Decking Alternatives and Budget Decking Ideas

When it comes to garden decking, most people immediately think of timber or wooden decking. However, if you're looking for something different, there are more alternative options out there than you may think.

Here, we discuss the pros and cons of timber decking and some popular timber decking alternatives.

On paper, timber decking can appear to be a cheaper option when compared to composite decking or PVC. However, the hidden costs of regularly cleaning, sanding, painting and sealing a wooden deck can far outweigh the first monetary outlay.

Timber can become slippery in wet and cold weather conditions, so it will often need frequent cleaning and sanding, costing you time and money year after year. As well as this, the wooden materials are more susceptible to rotting, so your timber deck may only last up to 5-7 years, meaning boards will need replacing fairly regularly.

Pros

• A traditional decking material that will suit most gardens and design schemes
• A lower initial cost than other decking options

Cons

• It can become very slippery in wet conditions
• It requires regular maintenance, such as sanding and sealing
• Boards can rot and splinter if not maintained properly
  

When it comes to alternatives to traditional timber decking, several materials have grown in popularity in recent years. Options like composite and PVC decking provide their own unique styles and benefits, from durability to reduced maintenance.

Alternatively, you may decide to skip decking altogether and choose a different type of surface, such as paving slabs, bark chippings, or decorative gravel.

Commonly manufactured from granite, slate, limestone and sandstone, natural stone decking alternatives, such as paving slabs, are a timeless and practical addition to any garden or outdoor space. Inherently hardwearing and weather-resistant, with each slab having its own unique veining, this option is one of the most popular among garden dwellers up and down the UK.

Pros

• Provide an attractive, timeless alternative to timber decking.
• They are a strong and weather-resistant solution.
  

Cons

• They are heavy and difficult to manoeuvre when installing alone.
• They require a solid, flat base, which can often only be achieved with heavy ground working machinery.
• It can be an expensive option in comparison to timber decking.
  

Manufactured in a similar way to natural stone slabs, porcelain paving is made from a blend of sand, clay and minerals that are baked at a high temperature. They are then ground and polished, creating their unique, luxurious shine that makes them such a popular choice for those wanting to achieve a chic, high-end finish. The baking process also makes porcelain tiles incredibly strong and weather-resistant.

Pros

• An attractive option, often found in expensive hotels, that gives a luxurious feel.
• Once a top-of-the-range, expensive choice, porcelain paving has since become a more affordable option, with some styles being even cheaper than stone.
• It can withstand moisture and higher temperatures more successfully than stone paving tiles.

Cons

• The tiles are heavy and can be difficult to manoeuvre.
• Tiles can be brittle due to the high temperatures used to bake the tiles during manufacture.
• The polished surface can become slippery during wet weather conditions.
  

A more affordable alternative to both natural stone and porcelain paving tiles is concrete paving tiles. Available in a range of colours, concrete paving tiles are designed to mimic the texture of brick or natural stone at a much lower cost.

Pros

• Semi-permeable concrete slabs are available, which help with water drainage and prevent surface pooling.
• They are a cheaper alternative to natural paving tiles like stone or porcelain.
• A malleable material, concrete can be formed into a variety of shapes and different textures before setting.
  

Cons

• The porous nature of the material can lead to unattractive staining.
• Concrete tiles can crack from movement underneath, and once this happens tiles will need replacing to prevent further erosion. New and older concrete tiles, when laid together, can create a mismatched look.
  

PVC decking, unlike composite or timber decking, does not have any traces of real wood fibres or natural materials, making for a synthetic decking material that is stronger and lasts longer than other real wood decking alternatives.

Cladco Nordeck PVC decking is one of the highest-quality decking types on the market. Ideal for modern, traditional or alternative outside projects, it is available in a range of natural colours. This decking also comes with a 20-year warranty and is the perfect high-end alternative to timber decking.

Pros

• The boards are water-resistant, ensuring low absorption. This gives them the advantage over composite or timber decking for installations around swimming pools or hot tubs.
• PVC boards are stain-resistant and will not hold onto moisture, which encourages staining.
• Thanks to their low-absorption properties the boards will not encourage the growth of mould or algae.
• Their increased strength compared to timber means they can withstand heavy loads, such as areas with high footfall or hot tubs.
• Cladco Nordeck boards have a 20-year warranty.

Cons

• Unlike composite decking, Nordeck PVC decking is not environmentally friendly.
• Unlike a composite deck, such as Signature or ProDeck, a PVC deck board is not recyclable.
• These decking boards are more expensive than timber and composite boards.
  

Composite decking is a high-quality and durable alternative to timber decking and is manufactured from a combination of natural wood and plastic fibres.

Both our Cladco Signature composite decking boards and ProDeck polymer-capped composite decking boards are made from a wood-plastic mix, comprising recycled hardwood fibres and recycled plastics. This makes Cladco boards rot, warp and splinter resistant, whilst being environmentally friendly and long-lasting.

Favoured for their easy installation and low-maintenance benefits, Cladco composite decking boards are available in a wide range of attractive natural colours, from cool greys to rich, warm brown tones. Each board is dual-sided, with narrow grooves on one face and a woodgrain effect on the other, so you can choose your preferred finish simply by installing the boards either way up.

Pros

• Available in various natural colours as well as matching trims and accessories for a professional finish.
• Composite boards will not need to be sanded, varnished or painted.
• They are an environmentally friendly choice, thanks to the combination of recycled materials (recycled wood fibres and recycled plastic)
• The boards are both insect and pest-resistant
• UV resistant
• Cladco products are available as FSC® certified for the same cost.
  

Cons

• Composite decking tends to be more expensive than traditional wooden decks.
• Despite being available in a range of colours, composite decking cannot be painted.
• Composite decking can expand and contract during changes in temperature/environment.
  

When it comes to decking materials, it's fair to say bamboo is probably not the first thing that springs to everyone's mind. However, today it is used for much more than just outdoor decor and garden props! Customers wanting something unique, with a distinctive finish, are looking to bamboo for their decking.

Cladco bamboo hardwood decking boards offer a robust, sustainable, and versatile option for any outdoor project. Made from compressed bamboo under high temperatures, these boards are stronger than many other materials and suitable for various applications. Featuring a reversible design with a grooved, slip-resistant side and a smooth side, they provide flexibility and a natural wood finish that blends seamlessly into outdoor spaces. With quick regrowth and low maintenance, bamboo is a renewable resource, and Cladco boards come with a 30-year warranty for long-lasting durability.

Pros

• Aesthetically, bamboo is very popular among modern households looking to enhance the style and appeal of their outdoor spaces. When used as a decking material, it brings natural beauty and a tranquil, Asian-inspired feel to the garden.
• Bamboo decking is easy to lift and move into position, thanks to its lightweight and durable composition, making installation straightforward.
• Minimal expansion and contraction in changes in weather and temperature.
• A cheaper hardwood decking option that is generally less expensive than classic hardwoods like cherry or teak.
  

Cons

• Bamboo is vulnerable to mould, mildew and rot due to the natural materials.
• It requires regular maintenance to avoid deterioration.
• Its natural colour can fade over time, similar to wooden decks.
  

Aluminum Decking is one of the lightest weighing decking alternatives on the market. It is highly suitable for use on new builds, balconies and refurbishment projects whereby flooring may need replacing due to a change in residential fire safety regulations.

Cladco aluminium decking boards are an A2-S1 fire-rated alternative decking solution that makes the ideal choice for installations where specific building regulations apply. Available in four colours, along with a plain anodised aluminium finish, Cladco aluminium deck boards are a lightweight, non-combustible decking option with superior strength when compared with composite or timber decking.

Pros

• One of the longest-lasting decking alternatives, with an extensive lifespan of up to 100 years
• Perfect for installations at heights, such as balconies, due to their lightweight structure and fire rating
• A2-S1 fire-rated alongside an S1 Non-combustible rating

Cons

• It is more expensive to buy than composite, PVC and traditional wood decking
• Aluminium can be more challenging to install if you have no experience in fitting decking.
• It can provide an industrial look when finished, making it a great choice for commercial projects, but not so attractive for certain domestic installations.

Decking tiles can be installed quickly and easily without the need for a supporting sub-structure, screws, nails or adhesives, thanks to their simple clip system.

Easy to install, most decking tiles feature an interlocking click-and-lock system, and look great all year round on balconies, patios, gardens and more.

Pros

• Environmentally friendly (manufactured from recycled materials), and require very little maintenance.
• Can be used both permanently or temporarily on a range of applications, including, but not limited to, balconies, outdoor eating areas, marquees, glamping pods, urban and rural gardens and rooftop terraces.
• Do not require a base.
  

Cons

• A downside to not requiring a sub-structure or base is that if decking tiles are installed on an uneven surface, they may shift and move.
• Weeds are also more likely to penetrate through the tiles when installed on grass.
• Moisture should not be allowed to sit on the tiles for prolonged periods.
  

Compared with the options we’ve already covered, there are also some cheaper alternatives to wooden decking boards, such as rubber mats, wood chippings, or pallet decking. While these budget-friendly choices don’t offer the same aesthetic appeal as timber, composite, or PVC decking, they can still provide practical benefits for certain outdoor spaces.

Read on to find out more about each, including their pros and cons.

Gravel is one of the most cost-effective and accessible ways to create a usable and attractive floor surface in your garden. Unlike decking boards, gravel can be laid in as little time as one afternoon, and is a great option for any DIY-er looking to create a decorative statement on a budget.

Pros

• Cheap and accessible.
• Easy to maintain.
• Available in a wide range of colours.
  

Cons

• Weeds can easily grow through the gravel.
• A membrane is suggested to be laid down before gravel, which can add additional time and expense to the project.
• If used on a walkway, the gravel may shift over time and need raking to keep the surface even.
  

Rubber mats are a durable alternative to decking, and are great for areas that experience high levels of foot traffic, such as school playgrounds, thanks to their slip-resistance and easy-to-clean properties. They are also a versatile option that can be installed both indoors and outdoors.

One drawback of high-density rubber tiles and mats is that they can be relatively expensive. However, their long lifespan makes them a worthwhile investment if durability is your priority. They’re less suited, though, for areas where a premium aesthetic is the main goal.

Pros

• They are a durable and slip-resistant solution that can withstand heavy levels of foot traffic.
• They are very easy to maintain.
• These tiles possess great elasticity, meaning they are softer and spongier to walk on with bare feet than other options, again, making them great for playgrounds and schools.
  

Cons

• It can be an expensive option.
• Some consider them not to be very aesthetically pleasing, due to their industrial look.
• It can be susceptible to an uneven finish depending on the ground beneath.
  

If you like the idea of having paving slabs as a decking alternative, be it concrete, porcelain or natural stone, but want to keep costs down, poured concrete is a great option for you.

Poured concrete patio options involve mixing cement and laying it whilst it is still wet/malleable, and forming shapes/patterns in it that can replicate the look of tiles, slabs or bricks.

You can also finish a poured concrete deck with a gloss or matte finish, which can include an anti-slip additive to help prevent any slips or trips.

Pros

• Unlike tiles or patio slabs, poured concrete means there are no gaps or cracks for insects and unwanted weeds to grow through.
• It is cheaper than most alternative decking materials on the market, including concrete tiles.
• This can be done at home as a DIY project. If you are planning on applying poured concrete yourself, this can save up to 50% of the overall costs.

Cons

• It can be difficult to mix the exact right quantity and thickness of the cement that is being used.
• Poured concrete isn’t the best choice if you’ll need future access to power or plumbing lines, as any work would involve drilling through and removing sections of the concrete.
• It can be susceptible to an uneven finish depending on the ground. You may need to add compacted fill to the area to level out a sloped site for a patio.

A creative, cheap and eco-friendly decking alternative to decking is using leftover pallets to create a patio area.

Year after year, thousands of wooden pallets go to landfills, so reusing them in your garden as a decking alternative is a great way to maintain a green, environmentally friendly outdoor space, with each pallet providing enough material for at least 1m² of decking.

Pros

• Cheap and easy to install, pallets can often be obtained for free.
• They are an eco-friendly option that reuses wood that would otherwise go to waste.
• It is a recycled decking alternative that creates a unique look.
  
  

Cons

• Some wooden pallets can be treated with chemicals that can be harmful to the environment.
• The wood used in pallets can be prone to splintering and will need sanding and/or treating before being used domestically.
  

One of the most natural and affordable ways to create usable space in your garden is by applying bark or "wood chip mulch". This is a combination of ground bark and wood that can be purchased in large bags and spread over outdoor living spaces as a decking alternative.

As the bark is a natural product, it is a more environmentally friendly option than synthetic or rubber products.

Pros

• It is an environmentally friendly option.
• Cheap and easy to lay/access.
• It can help to repel some pests and insects.
  

Cons

• Bark can become damp in wet weather conditions, taking a long time to dry out.
• Not very aesthetically pleasing in comparison to real decking or paving tiles/slabs.
• In dry or windy conditions, chippings can be blown around.
  

Self-binding gravel is made up of many fine particles of varying sizes (but all smaller than standard gravel) that essentially knit together to create a compact surface that is less likely to become dislodged or moved around than standard gravel.

This type of gravel isn't permanently solid in the same way that concrete or resin-bound surfaces are, with most being able to be dug out in years to come and reused.

Pros

• Cheap and low-maintenance.
• Has a natural stone-looking appearance.
  

Cons

• Although low maintenance, weeds can appear and grow through the surface.
• It requires a free-draining sub-base before laying.
• A substantial quantity is required to cover larger surface areas effectively.
• In dry or windy conditions, very small, dusty particles can be blown around and mark clothing/footwear.
  

Brick has long been a popular building material, used in everything from houses and garden walls to roads and pathways, giving towns and cities a classic, timeless appeal. As an alternative to decking, brick is cost-effective, widely available, and fully recyclable, making it both practical and sustainable.

Pros

• The attractive and classic appearance of brick patios can complement the brickwork on various homes and properties.
• Bricks are a durable and easily accessible material.
• As a recyclable option, leftover bricks can be reused for future projects.
  Very easy to repair.
  

Cons

• Installation can be time-consuming due to the smaller nature of the bricks vs slabs etc.
• They do not allow for much scope in creating differently shaped floors and have limited design options
• They are susceptible to frost heaving.
  

To summarise, if you’re planning to create a decked area in your garden but want to avoid traditional timber, there are plenty of alternatives to explore. From composite and PVC to completely different surfaces such as gravel, brick, or paving slabs, each option comes with its own benefits.

Whether your priority is low maintenance, long-term durability, or achieving a particular look for your outdoor space, there’s a solution to suit every style and budget. The key is to weigh up the pros and cons of each material so you can make an informed choice that lasts.