Home > Advice Centre > Composite Decking Advice > Comparing Decking Materials >

Article Highlights 

• Composite decking is strong and easy to take care of, while wood gives a natural look but needs regular care.
• Composite deck boards are a bigger investment but outperform wood in numerous ways.
• Wood is natural and recyclable, while resin mineral boards, although made from renewable biopolymers, are synthetic – Explore Millboard’s sustainability goals.
• In the end, the right choice comes down to your specific needs and what matters most from appearance and price to ongoing decking maintenance.

What are the advantages of composite decking over wood?

When comparing composite and wooden outdoor deck, one big advantage is durability. Composite decking boards stand up better against decay, temperature fluctuations, moisture, severe weather and impact. This means it’s safer, lasts longer and costs less to maintain.

Due to its stability in all conditions compared to wood, it requires less maintenance. You don’t have to go through the painstaking process of refreshing your outdoor space every year. The unique chip and UV-resistant paint ensures the wood-effect pattern looks fresh for much longer than painted decking. Moreover, a quick and easy clean can have your space looking as good as new. Composite decking is a convenient choice for people who want a low-maintenance outdoor space.

Configure your Millboard Deck Today!

Benefit from all the advantages of composite decking with all the aesthetic advantages of wood deck boards. Millboard hand-moulds their boards from the finest oak for a versatile and elegant appearance.

Explaining Composite Decking: What Are The Types?

Composite decking is a popular choice instead of timber decking. It is more durable and offers more design options. Composite boards are typically made from a mixture of wood fibres, fibreglass, plastic and polyurethane foam. Except, Millboard are the only manufacturers who hand-mould wood-free boards from real oak, so they accurately mimic the appearance of natural timber boards.

However, there are different types of composite decking. The most common (described above) is wood-plastic composite (WPC). It is affordable and comes in many colours and finishes. Capped composite decking includes an additional protective layer for a better appearance, extra durability, supreme performance, fade and slip resistance. Millboard’s high quality composite decking uses a patented Lastane® layer which not only accurately mimics the appearance of wood grain but resists scratching, fading, slipping, rotting and mould growth. Ther rubber-like elastomer layer means your boards don’t splinter and feel comfortable all year round. Explore ten beautiful shades of Enhanced Grain, three tones of Weathered Oak and three colours of Lasta Grip slip-resistant decking.

Experience the market-leading composite for yourself – sample your favourites

Request Free Sample

Another way Millboard products differ from standard decking options is that they don’t contain wood.

PVC decking (Polyvinyl Chloride) is another alternative to polymer resin boards which has its advantages and disadvantages. 

• Wood and Plastic composite (WPC)
• Wood-free composite decking (Millboard)

Explaining Wooden Decking: What are the types?

Wood decking is the typical choice material for an outdoor area. Homeowners love it for its natural beauty and classic look. Real wooden terraces add warmth and charm. The material fits well with various garden design styles.

Homeowners can pick from different types of wood decking. Hardwood options, such as oak and maple are strong and resist damage. On the other hand, softwood, originating from faster-growing trees like pine, cedar, and redwood are cheaper and readily available. Pressure-treated wood is a good alternative to hardwood decking - chemical preservatives help it to resist decay and insect damage.

• Hardwood decking: oak and maple
• Softwood decking: pine, cedar and redwood
• Pressure-treated wood decking

Are There Any Downsides to Composite Decking?

While there are many benefits of composite decking, a couple of potential downsides include the cost of composite decking compared to wood. Polymer resin composite boards are a bigger initial investment, but the lower maintenance, durability, enhanced performance and longevity makes it a great choice for a range of budgets.

Another consideration is that mixed polymer decking is synthetic and doesn’t always accurately mimic the appearance and feel of real wood.

Although Millboard doesn’t use any wood in their composite decking, the boards are moulded from high quality oak boards and painted to resemble genuine wood. Millboard use high performance paint which reflects the minute details of natural wood grain while resisting fading, scratching and staining.

Millboard composite products are the most realistic wood-effect boards on the market - order a sample

• Cost: composite decking is a higher investment compared to wood
• Synthetic material: some homeowners prefer the appearance and feel of real wood. Moreover, synthetic materials don’t degrade naturally.

Decking Maintenance: Composite vs Wood

Composite decking far outperforms wood when it comes to maintenance because it needs very little care. Timber boards require regular cleaning, staining, and sealing. Meanwhile, Millboard’s recycled biopolymer decking doesn’t require regular upkeep. It's resistant to rot, insects, and fading.

All you need to do to keep your outdoor space looking fresh is to clean your decking seasonally. We’ve tested Millboard decking with common cleaning products – you can scrub and pressure wash your Millboard decking. Read about how to maintain your composite decking.

Comparing the Cost of Wood Decking vs Composite

Composite decking usually costs more at first than wood decking. However, it needs less upkeep, which can save you money and time in the long run.

See how much your decking could cost – configure your sundeck

Wood decking may seem cheaper to buy initially, but you might spend more later on. Not to mention, it will take hours of labour to maintain the appearance and performance of your outdoor space. This maintenance cost includes materials like staining, sealing, paint and repairs. Over the years, these maintenance costs can add up. Plus, Millboard wood-effect boards last longer, making them an excellent choice overall. Composite decking looks as good as new with very minimal maintenance.

 

Is Composite Decking Worth the Cost?

Despite the higher price most homeowners don’t regret the additional cost for the performance, maintenance and longevity benefits of composite. Moreover, the low-maintenance nature means you make savings in the long-term. Read whether composite decking is worth the money.

Composite decking is resistant to rot, insects, fading, mould and staining. This means you will spend less on upkeep as the boards age. Plus, it lasts longer, so you shouldn’t need to worry about replacing your Millboard decking.

Millboard is splinter-free and keeps your outdoor space looking beautiful for years to come.

• Composite decking is ultra-low maintenance
• Resin-mineral boards stand the test of time and looks elegant for decades
• Millboard is the best composite decking on the market – it's safer than wood and has many performance advantages
• Most homeowners don’t regret buying composite decking for their outdoor space

Design Considerations: Which looks Better, Timber or Composite Decking?

Composite decking offers a variety of colours and finishes that mimic the look of real wood, while requiring less maintenance. However, some prefer the natural beauty of timber despite its maintenance needs. Painting a wooden deck erases its natural beauty and wood grain pattern – this is maintained in composite decking, no matter the colour. Explore ten different colour options for Enhanced Grain Decking.

Order a sample of your favourites

When deciding on the best-looking decking, consider that Millboard composite decking will look better for longer, resembles genuine timber and comes in a variety of colours and finishes. Our newest collection – Modello – can be configured into 50 different patterns to make your outdoor space completely unique.

Millboard uses flexible edging which means curved decking is no issue. Wooden alternatives will be more challenged by a curved configuration.

• Wood boards look the most natural
• Composite decking comes in various colours and finishes
• Composite boards look beautiful for longer
• Wooden decking requires laborious and costly upkeep to maintain your desired appearance.

Start a Project – Configure your decking now!

How Long Does Composite Decking Last Compared to Timber?

Durability is very important when you compare composite decking and wood. Composite lasts longer than wood because timber is prone to rotting and general wear and tear. Millboard Composite Decking is made from a mixture of polymer resin and minerals, reinforced with fibreglass. The resin-mineral boards have a unique rubber-like Lastane® surface chemically melded to the core. The surface is coloured by hand using pigments that resist fading and sun damage.

We’re so confident in the performance of Millboard decking, you’ll have a structural warranty in place for 25 years if you use a trusted Millboard installer.

 

On the other hand, wood decking usually lasts up to 15 years. This lifespan depends on the type of wood and how well you take care of it. Things like moisture, sunlight, and insects can affect how long your wooden boards last. Although regular maintenance helps ensure it reaches its maximum lifespan, wood is more likely to wear down, warp, rot and spoil over time where composite decking remains robust.

Which is More Eco-Friendly: Wood or Composite Decking?

The environmental impact of your material choices is important to many homeowners. Wooden decking can be a good choice, because its renewable and, in many cases, recyclable. However chemical treatments, stains and paint can make wood more difficult to recycle. Responsibly sourced timber from domestic woods that are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FCS), helps support sustainable forestry.

Composite decking is made using synthetic materials, which means it doesn’t have the same natural renewability as wood. However, manufacturers are continuously improving their sustainability practices. Millboard, for example, avoids using wood pulp altogether and instead, uses oak boards only for mould-making. The company also recycles as much waste material as possible from its factory, incorporates recycled minerals and biopolymers into its boards, and provides subframes from recycled plastic Additionally, composite decking is highly durable, reducing the need for frequent replacement, and it can often be repurposed at the end of its life.

Is Composite Decking Better than Wood?

Shop the market leading composite decking

If you have any questions or would like more advice on choosing a cladding material, contact the Millboard experts today – call us at 020 7643 9943.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to maintain composite decking?

Yes, composite decking costs less to maintain than wood decking. It doesn’t need much upkeep. This means you will spend much less on cleaning supplies, stains, sealants, and repairs. So, over time, it's a smarter choice for your budget and schedule.

What is capped composite decking?

Capped composite decking has a layer on top that protects it. This plastic coating is usually composed of elastic polymers – Millboard use a patented elastomer composition. It is chemically fused to the core. This cap makes the boards stronger and more resilient. It also resists UV fading, stains, and moisture. The elastomer is also splinter-free and soft-touch.

How does the cost of installation compare with composite and wooden decking?

Installation costs for composite and wooden decking are similar. There may be small differences based on factors like design complexity and local labour rates. Get a trusted Millboard installer or find a local tradesperson.

Are there any safety differences in composite vs wood decking?

Polymer-resin boards usually provide better slip resistance compared to wood decking, especially when it is wet. It is also not going to cause dangerous splinters and cracks. However, both materials can be more slippery when wet. If safety is your top priority but appearance is important, opt for Lasta Grip decking which has the highest slip-resistance.