Decking

For the Trade

Start with the load, the span and how much movement you can tolerate. That usually changes the spec before anything else. On a straightforward job, boards that are easy to handle and quick to fix save time. On a heavier-use area, you need a board that feels more stable underfoot and won’t need much looking after. Timber decking is still the common call when price matters and you want a natural finish. Composite is the one people move to when they want less upkeep. Hardwood sits higher up the range, but the extra cost only makes sense if the job justifies it.

Popular Decking Formats

If you’re narrowing decking down for a job, the first call is usually between softwood decking and hardwood decking.

Softwood decking is the common pick when you want an economical board that’s easy to work with. The trade-off is care. It needs the right treatment and a bit more attention on finish.

Hardwood decking suits jobs that need a denser board and a more premium feel. It’s heavier, and it usually costs more.

Pressure treated decking sits in the middle when you want timber without taking on untreated stock. Grooved decking or anti slip decking makes more sense where grip matters more than a plain face.

If you’re comparing the wider Outdoor Projects range, the split usually comes down to finish, handling, and how much upkeep the client will accept.

Key Differences When Choosing

Composite is the usual pick when you want less day-to-day upkeep and a more consistent finish. It’s heavier to handle, and you get less room to trim back if the layout changes on site.

Timber decking still makes sense when you want lighter boards, easier cutting and a lower material cost. The trade-off is more maintenance and more variation from board to board. Hardwood decking suits jobs that need a firmer feel underfoot, but it’s harder work to move and usually costs more.

If the run is tying into Decorative Stones or finishing against Fence Posts & Panels, sort the edge detail early. That’s where mixed materials usually show up.

Next Decisions After Choosing

Once you’ve settled the decking itself, the next call is what finishes the edges and the surrounding run. That usually means edging, screens, and any surface treatment where the deck meets planting or a boundary.

If the deck sits tight to a fence line, sort the fence posts and panels at the same time so the heights and fixings work together. Where the deck drops into gravel or planting, decorative stones give a cleaner finish and keep the edge tidy.