Project description: A Comparison between traditional Timber Decks and Trex Composite Decking

Timber Decks vs. Composite Decks: A Complete Comparison

What They Are

• Timber decking is traditional wood decking made from species like pine, cedar, or hardwoods such as kwila.

• Composite decking blends wood fibres with recycled plastics and additives to create boards that mimic wood but behave differently.

• Trex is one of the biggest names in composite decking — known for long warranties, low maintenance, and durability.

1) Cost: Upfront vs. Lifetime

Timber Decking

• Usually cheaper upfront — often somewhat less per square metre than premium composite, especially hardwood varieties.

• But ongoing maintenance adds up: sanding, staining, sealing every couple of years, plus occasional board replacements.

Trex Composite Decking

• Higher upfront cost — Trex boards and installation typically cost more than timber.

• Lower long-term cost thanks to minimal maintenance. Trex suggests annual care can be as simple as soap and water.

• When you factor in years of staining and sealing timber, composite often costs less over the deck’s life than wood.

👉 Bottom line: Timber wins on upfront price; composites like Trex often win on lifetime value.

2) Maintenance & Upkeep

Timber

• Needs regular sealing, staining or oiling to protect against weather damage.

• Susceptible to rot, mould, insect damage (including termites), and splintering over time.

• Without maintenance, decay can start within a few years in wet climates.

Trex Composite

• Very low maintenance: clean with water and mild detergent a couple of times a year.

• Doesn’t need painting, staining, or sealing — a major time (and cost) saver.

• Composite boards won’t splinter like timber and are resistant to rot and termite damage.

👉 Winner: Trex and composites for ease of care.

3) Durability & Lifespan

Timber

• Lifespan varies with species and maintenance: softwoods ~10–15 years; hardwoods up to ~20–30 years with care.

• Can warp, crack, or rot in harsh weather without ongoing protection.

Trex Composite

• Typically engineered to last 25–50 years.

• Trex offers long warranties reflecting confidence in longevity.

• More resistant to moisture, UV fading, and climate extremes than most wood decking.

👉 Winner: Trex & quality composites — especially in Auckland’s mix of coastal and wet weather conditions.

4) Aesthetic & Feel

Timber

• Offers authentic natural beauty with unique grain patterns and character.

• Can be refinished (sanded and restained) to change colour or revive appearance.

Trex Composite

• Designed to mimic timber look, with colour and grain variations.

• Appearance stays more consistent over time without refinishing.

• Some purists feel composites don’t quite match real wood’s look or warmth.

👉 Preference choice: wood lovers often choose timber; those wanting a consistent look pick composite.

5) Comfort & Performance

Heat & Slip

• Composite decking can get hotter under direct sun than timber, potentially uncomfortable for bare feet.

• Many modern boards (including some Trex lines) have textured, slip-resistant surfaces to help when wet.

Timber

• Generally cooler underfoot in strong sun but still needs anti-slip treatments if wet.

6) Environmental Impact

Timber

• Renewable if sourced from sustainably managed forests.

• Biodegradable and traditional.

Trex Composite

• Often made with high percentages of recycled materials — up to ~95% according to the manufacturer.

• Longer life means fewer replacements and less timber harvesting.

👉 Green edge: composites can be a strong choice — but sustainable timber remains a valid option if responsibly sourced.

When to Choose Which

Go with Timber Decking if:

• You love natural wood look and don’t mind the upkeep.

• Your budget is tight upfront.

• You enjoy refinishing and customizing over time.

Choose Trex Composite Decking if:

• You want minimal maintenance and a long-lasting deck.

• You live in a climate with heavy rain or coastal conditions.

• You want a cleaner, splinter-free surface that stays looking good with little effort.

• Lifetime cost (not just installation cost) matters most.

Quick Summary Table

If you want, I can tailor this to a specific climate (like coastal Auckland conditions) or break down actual cost estimates for a deck size you have in mind — just tell me the deck dimensions!