Decking

The term ‘garden decking’ is used to describe an outdoor flooring system designed to create a safe, practical, usable surface within your garden. Available in a range of materials and styles, including traditional timber, low‑maintenance composite boards, and eco‑friendly recycled plastic, garden decking provides a solution ideal for seating areas, walkways, or simply extending your living space outside.

Each decking type offers its own benefits, from an authentic natural aesthetic to long‑lasting durability. Decking doesn’t need to sit on flat ground either. Tiered layouts, raised platforms, and steps can be installed on sloping or uneven areas, helping you maximise the full potential of your garden.

There are several types of decking available to suit different project requirements, whether your priority is longevity, material choice, budget, environmental considerations, low‑maintenance design or the overall look and feel of your outdoor space. Traditionally, solid‑core natural timber decking made from softwoods and hardwoods has been the most common choice for UK homeowners. Since the early 2000s, alternative options such as solid and hollow‑core composite decking, aluminium decking and recycled plastic decking boards have grown in popularity. Often available in woodgrain finishes for a classic appearance or grooved profiles for a more contemporary style, today’s decking options give you plenty of flexibility to create the exact look you want.

See our Decking Options Explained blog post for more information.

Decking offers a wide range of design choices, with materials such as timber, composite, PVC and recycled plastic available in various colours and finishes. This makes it easy to achieve the perfect aesthetic in your garden, whether you’re after a traditional or contemporary look. Many decking systems are also more affordable to install than alternatives like patios, particularly as composite decking can be fitted over uneven ground without the need for extensive landscaping. Once installed, decking is simple to maintain, with composite boards needing only an occasional clean rather than sanding, staining or varnishing. Altogether, this combination of choice, cost‑effectiveness and easy upkeep makes decking a practical way to enhance your outdoor space.

See our Decking vs Patio blog post for more information.

While both composite and timber decking have their strengths, composite decking is generally considered the better choice because it offers superior durability, far lower maintenance and a longer lifespan than timber, while still achieving a wood‑like appearance.

Timber decking still has benefits, especially its natural look and lower upfront cost, which many people find appealing. However, even pressure‑treated boards need ongoing upkeep to protect them from weathering and deterioration over time.

Composite boards don’t require sealing, staining or painting and only need an occasional clean to stay in good condition. Their blend of natural wood fibres and recycled plastic also helps prevent rot, warping, splintering and insect damage, making them well‑suited to busy outdoor spaces.

For more information, check out our Composite vs Wood Decking blog post.

The lifespan of decking depends on various factors, such as the material used, where it’s installed and how well it’s maintained throughout the year. Composite decking can last up to 30 years, thanks to its blend of recycled wood fibres and plastics that resist rot, warping and splintering. Many ranges are expected to exceed their warranty when installed correctly, and capped composite, such as ProDeck, provides even greater protection.

Timber decking can last 10–15 years, but only with regular maintenance; without it, boards may deteriorate much sooner. PVC decking, such as Nordeck, and recycled plastic boards are the most durable options, with recycled plastic often lasting over 50 years while needing very little upkeep.

The cost of garden decking varies depending on the material you choose. Standard timber decking is usually the most affordable option and has been used for centuries, thanks to its availability and versatility. However, it degrades more quickly than other materials and needs regular maintenance. Composite decking is a modern alternative that offers a durable, low‑maintenance solution at a mid‑range price point. If you’re looking for something with a unique aesthetic, boards made from bamboo or other natural materials are available, though they tend to cost more than timber due to higher manufacturing costs. Recycled plastic and PVC decking are generally the most expensive options, but their long lifespans and minimal upkeep can make them cost‑effective over time.

Explore our How Much Does Decking Cost blog post for more detail, including installation costs.

The easiest way to work out how much decking you’re going to need is to use our online decking calculator. Simply enter the measurements of your garden, select your board type and choose your preferred layout, and the tool will calculate the quantities required for your project. It also includes fixings and trims, helping you plan with confidence and avoid ordering too much or too little. Using the calculator ensures you have everything you need before installation begins, making it a quick, accurate and stress‑free way to prepare for your decking project.

Yes, you can install decking yourself, and plenty of our customers do with great success. To help you along the way, our Help & Advice section brings together useful guidance, FAQs and practical information for planning your decking project. You’ll also find inspiration in our gallery, blogs and case studies, which show how others have transformed their outdoor spaces. Every product includes a data sheet, and each decking range has its own installation guide with step‑by‑step instructions and technical drawings. If you need any extra support, our friendly Sales Team is always happy to help on 01837 639519 or at [email protected].

Before you start, why not take a look at our blog post on Common Decking Installation Pitfalls.

All decking can become slippery when wet, especially if it isn’t kept clean and free from algae, as a build‑up of organic matter will make any surface more hazardous. Timber decking boards in particular can become slick over time as they weather, so regular maintenance is important to help reduce the risk of slipping.

Composite decking offers improved slip resistance when installed with the narrow‑groove side facing up, as the grooves provide additional grip compared to woodgrain‑effect boards. Installing the boards perpendicular to the natural walking direction can help even further, especially on walkways or steps.

For official slip‑test reports and technical documentation on our decking products, visit our Accreditation page.

Different types of decking require different levels of upkeep. Composite decking needs occasional cleaning to maintain its appearance, especially if uncapped, but this is usually as simple as brushing away leaves and loose debris. For more stubborn marks, warm water and a composite decking cleaner can be used. Timber decking requires the most maintenance, from sanding to staining, as well as regular cleaning to help protect it from the elements. PVC decking, such as Nordeck, generally only needs routine cleaning. Recycled plastic decking is the lowest‑maintenance option, with excellent resistance to UV, rot, insects and warping, making it ideal for remote locations where regular cleaning isn’t possible.

To learn more about low maintenance decking, check out our Low Maintenance Decking blog post..