Low Maintenance Decking

Low-maintenance decking has never been more in demand, with homeowners across the UK looking for smart ways to save time, money, and effort on their outdoor decking projects. At Cladco, you’ll find a wide range of durable, easy-care choices, including recycled plastic, premium PVC and two types of composite decking - Signature and ProDeck.

More and more people are choosing these long-lasting alternatives over traditional timber, and it’s easy to see why. In this blog, we’ll explore what makes our decking boards such a popular choice for transforming outdoor spaces.

You may be wondering whether it’s simpler to opt for the tried-and-trusted traditional decking material, timber, since it’s affordable, quick to install, and widely used.

While this is a commonly held belief, the truth is that when it comes to low-maintenance decking, natural wood has now been overtaken by a range of modern alternatives. 

Stains, varnishes, or oils need to be applied not only when the boards are originally installed, but also at regular intervals throughout their lifespan. 

Generally speaking, two to three years is considered the optimal period between staining timber decking, though this can vary depending on factors such as the amount of foot traffic it endures. This time-consuming process is essential to help prolong the life of the boards and keep them looking presentable all year round. It’s also important to clean your decking regularly to remove debris and dirt, helping to prevent the build-up of mould and algae.

Finally, it is vital that you replace any rotten or damaged wood boards to prevent further problems. While replacing the boards is fairly straightforward, it can still be a frustrating and labour-intensive task that most homeowners would rather avoid having to deal with.

Having explored some of the drawbacks associated with timber decking, you might be wondering what those modern alternatives are. Here we’ll take a look at each decking type and explore just how low-maintenance they really are.

Cladco Signature composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood fibres, making it a modern option that requires minimal maintenance. With a wide choice of colours to choose from, you can find a colour and style to match your outdoor space without having to worry about painting them.

While it’s rightly considered a low-maintenance alternative to timber decking - especially as there’s no need to stain, paint, or treat the boards - our Signature composite decking still requires regular cleaning to keep it looking its best. Each board comes with a 10-year warranty, and we recommend sweeping away leaves and general debris to maintain its appearance and prevent staining. 

Some light colour fading will occur during the first few months as the boards naturally acclimatise to their environment and UV rays. This is a normal part of the weathering process caused by the natural wood fibres within the composite material. To learn more, be sure to take a look at our blog on colour variations in composite decking.

Alongside our Signature composite decking range, we also offer ProDeck - a polymer-capped composite decking board that shares many of the same core benefits as Signature, with a few added advantages. Made from recycled hardwood fibres and recycled plastics, ProDeck features a tough outer shell that enhances durability and provides extra protection against rot, mildew, moisture, and UV-related colour fade.

Thanks to its protective surface layer, ProDeck requires even less maintenance than timber or even Signature composite decking. Occasional cleaning is all that’s needed to keep it looking its best, with no need for staining, painting, or any other time-consuming upkeep.

Cladco Nordeck decking is a premium, timber-free material made from dense PVC. With its luxury woodgrain-effect finish, it offers the authentic look of timber and is available in various natural colours, including chestnut and ebony. Each board features a durable core encased in an ultra-resilient ASA resin, helping to maintain its vibrant colour and protect against the elements for many years.

Nordeck is resistant to scratches, weathering, fading, and stains, providing a durable, low-maintenance surface that withstands mould, mildew, rotting, and warping. Backed by a 20-year warranty, it’s a reliable choice for enhancing your outdoor space. For cleaning, simply wash the boards with warm soapy water or use a pressure washer for areas in need of a deeper clean, though we recommend testing a discreet area first.

While ProDeck and Nordeck offer low-maintenance solutions with a high-end aesthetic, recycled plastic decking is ideal for those who prioritise durability, longevity, and sustainability above all else. Available in four colours - black, brown, grey, and beige - this range is made entirely from 100% recycled plastic.

These eco-friendly boards are splinter-free and highly resistant to UV rays, frost, insect infestation, mould, and water, making them an excellent choice for high-moisture or flood-prone environments such as riverside gardens, marinas, coastal boardwalks, or wetland walkways.

With a 20-year warranty and suitability for both domestic and commercial applications, recycled plastic is one of the most hands-off decking options available. To clean, simply use a mop, warm water, and household detergent, or a pressure washer if required. And as for tasks like staining, painting, or sealing? You can safely wave those goodbye.

To achieve a smooth, splinter-free finish, many timber decks will require sanding before installation. Although electric sanding tools make the job much easier nowadays, it can still be a time-consuming process, especially for larger decking areas.

At Cladco, our Signature and ProDeck composite, recycled plastic, and Nordeck decking boards require no sanding at all, and because they’re resistant to splintering, they all deliver a clean, comfortable surface as soon as they are installed.

Timber decking typically needs to be oiled every year or stained every two to three years to protect against moisture and UV exposure, helping to preserve its colour and finish. With our recycled plastic, Nordeck, and composite decking ranges, no staining or painting is needed.

As mentioned earlier, composite decking boards, such as our Signature range, may experience slight colour fade over time due to the natural hardwood fibres within the material. To help offset this, our Signature boards are produced in slightly darker or more vibrant shades than their final intended tone, helping to maintain a rich appearance for longer. ProDeck, however, features advanced capped technology that protects the boards from UV rays, providing exceptional protection against fading.

Our Nordeck decking materials are exceptionally durable, with high UV and sun resistance to ensure lasting colour. They’re also protected against moisture damage, preventing mould, mildew, rot, and warping.

Similarly, recycled plastic decking has become an increasingly popular choice thanks to its ultra-low-maintenance construction. Ideal for large-scale or public projects where minimal upkeep is essential, such as marinas, public walkways, and commercial decking areas, recycled plastic removes the inconvenience and time commitment of staining altogether.

If you choose either our Nordeck or recycled plastic boards, you’ll benefit from significantly reduced cleaning and a virtually maintenance-free surface compared to timber. Spills and debris can simply be wiped away with warm, soapy water, ensuring the boards look as good as new.

Our Signature and ProDeck composite decking also require far less upkeep than timber - especially ProDeck - though we still recommend keeping on top of cleaning throughout the year, especially in areas where leaves and debris tend to collect.

Timber decking, on the other hand, can develop mould and mildew over time, particularly in cracks that form as the boards begin to split and degrade. Rot may also occur due to exposure to rain, snow, and other weather conditions, so regular inspections are essential to ensure the deck remains safe and structurally sound. Check out our handy article on how to clean your wood decking here.

When it comes to the initial costs of installing your deck, timber, composite, recycled plastic, and Nordeck decking all vary in price. It’s also important to consider the overall lifetime costs, including cleaning and maintenance, to get a true picture of overall value. Do you prefer a lower upfront cost with the commitment of regular upkeep, or would you rather invest more initially for a long-term, low-maintenance solution?

As we’ve covered, timber decking offers a natural, timeless appearance but requires frequent cleaning, staining, and oiling, all of which add to long-term expenses. You also need to consider the likelihood of having to replace boards over the course of your deck’s life. So, while our timber boards are priced at approximately £15 per m², making it the most affordable decking option available, it’s important to bear the ongoing maintenance costs in mind.

To keep your outdoor space looking its best, consistent care is essential. With Cladco’s Nordeck, recycled plastic, and composite decking ranges, you can expect much lower ongoing costs thanks to their minimal maintenance requirements.

Our recycled plastic decking is priced at around £73 per m², while our premium Nordeck decking costs approximately £92 per m². Both should be seen as long-term investments requiring little to no maintenance throughout their lifespan and come with a substantial 20-year warranty.

For a lower-cost alternative, Cladco Signature composite decking starts at around £38 per m², offering excellent value with a 10-year warranty. Our popular polymer-capped ProDeck boards begin at approximately £49 per m², providing added surface protection and a 15-year warranty.

Given timber decking’s long-standing reputation for easy installation, you might assume that modern alternatives are more complicated. However, that’s not the case. All our decking boards come with straightforward installation guides, and you’ll find every accessory needed to complete your project here.

Cladco Signature composite decking features a simple installation process that involves slotting the boards into place using T-clips. ProDeck composite decking is installed in a similar way, using its own style of T-clip. These systems allow the boards to be securely fastened to the substructure while leaving the surface completely smooth for a sleek, professional finish.

Cladco Nordeck and recycled plastic decking are also easy to install, using hidden deck fasteners and screws to secure each board. Although the fasteners are driven through the face of the board, they feature colour-matched heads that sit neatly over the screw, concealing the fixing and blending seamlessly with the surface for a clean, uniform finish.

In addition to fixings, we supply a wide range of decking joists and posts, available in timber, recycled plastic, composite, and aluminium - everything you need to ensure a strong, long-lasting decking installation.

In summary, all the decking materials we’ve discussed offer unique advantages, but when it comes to low-maintenance solutions, Cladco’s Nordeck, recycled plastic, Signature composite, and ProDeck capped composite decking stand out as the most convenient and durable choices.

There are many benefits to choosing a low-maintenance garden decking material, from saving time, money, and stress to enjoying your outdoor space without the need for constant upkeep. While every type of decking requires occasional cleaning to remove surface marks or debris, these modern alternatives are designed to stay looking their best with minimal effort.

Our Signature composite decking provides an authentic natural wood appearance with reduced upkeep, while ProDeck adds a capped surface layer for enhanced protection against fading and moisture. Nordeck PVC decking offers exceptional strength and resilience, eliminating the risk of rot and cracks, whatever the weather. And for those seeking the ultimate hands-off option, recycled plastic decking delivers unmatched durability, even in high-moisture or commercial environments.

Whichever option you choose, you’ll be investing in a long-lasting, low-maintenance decking system that looks great year after year, come rain, snow, or sunshine.