The choice between composite and timber decking is one of the most common questions we get from Melbourne homeowners. Both have genuine strengths and the right answer depends on your lifestyle, your budget, and how you want your outdoor space to feel. We install both, so this is an honest comparison rather than a sales pitch for one over the other.
Timber decking: the natural choice
Nothing matches the warmth and character of natural timber. Hardwoods like merbau, spotted gum, and ironbark develop a beautiful patina over time and can be sanded and re-oiled to refresh their appearance completely. A well-maintained hardwood deck is a genuinely beautiful thing.
Lucas has been working with timber since he was ten years old, building a cubby house in the backyard that kept getting extensions. His favourite timber is ironbark, and for good reason. It is one of the hardest and most durable hardwoods available in Australia. It resists termites, weathers beautifully, and can last decades with proper care.
Timber decking typically costs less upfront than composite. The trade-off is maintenance. You will need to oil your deck once or twice a year and address any boards that cup, split, or weather over time. For many people, that seasonal maintenance is part of the pleasure of owning a timber deck.
Composite decking: set and forget
Composite decking is made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic. Modern composites look far better than the early products that hit the market a decade ago. They resist fading, staining, and moisture damage without the need for oiling or sealing.
The big draw is low maintenance. You clean it with a hose, maybe a light scrub once or twice a year, and that is about it. There is no oiling, no sanding, no staining. For busy families, rental properties, or pool surrounds where water and chemicals are constantly hitting the surface, composite makes a lot of practical sense.
The upfront cost is higher than most timbers, but over a 25-year lifespan the reduced maintenance can make it more economical overall. The key is choosing a quality brand. Cheaper composites can fade, sag, or develop mould issues that defeat the purpose of going low-maintenance in the first place.
How they feel underfoot
This is something people often overlook until the deck is built. Timber has a natural warmth and slight give that feels good to walk on barefoot. In direct summer sun, timber gets hot but generally remains more tolerable than composite.
Composite can retain more heat than timber, which is worth considering if your deck gets full afternoon sun and you like walking on it barefoot in summer. Some newer composite profiles have been engineered to reduce heat retention, but it is still a factor worth thinking about for north and west-facing decks in Melbourne.
Not sure which material is right for your space? We can bring samples to your site and talk you through the options.
Book a Site VisitWhich should you choose?
If you love the look and feel of real timber and you are happy to do seasonal maintenance, natural hardwood is hard to beat. The connection to a natural material, the way it ages, the warmth underfoot. These are things composite cannot fully replicate.
If you want a deck that handles pool splashes, kids, pets, and Melbourne weather without requiring regular attention, composite is the practical choice. It gives you more time enjoying the deck and less time maintaining it.
We install both timber and composite decks across Melbourne. We are happy to walk you through samples, talk about what suits your specific situation, and give you a detailed quote for either option.