A UK Buyer’s Guide to Choosing Composite Decking

Brits are spending more time in their gardens than ever before. Whether it’s for relaxing and unwinding, hosting friends and family or enjoying a tea or coffee in the morning sun, we’re now considering our outdoor spaces as an extension of our homes. Which means we need any materials we use to not only look the part, but also to withstand the demands of everyday life, delivering style and durability without the ongoing upkeep.

There are a lot of options to choose from. And with rising expectations around longevity, aesthetics and long-term value, the answer matters now more than ever.

Below, we explain why composite decking is the best option for UK gardens, considering climate factors, associated maintenance and why Trex® is a step above the rest.

Understanding composite decking

The first question you might have is, what is composite decking? Composite is a decking material that comprises a blend of wood fibres and plastic (which is often recycled). It is designed to offer the look and feel of natural wood, but with added durability and lower maintenance needs.

It doesn’t need sanding, staining or painting like timber decking – its colour and finish is built into the boards, meaning decks keep their aesthetic without the associated upkeep.

However, not all composite is born equal. To spot high-quality composites from the fakes, look for solid, capped boards, which result in strong structural performance and integrity. Hollow and uncapped boards, while cheaper, are subject to structural failure and significant damage in a short period of time. This results in decks needing to be replaced quicker for homeowners, and more call-backs from customers for installers!

Trex’s deck boards incorporate a high-performance outer shell around three sides of its solid boards to allow for any moisture to escape, protecting against splitting and cracking.

UK climate factors to consider

A big decision when choosing what material to use in your garden design is how it will stand up to the elements. While one of the biggest drawbacks to timber is how it reacts to the UK’s unpredictable weather conditions, composite is suited to all weather conditions come wind, rain or shine.

High-performance composite should be:

·   Anti-warp

·   Mould and mildew-resistant

·   Free from rotting, cracking and splintering

·   Fade-resistant*

As well as looking bad aesthetically, decking that warps, rots and cracks can also be dangerous, creating uneven surfaces and making decks unsafe underfoot.

Composite is engineered to overcome these challenges. Trex in particular is 100% submersible and manufactured to handle the harshest weather conditions (in fact, it is marine-grade strength) – meaning a little rain is no challenge for Trex!

What makes Trex composite decking stand out?

Inventing and perfecting composite decking, Trex is designed to be different.

The world’s leading manufacturer, its high-performance, low-maintenance deck boards are engineered to deliver decades of reliable use – with all decking ranges coming with up to 50-year limited residential warranties for complete peace of mind.

Sustainability is a big priority at Trex, with its sustainable decking boards created from 95% recycled and reclaimed materials. In fact, Trex has never felled a single tree to manufacture its decking!

Elevating gardens all over the world for over 30 years, Trex offers an option for all projects and budgets, with a wide collection of colours – from light oaks to classic browns and modern greys.

Trex benefits also include its innovative SunComfortableTM heat-mitigating** technology. Redefining what performance looks like in the heat, the pioneering technology is engineered to reflect solar energy and reduce heat absorption, keeping Trex deck surfaces cooler** than Trex's original boards.

Boards incorporating SunComfortableTM reduce heat build-up by up to 20 degrees Celsius† compared to its original boards.

**Trex SunComfortable™ decking stays cooler than our original boards, but like all decking, it will get hot in direct sun on hot days, especially darker colours. Care should be taken to avoid extended contact between exposed skin and the deck surface, especially with young children and those with special needs.

† Based on laboratory testing simulating direct full summer sun exposure over an extended period. Colours used are Lava Rock (without SunComfortable) and Salt Flat (with SunComfortable). Actual temperature reduction may vary depending on environmental conditions, colour and usage.

Cost of installing composite decking

The cost of your installation will vary depending on the size of your project and the material in question. However, as a guide, installation costs typically consist of a third of the spend on the deck, a third on the subframe and a third on installation. To get an idea of costs, use our useful decking Cost Calculator.

Maintaining timber decking year after year also means that costs add up over time resulting from recurring maintenance to preserve its appearance and longevity. This maintenance not only costs money, but also time that customers should be spending enjoying their outdoor space.

Is Composite Decking Worth It for UK Gardens?

Ongoing maintenance

You want to spend your spare time enjoying your outdoor space, not maintaining it! One of the biggest benefits of composite is its low-maintenance properties. High-performance composite:

·   Doesn’t need sanding, staining or painting

·   Cleans easily with soap and water***

·   Doesn’t fade* or stain

One of the biggest problems for timber decking is the time-consuming and back-breaking maintenance involved. Owners regularly need to sand back the deck surface to remove old peeling finishes and prevent splintering, before applying stain or paint to refresh its appearance and seal against moisture. This reoccurring maintenance causes costs to add up over time just to maintain its appearance and longevity.

Opting for composite removes these problems entirely, meaning you can spend your weekends enjoying your deck to the full.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best decking material for UK weather? Composite decking is widely considered one of the best options for UK gardens due to its resistance to moisture, rot, and temperature changes. Unlike timber, it is engineered to handle rain, frost, and humidity with minimal maintenance.

Is composite decking better than wood? Composite decking offers greater durability and requires far less maintenance than wood. While timber may have a lower upfront cost, it requires regular treatment and can be prone to warping, rotting, and splintering over time.

How much does composite decking cost in the UK? The cost of composite decking varies depending on the size of your project, materials used, and installation. While it typically costs more upfront than timber, it can be more cost-effective long term due to reduced maintenance and longer lifespan.

Does composite decking get slippery when wet? High-quality composite decking is designed with textured surfaces to provide grip underfoot. While no outdoor surface is completely slip-proof, composite decking generally performs well in wet UK conditions when installed correctly.

How do you maintain composite decking? Composite decking is low maintenance and only requires occasional cleaning with soap and water. It does not need sanding, staining, or painting like traditional timber decking.