Find out why composite decking costs more than timber, and learn how NeoTimber® provides a superior, long-lasting solution worth the investment.
For what you get, composite decking can seem a little more expensive than wood. And there’s no hiding it that in practice a fully installed composite deck will cost you approximately 2-3 times that of a basic softwood deck. The fact is, there’s a whole lot more science behind the way that composite decking is designed, engineered and manufactured.
The process by which composite deck boards are manufactured means that more raw materials are used, resulting in a product which performs better, lasts longer and requires no maintenance. We believe that’s worth paying more for.
The Cost Difference Really Comes Down To Material
The primary reason that composite decking is more expensive is down to the materials that we use to manufacture NeoTimber®. Wood is plentiful and therefore raw material costs are relatively cheap. By comparison, NeoTimber® composite decking is made from recycled plastics and reused wood fibres. These two materials are heated and set in a mould where these materials fuse together to form a strong, water-resistant composite decking that we call NeoTimber®, literally ‘new timber.’ Just as concrete is stronger when reinforced with steel, so wood is made more resilient with the addition of plastic polymers.
The Costs Of Usual Timber Maintenance Are Non-existent
When comparing a timber option with composite, it would be unrealistic to only calculate your pricing based on the installed product. This is because of the additional costs incurred through regular purchasing of stain or decking paint. Let’s imagine you require 2.5 litres of decking paint per application, let’s also imagine that timber decking will last for a maximum of 15 years. At approximately £27 a tin, that’s £405 worth of paint. It’s already more expensive than you imagined. However, if we could tell you that you’ll never have to get the kneeling stool out and strip, sand, paint or varnish your deck again, what would that be worth to you? What about all the bank holidays, you won’t have to spend breaking your back scrubbing stains off your deck? Low maintenance composite decking is just that, except requiring an occasional scrub down and has a 25-year residential warranty.
The Longevity Of Composite Decking Means It’s An Investment
NeoTimber® is protected from water damage, erosion, rot and algae because the plastic polymers coat the wood fibres, making them more resilient to the elements. Timber decking doesn’t usually last as long as 15 years, in fact you’re doing well if you get to 10 years. Conversely, composite decking is supplied with a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and so represents a wise investment for the future, and can help to increase the value of your home should you choose to sell it in future. It’s an investment in your health, no more back breaking sanding and varnishing; an investment in your home, composite decks increase your property value; and an investment in your wellbeing - sunlight and fresh air will do you the world of good.
The Ultra-Modern Aesthetic Provides A Fresh Upgrade
No one would go into their local electrical superstore and expect to buy a top-spec Ultra HD 4K TV for a few hundred pounds. That kind of cutting-edge technology costs more because it is worth more. It performs better, it is built to a higher standard, using advanced breakthrough technology. The same is the case with composite decking. Our NeoTimber® decking range is the very latest in composite building material technology and so is rightly more expensive than the timber alternative. We spend months planning, preparing, designing and perfecting, NeoTimber®, a building material far superior to timber.
Why Composite Decking Costs More Than Timber, And Why It’s Worth Every Penny
Investing in NeoTimber® means choosing long-term value over short-term savings. While it’s true that composite decking costs more than timber upfront, the real cost difference becomes clear over time. Composite boards don’t rot, warp, split, or require staining, sealing or painting, saving you years of maintenance, labour and replacement expenses. You get premium performance, greater durability, enhanced safety, and a finish that continues to look good with minimal effort. If you want a deck that stands the test of time, resists the elements, and delivers genuine long-term value, NeoTimber® composite decking is the smarter investment.
