It depends on what matters most to you. Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibre, which makes it rot-resistant, colour-stable, and virtually maintenance-free. You will never need to paint or stain it, and it holds up well through wet winters. Timber decking costs less upfront and gives a natural wood look that many people prefer. It does need annual treatment to prevent weathering and algae build-up. For a low-effort surface that lasts, composite is the stronger long-term choice. For a more traditional feel on a tighter budget, treated softwood timber boards do the job well.
Garden Decking Materials: Boards, Posts, Spindles and Treatments
MacBlair stocks a full range of decking materials to take a project from bare ground to finished deck. The range covers both timber decking and composite decking, so there is a practical choice at every budget. Pressure-treated softwood boards are the go-to for cost-conscious builds. Composite boards blend recycled wood fibre and plastic to produce a low-maintenance surface that resists rot, holds its colour, and never needs painting or staining.
Beyond the boards themselves, a well-built deck depends on its substructure and safety features. MacBlair carries the supporting components needed to complete the job properly:
- Decking posts for raising and securing the frame
- Base rails and handrails to form the balustrade structure
- Spindles to infill the balustrade panels
- Decking treatment to protect timber from moisture, algae, and weathering
In the UK, decking installed at ground level and covering no more than 50% of the garden typically falls within permitted development rights, though it is always worth checking with your local planning authority before starting. For raised decks, Building Regulations may apply depending on height. Timber boards should carry FSC certification to verify the wood is responsibly sourced, and any pressure treatment should meet Use Class 3 or above for exterior ground-contact applications.
Good maintenance extends the life of any deck considerably. Annual cleaning followed by a quality decking stain or oil keeps timber looking sharp and slows weathering. Composite boards require far less attention, though a periodic wash-down keeps surfaces clean and slip-free. The full decking range at MacBlair also sits alongside paving and fencing options for anyone planning a wider garden project.
Decking FAQ's
In most cases, no. In the UK, decking that sits no more than 300mm above ground level and covers no more than 50% of the garden area typically falls within permitted development rights, meaning no planning application is needed. If your home is a listed building, sits within a conservation area, or the deck will be raised significantly, you may need to apply. It is always worth checking with your local council before starting work, particularly for raised structures where Building Regulations around structural safety and balustrade heights could also apply.
The most common decking board width in the UK is around 120mm to 150mm, with a thickness of 28mm to 38mm for timber. Wider boards can look more contemporary and speed up installation, but narrower boards tend to be more stable as they are less prone to cupping or warping over time. For composite boards, the profile size will vary by manufacturer. As a general guide, joists should be spaced at no more than 400mm centres for composite and 300mm for most timber boards. Always check the specific installation guidance for whichever board you choose.
Green algae and moss build up quickly on decking in shaded or damp areas, particularly through autumn and winter. The best approach is a combination of regular cleaning and preventative treatment. Clean the deck with a dedicated decking cleaner or a pressure washer, then apply a decking treatment or preservative that contains an algaecide. Doing this in spring and again in autumn keeps growth under control and protects the timber. Anti-slip decking strips can also be fixed across the boards in areas that see heavy foot traffic. Composite boards are naturally more resistant to algae than bare timber, though they still benefit from a periodic wash-down.
For ground-level or low-level decking, a handrail is not a legal requirement, though it is often added for aesthetic reasons or to define the edge of the space. Where a deck is raised and a fall from the edge could cause injury, Building Regulations in the UK require a balustrade or handrail. As a general rule, any deck more than 600mm above the adjacent ground level should have edge protection. The balustrade must be at least 1100mm high for most domestic applications, with spindle spacing no greater than 100mm to prevent a 100mm sphere passing through. Always check the specific requirements with your local Building Control office.