If you’re looking for new decking for your garden, you’re probably undecided between wood decking and composite decking. This article will help you choose by comparing:
- Aesthetics and Design
- Comfort and Safety
- Durability and Resistance
- Maintenance
- Installation
- Price
For this comparison, we will use the composite decking CDECK and high-quality exotic wood decking, such as Ipe or Teak. Treated wood decking, like pine, belongs to a completely different category and will not be covered in this article due to significant differences.
What Is Wood Decking?
Wood decking is an outdoor flooring made from various types of natural wood, from budget-friendly options like treated pine to premium woods like Ipe and Teak. Each type of wood offers unique characteristics that affect durability, maintenance, and price. Natural wood is a popular choice due to its authentic beauty and warm appearance.
What Is CDECK Composite Decking?
CDECK combines wood fibres with polymers to offer the look of natural wood with greater durability and lower maintenance. It’s an excellent solution for those looking for practical and long-lasting outdoor decking.
Comparison Between Wood Decking and Composite Decking (CDECK)
- Aesthetics and Design
Natural Wood
- Unmatched natural beauty, with unique organic grain patterns in each board;
- Appearance can change over time due to ageing and wear;
- Boards are generally shorter than composite ones, around 1.5 to 2 m, which may limit aesthetic possibilities.
CDECK
- Available in various colours, textures and finishes that mimic natural wood;
- Standard boards of 2.3 m, with custom options available (from 1.8 to 3 m).
- Comfort and Safety
Natural Wood
- Naturally slip-resistant;
- Heats up slightly less than composite when exposed to high levels of sunlight;
- May develop cracks or splinters, posing a safety risk in the medium/long term, especially for children and pets.
CDECK
- Extremely slip-resistant surface, even when wet;
- Smooth to the touch. No knots or splinters. Ideal for walking barefoot;
- Efficient water drainage, avoiding pooling.
- Durability and Resistance
Natural Wood
- High mechanical strength;
- Can offer a long lifespan with proper treatment and maintenance;
- Susceptible to cracking, warping, rotting and insect damage if not well maintained.
CDECK
- Outstanding resistance to weather and extreme temperature variations;
- Will not rot, crack, or be attacked by insects;
- Maintains its original appearance with minimal change over time.
- Maintenance
Natural Wood
- Requires frequent maintenance (annually or biannually), which may include sanding, painting, varnishing or sealing;
- Ongoing maintenance means greater time and financial investment.
CDECK
- Very low maintenance: only occasional cleaning with water and detergent;
- No need for varnishing, painting or sealing over time;
- Allows individual board removal (thanks to the PRO intermediate clip), making it easy to clean underneath the decking.
- Installation
Natural Wood
- Suitable for a variety of installation methods;
- Generally slower to install due to traditional fastening systems;
- Does not allow individual board removal, limiting access to the area below.
CDECK
- Patented Quick-Fix system (only one screw per board), quicker and more efficient;
- Boards can be individually removed, providing access to the lower area;
- PVC or aluminium substructures offer added stability and durability.
- Price and Cost-Effectiveness
Natural Wood
- High-quality exotic wood decking usually has a higher upfront cost;
- Significant long-term costs due to ongoing maintenance.
CDECK
- Composite is typically more affordable than exotic wood decking;
- Excellent cost-benefit ratio in the medium and long term due to low maintenance needs.
Find out more about CDECK composite decking and all its advantages here.
Wood Decking or Composite: Which One to Choose?
Your final decision will depend on your priorities: if you value natural beauty and accept regular maintenance costs, go for wood decking. If you prefer a long-lasting and easy-to-maintain solution, CDECK is the ideal choice.
Discover the CDECK Composite Decking Range
If you’ve chosen CDECK, explore the CDECK Original and CDECK WUUDE ranges to find the perfect solution for your garden. We offer stylish and durable options with up to 25 years of warranty.
Visit our website and request your quote now.
Frequently Asked Questions
CDECK composite decking is a sustainable option that combines the natural look of wood with superior durability and low maintenance. It is resistant to weather, fungi, insects, and termites, maintaining its original appearance over time.
Yes. CDECK is safer because it has a non-slip surface, free from knots and splinters. It is comfortable to walk on barefoot and ideal for families with children and pets, even in wet areas.
Yes. Maintaining CDECK decking simply involves periodically washing the surface to preserve its appearance and prevent the buildup of dirt. Unlike wood, it does not require sanding, varnishing, or oiling, ensuring simple, quick, and cost-effective maintenance.
Yes. CDECK offers far greater durability than natural wood. While wood can warp, rot, or fade over time, composite decking remains stable, strong, and beautiful for decades. CDECK comes with up to a 25-year warranty and a lifespan that can exceed 30 years, making it a long-lasting and sustainable investment for your outdoor space.