkins stock comprehensive ranges of pressure-treated decking boards.
Composite Decking
Composite decking combines recycled wood fibres with plastic polymers. This engineering creates boards that resist moisture, insects, and UV damage.
Key Benefits:
- No annual treatment required
- Won’t warp, split, or rot
- Consistent colour throughout
- Slip-resistant surface textures
- 25+ year warranties common
Drawbacks:
- Higher upfront cost (£35-65 per m²)
- Limited repair options
- Can fade slightly over time
- Heavier than timber options
Leading brands include Trex, TimberTech, and UK-manufactured NewTechWood. Each offers different surface textures and colour ranges.
Composite decking suits busy homeowners who want beautiful outdoor spaces without ongoing maintenance commitments.
Hardwood Decking
Premium hardwood species deliver unmatched natural beauty and extreme durability. Tropical hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru last 25-40 years even in harsh climates.
Popular Hardwood Options:
| Species | Origin | Durability | Cost per m² | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ipe | South America | 25+ years | £45-70 | Extremely dense, fire-resistant |
| Cumaru | Brazil | 20-25 years | £35-55 | Golden colour, good stability |
| European Oak | UK/Europe | 15-20 years | £40-65 | Traditional, locally sourced |
| Iroko | West Africa | 20-25 years | £30-50 | Naturally oily, pest-resistant |
Considerations:
- Requires specialised installation tools
- Heavy weight needs strong substructure
- Some species need pre-drilling
- Higher environmental impact for tropical options
Choose FSC-certified hardwoods from reputable suppliers like Interesting Timber to ensure sustainable sourcing.
Aluminium Decking
Aluminium decking offers unique advantages for specific applications. These systems use powder-coated aluminium planks with integrated drainage.
Best Applications:
- Flat rooftops and balconies
- Areas prone to flooding
- Commercial installations
- Modern architectural styles
Features:
- Completely waterproof
- Fire-resistant
- Lightweight installation
- No maintenance required
- Integrated cable management
Costs range from £60-100 per m², making aluminium decking a premium option suited to specialist applications.
Choosing the Best Decking for Your Needs
Budget Considerations
Your budget significantly impacts material choice, but consider lifetime costs rather than just initial expense.
Budget Breakdown (per 20m² deck):
- Pressure-treated softwood: £300-500 + £50 annual maintenance
- Composite decking: £700-1,300 + minimal ongoing costs
- Hardwood: £600-1,400 + £30 annual maintenance
- Aluminium: £1,200-2,000 + no maintenance
Factor in installation costs, which typically add 50-100% to material prices for professional fitting.
Climate and Location Factors
UK weather presents specific challenges for outdoor decking. Consider your local conditions:
Coastal Areas: Salt air accelerates corrosion and wear. Choose marine-grade fixings and consider composite materials for longevity.
High Rainfall Regions: Ensure adequate drainage and choose materials with good wet-weather grip. Grooved surfaces help prevent slipping.
Urban Environments: Pollution can discolour natural timber faster. Composite materials maintain appearance better in city conditions.
Shaded Gardens: Poor air circulation encourages algae growth. Choose materials with antimicrobial properties or plan for regular cleaning.
Maintenance Requirements
Match decking choice to your available maintenance time:
Low Maintenance (2-3 hours annually):
- Composite decking
- Aluminium systems
- High-grade hardwoods like Ipe
Medium Maintenance (4-6 hours annually):
- European hardwoods
- Cedar decking
- Modified timber products
High Maintenance (8+ hours annually):
- Pressure-treated softwood
- Untreated timber
- Pine and spruce boards
Installation Considerations
Substructure Requirements
Proper substructure determines decking longevity regardless of board material. Use pressure-treated C24 grade timber joists minimum 45mm × 145mm for domestic applications.
Joist Spacing by Material:
- Softwood boards (32mm): 400mm centres
- Composite boards (25mm): 300mm centres
- Hardwood boards (32mm): 450mm centres
- Aluminium systems: Per manufacturer specifications
Drainage and Ventilation
Poor drainage destroys even premium decking materials. Ensure:
- 150mm minimum clearance beneath decking
- Falls away from buildings (1:60 minimum)
- Adequate cross-ventilation
- Proper membrane installation where required
The Building Research Establishment provides detailed technical guidance on external decking installation standards.
Planning Permission and Building Regulations
Most garden decking requires no planning permission under permitted development rights. However, check requirements if:
- Decking exceeds 300mm height
- Total outdoor structures exceed 50% garden area
- Property sits in conservation areas
- Building near boundaries
Contact your local planning authority for specific guidance. Building control approval may be required for elevated structures or commercial installations.
Decking Accessories and Features
Balustrades and Safety
Decking over 600mm height requires protective balustrades under UK building regulations. Choose materials that complement your decking:
Glass Panels: Modern appearance, uninterrupted views, higher cost
Timber Rails: Traditional look, matches natural decking, requires maintenance
Metal Systems: Durable, various styles available, powder-coated finishes
Composite Options: Match composite decking, consistent appearance, low maintenance
Lighting Integration
Integrated lighting extends decking usability into evening hours. Popular options include:
- LED strip lights in handrails
- Recessed deck lights between boards
- Solar post cap lights
- Low-voltage spot lighting systems
Plan electrical requirements during initial design phases. Use IP65-rated fixtures minimum for outdoor applications.
Storage Solutions
Built-in storage maximises garden space efficiency:
Deck Boxes: Weatherproof storage for cushions and garden equipment
Integrated Benches: Seating with hidden storage compartments
Under-Deck Areas: Utilise space beneath elevated decking for tool storage
Long-Term Care and Maintenance
Cleaning Schedules
Regular cleaning prevents damage and maintains appearance:
Monthly Tasks:
- Sweep debris from surface
- Clear drainage gaps
- Remove moss and algae spots
- Check fixings for loosening
Annual Deep Clean:
- Pressure wash (low pressure for composites)
- Apply appropriate cleaning products
- Inspect for damage or wear
- Re-treat timber surfaces as required
Common Problems and Solutions
Slippery Surfaces: Apply anti-slip treatments or install grip strips. Consider grooved decking boards for future replacements.
Board Movement: Usually indicates inadequate fixings or joist spacing. Professional assessment recommended for significant movement.
Staining and Discolouration: Act quickly on spills. Most stains respond to appropriate cleaning products when treated promptly.
Structural Issues: Never ignore sagging, bouncing, or concerning noises. Professional inspection ensures safety and prevents costly repairs.
Cost Comparison and Value Analysis
Total Ownership Costs (20-Year Period)
| Material Type | Initial Cost | Maintenance | Total Cost | Cost/Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated softwood | £500 | £1,000 | £1,500 | £75 |
| Composite decking | £1,000 | £200 | £1,200 | £60 |
| Hardwood (Ipe) | £1,200 | £600 | £1,800 | £90 |
| Aluminium | £1,600 | £0 | £1,600 | £80 |
Costs based on 20m² deck including professional installation
Composite decking offers the best value over extended periods despite higher initial costs. Factor in time savings from reduced maintenance when calculating true value.
Return on Investment
Quality decking installation typically returns 60-80% of investment in property value. Premium materials in good condition may return 100%+ in desirable locations.
Estate agents consistently rank outdoor living space among the top features sought by buyers, particularly post-pandemic as home working becomes permanent for many.
Environmental Considerations
Sustainable Material Choices
Environmental impact varies significantly between decking materials:
Most Sustainable Options:
- FSC-certified European timber
- Reclaimed hardwood
- Composite from recycled materials
- Locally sourced materials
Environmental Concerns:
- Tropical hardwood deforestation
- Plastic pollution in composite production
- Chemical treatments in pressure-treated timber
- Transportation emissions for imported materials