The short answer
There is no single right answer — it depends on your budget, the look you want and how much upkeep you'll do. Softwood timber is the lowest-priced to install at around £60/m² and gives a natural look, but it needs regular cleaning, treating and sealing and typically lasts 10–15 years. Hardwood looks richer and lasts longer at 20 years or more, but costs more and still needs upkeep. Composite costs more up front at around £100–£150/m² but lasts 25–30 years with no staining or sealing, so over a 15-year period it frequently works out lower in cost than a well-maintained softwood deck. The right choice balances upfront cost, lifespan, maintenance and the look you want.
The choice is really a trade-off between upfront price, how long the deck lasts and how much upkeep you're prepared to do. Here is how composite and timber compare on the things that matter.
At a glance
- Softwood~£60/m², ~10–15 yrs, high upkeep
- Hardwood~£120/m², ~20 yrs+, some upkeep
- Composite~£100–£150/m², ~25–30 yrs, low upkeep
- Natural looktimber
- Lowest lifetime upkeepcomposite
How the materials compare
Softwood is the lowest-priced to install and gives an authentic natural grain, but it must be cleaned, treated and sealed regularly to hold off rot, splits and greening, and even then tends to need replacing sooner. Hardwood is denser and longer-lasting with a richer look, but costs more and still wants periodic oiling. Composite — wood fibre mixed with recycled plastic, usually capped with a protective outer layer — costs the most up front but resists rot, fading and stains and needs only an occasional clean, which is why its whole-life cost often comes out lower than re-treating timber year after year.
| Material | Installed cost | Typical lifespan | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Softwood timber | from ~£60 / m² | ~10–15 years | high (treat, seal, clean) |
| Hardwood timber | ~£120 / m² | ~20 years+ | moderate (periodic oiling) |
| Composite | ~£100–£150 / m² | ~25–30 years | low (occasional clean) |
General comparison for guidance. Lifespans depend on quality, exposure and upkeep. Sources: trade and manufacturer guides.
How to choose for your garden
- Want fit-and-forget? composite keeps maintenance to an occasional wash rather than annual treating.
- Tight upfront budget? softwood is the lowest-priced way to get a deck down, provided you'll keep up the treating.
- Natural look a priority? hardwood gives the richest timber appearance and lasts longer than softwood.
- Staying long term? composite's longer life means its higher upfront cost often works out lower in cost over the years.
Want help weighing composite against wood?
We'll match you with a vetted decking installer who measures up and quotes both the composite and timber options for your garden, with lifespan and upkeep set out clearly.
Frequently asked questions
Is composite decking better than wood?
Neither is universally better — it depends on your priorities. Composite costs more up front but lasts 25–30 years with almost no upkeep, while timber is lower-priced to install and looks natural but needs regular treating and lasts less time. Over a 15-year period composite often works out lower in cost.
Is composite decking cheaper than timber in the long run?
It can be. Composite costs more to install, but because it needs no staining or sealing and lasts 25–30 years, its whole-life cost frequently works out lower than a softwood deck that has to be treated each year and replaced sooner.
Does composite decking look like real wood?
Modern capped composite boards are made to mimic timber grain and come in a range of wood-effect tones, though up close they have a more uniform finish than natural wood. Many homeowners choose them for the look combined with the low maintenance.
Sources & further reading
Figures on this page are typical UK ranges drawn from published sources and depend on your specific garden. They are guidance, not a quotation.