If you’re considering decking as part of a garden renovation, one of the first questions is often: is decking expensive? 

The answer depends hugely on what type of decking you’re comparing and, importantly, how it’s being constructed underneath. 

A simple softwood timber deck can be a relatively cost-effective way to create a new seating or entertaining area. A premium composite deck installed on an aluminium subframe will cost considerably more initially. 

However, comparing the two purely on installation price doesn’t tell the whole story.  

Timber vs composite decking 

Traditional timber decking will generally be cheaper initially. 

It’s readily available, relatively inexpensive and easy to work with. When properly installed and maintained, good-quality timber decking can provide many years of use. 

The key word, though, is maintained. 

Timber is a natural material exposed to rain, frost, sunlight and changing temperatures. Over time it can fade, split, warp and eventually deteriorate. Regular cleaning and periodic staining or oiling will usually be required to keep it looking its best and maximise its lifespan. 

Premium composite decking costs more, but removes much of this ongoing maintenance. 

Products such as Millboard are designed to replicate the appearance of natural timber while providing significantly greater resistance to the problems traditionally associated with timber decking. There’s no annual staining or oiling, and the boards won’t rot in the same way as timber. 

For many of our customers, that’s an important part of the decision. They want to spend their time enjoying their garden rather than maintaining it. 

Don’t forget what’s underneath the decking

Something that’s easily overlooked when comparing decking quotations is the subframe. 

The finished boards are what you see, but the structure underneath them is arguably just as important. 

There are three main options: timber, composite and aluminium. 

Timber subframes 

Treated timber is generally the cheapest option and is relatively quick and straightforward to construct. 

For many decking projects, it remains a perfectly good solution. However, even treated timber is an organic material and can eventually deteriorate, particularly where ventilation is poor or it’s regularly exposed to moisture. 

When you’re installing premium composite boards designed to last for many years, it’s therefore worth considering whether you want the supporting structure to have similar longevity. 

Composite subframes

Composite subframe systems remove many of the concerns associated with timber and can work particularly well for certain low-level installations or areas where moisture exposure is a concern. 

As with any system, the correct specification depends on the design of the deck, required spans and manufacturer’s installation requirements. 

Aluminium subframes

For many of our higher-specification composite decking installations, aluminium is our preferred option. 

Although the material itself is more expensive than timber, aluminium is extremely durable, stable and won’t rot. 

There’s also another advantage that isn’t always obvious when looking at material prices: aluminium systems can be quicker to install. 

Purpose-designed aluminium joists combined with adjustable pedestal systems allow us to create an accurate, level structure relatively quickly. This means that although the materials cost more, some of that additional cost can be offset by reduced installation time. 

It also means we’re installing a premium decking board onto a structure designed with similar longevity in mind. 

So, is composite decking worth the extra cost?

It depends on what you want from your garden. 

If keeping the initial investment as low as possible is your priority and you’re comfortable with ongoing maintenance, timber decking can be an excellent choice. 

If you’re creating a high-quality outdoor living space and your priorities are appearance, longevity and lower maintenance, premium composite decking becomes much more attractive. 

This is particularly relevant when decking forms part of a larger garden design—perhaps creating a lounge area, outdoor dining space, somewhere to catch the evening sun, or an entertaining area alongside an outdoor kitchen or pergola. 

In these situations, the deck isn’t simply another surface in the garden. It’s creating additional living space for you to use and enjoy. 

Look beyond the initial price 

When comparing decking quotations, we’d recommend asking what decking boards are being used, what the subframe is constructed from and how the complete system is expected to perform over time. 

A cheaper deck that requires considerably more maintenance or needs replacing sooner isn’t necessarily better value. 

Likewise, there’s little point specifying an expensive system where a simpler timber deck would comfortably meet the requirements of the project. 

The important thing is choosing the right specification for your garden, your budget and how you want to use the space. 

At AJT Landscaping, we’re Millboard Approved Installers and design and install decking as part of complete garden projects across Surrey and the surrounding areas. 

If you’re considering decking as part of your garden renovation, we’d be happy to talk through the different options and help you decide which construction method is right for your project.