Choosing the right material for your decking is just as important as deciding between a raised or flat design. The material you pick affects durability, maintenance, aesthetics, and overall cost. But with so many options available, how do you know which one suits your needs best?
In this guide, let’s compare the best materials for both raised and flat decking, highlighting their pros and cons so you can make an informed choice.
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- Wood: A Classic and Natural Choice
Best for: Traditional aesthetics, warm and natural appeal
Pros:
- Beautiful, natural look that blends well with outdoor spaces
- Can be stained or painted in various colours
- Strong and durable when properly maintained
Cons:
- Requires regular maintenance (staining, sealing, or painting)
- Prone to warping, splintering, and rotting if not well-maintained
- Can be slippery when wet unless treated with anti-slip coatings
Best Use:
- Raised Decking: Ideal for traditional garden designs but needs strong structural support to prevent warping over time.
- Flat Decking: Works well when installed over a solid, dry base to minimise moisture damage.
- Composite Decking: Low Maintenance and Long-Lasting
Best for: Low-maintenance, modern gardens
Pros:
- Resistant to rot, warping, and insect damage
- Available in various colours and wood-like finishes. Click here for more.
- No need for staining, sealing, or painting
- Generally slip-resistant
Cons:
- Higher upfront cost compared to wood
- Can retain heat, making it hot underfoot in summer
- Not as eco-friendly unless made from recycled materials
Best Use:
- Raised Decking: Excellent for elevated spaces due to its durability and low maintenance.
- Flat Decking: Great for patios and ground-level decks where longevity and easy upkeep are priorities.
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- PVC (Plastic) Decking: Lightweight and Weather-Resistant
Best for: Coastal areas or high-moisture environments
Pros:
- 100% waterproof and highly resistant to mould and mildew
- Doesn’t fade, crack, or warp over time
- Requires very little maintenance
Cons:
- Less natural-looking compared to wood or composite
- Can be more expensive than wood
- Some types can feel plasticky underfoot
Best Use:
- Raised Decking: Ideal for high-moisture areas like poolside decks.
- Flat Decking: Works well in shaded or damp areas where mould and rot would normally be a concern.
- Aluminium Decking: Ultra-Durable and Fire-Resistant
Best for: High-traffic areas, fire-prone regions
Pros:
- Extremely durable and resistant to warping, rotting, or cracking
- Fire-resistant, making it a great option for outdoor kitchens
- Slip-resistant surface for added safety
Cons:
- Can be expensive compared to other materials
- Industrial appearance may not suit all garden styles
- Can be noisy underfoot
Best Use:
- Raised Decking: Best for commercial or high-traffic residential use.
- Flat Decking: Great for modern, minimalist outdoor spaces.
When to Choose Decking Over Paving
You’re planning to renovate your garden. You want to create outdoor space you can enjoy, including a sitting area and somewhere you can hang out when the weather is nice. However, you’re debating what type of area to have. You can choose to buy decking since this seems to be what’s trending right now. Alternatively, you can select paving, which has been a traditional choice for years. What’s going to be the right choice?
Ultimately, everybody is different. But, there’s no denying that decking is proving very popular right now. Let’s take a look at when you should choose this over paving.
You Have a Slope
Do you have a slope in your garden? This can take a lot of work to correct and it can be difficult when you’re taking on DIY by yourself. Instead, it’s been found that installing decking in a sloped garden is easier. You can make sure that the decking is enjoyable but with half the work that’s involved with paving. Therefore, you can create a usable space faster and easier.
You Want Less Maintenance
Most people assume that there’s not a lot of work that goes into paving. However, this is not true. Once it’s been installed, it has to be power washed every year to remove algae and dirt. It also has to be repointed and sand laid down to prevent weed growth. Instead, consider something like composite decking where there is less maintenance involved.
Can be Raised
If you have a step down from your back door, this can impact your paving. It means that you can have a dangerous step during the winter or something that can impact pets and children. However, the decking can be raised, which means you can connect it to the same height for the back door. This can be safer and create a better transition.
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Conclusion
Both raised and flat decking offer great ways to enhance your outdoor space, but choosing the right material ensures long-term satisfaction. Whether you prefer the classic charm of wood, the modern convenience of composite, or the durability of aluminium and stone, there’s a decking material to suit your needs.
Consider your climate, budget, and maintenance preferences before making your final decision. With the right choice, your deck can be a stylish and functional addition to your home for years to come.
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