We build both, and we don't have a favourite. The right board depends on how much sun the deck gets, how close it is to a pool, how much maintenance you actually want to do, and how you want it to look in five years.
Where composite wins
- No oiling, no sanding, no re-coating — a wash down is the whole maintenance routine.
- No splinters, no nail pops and no cupping, which makes it a strong choice around pools and for bare feet.
- Consistent colour and width across every board, so large areas look uniform.
- Hidden fixing systems give a clean, screw-free surface.
Where timber wins
- Nothing matches the grain and depth of Merbau, Tallowood or Spotted Gum.
- Lower up-front board cost for the same area.
- It runs cooler than most dark composites in full afternoon sun.
- Damaged boards can be replaced and blended, and the whole deck can be sanded back and re-oiled.
The honest trade-offs
Composite gets hot. In full northern or western sun, dark composite boards will be uncomfortable underfoot in midsummer, so choose lighter tones for exposed decks and keep dark tones for shaded or covered areas.
Timber needs work. A hardwood deck that is never oiled will grey off and check. That is a finish issue rather than a structural one, but if you know you won't maintain it, composite is the more honest choice.
Both are only as good as what's underneath. Board choice does not compensate for undersized joists, poor footings or wrong joist spacing.
What we recommend by situation
- Pool surrounds and family entertaining areas: composite, in a mid or light tone.
- Covered decks, verandahs and front entries: hardwood, for the look and the cooler surface.
- Large exposed decks with heavy sun: light composite or a durable hardwood with a maintenance plan.
- Heritage or character homes: hardwood, matched to the existing timber.
Common questions
Does composite decking fade?
- Quality composite boards fade slightly in the first few months as they settle to their long-term colour, then stay stable. Cheap boards keep fading, which is why brand matters.
How often does a hardwood deck need oiling?
- In coastal NSW conditions, plan on a coat every 12 to 18 months for exposed decks and every couple of years for covered ones.
Can composite boards go over my existing subframe?
- Sometimes, but only after the subframe is assessed. Most composite boards need closer joist spacing than older timber decks were built to, and reusing a tired subframe under new boards is a false economy.