How to choose the right Decking and Fencing for your project.
When it comes to decking and fencing, there are a couple of considerations you need to look at. Two of the more popular options available to you are composite fencing and decking or traditional wooden/timber decking and fencing.
Hopefully this post can help you decide the best option for you.
Foremost we can’t ignore your budget, while it should not be the only consideration it does play a big part in the decision process as if you have a limited or fixed budget you may either have to consider if Composite is the best choice for you price wise, however I must say that if you can work it into your budget there are a lot of positives that come with the decision. You may want to consider Composite decking with traditional timber fencing or vise versa to keep within budget.
So, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each of these choices.
Pros of Composite decking.
- Composite decking and fencing are usually more durable and requires less maintenance with little chance of the boards becoming loose or rotting with time.
2. Composite decking does not become slippery in wet weather so slips and falls are far less likely, and this should definitely be a consideration if the decking will have elderly, children or pets accessing it.
3. Composite decking is the ultimate no maintenance option as there is very little upkeep other than sweeping or washing it down and it truly is a set it and forget it option. A composite deck/fence should easily last a shocking 20 to 30 years without needing to be replaced.
4. Composite decking and fencing is better for the environment as it uses recycled materials and does not have the same impact environmentally as traditional timber.
5. You can choose from a variety of colours to suit your landscaping needs and once installed can not be easily removed from the brackets/posts making it the wise choice for those that are security and privacy conscious.
Cons of Composite decking.
- There is no way of getting around it composite decking and fencing IS more expensive than its timber counterpart.
- Composite decking requires a stronger frame than timber decking due to the weight of the composite materials, however this does not translate to it being stronger and it may not withstand excess pressure.
- If you spill hot coals or oil on a composite deck, you could accidentally ‘melt’ it leaving a scorch mark on the decking.
Pros of Timber decking and fencing
- Timber decking and fencing can be more budget friendly when considering the original cost and often this is a major deciding factor for many people.
- Another reason people choose timber decking is the natural beauty and richness of the material that other options can’t compete with. Depending on the species you choose for your decking, colours can range from deep reds to luminous golds. Some species age gracefully even without regular recoating in oil and many people celebrate the natural weathered grey look of aged timber.
- It is lighter than composite options and does not require the same heavy frame during installation.
- Timber decking can be highly durable when looked after properly although it will not have the same longevity as Composite, with regular maintenance it should last between 10 to 15 years.
Cons of Timber decking and fencing.
- As much as timber decking with regular maintenance can last 10–15 years this will require meticulous re-oiling or refinishing and for many this is where it falls down, the oh we will do it next year/season mentality shortens the lifespan of the materials. You absolutely need to regularly maintain timber decking and fencing and this can prove time consuming or expensive.
- Timber can become quite slippery in wet weather, so this has to be a major consideration in your choice if you have young children or elderly parents.
- Although timber won’t melt with hot oil or coals, it could catch fire and it most certainly will scorch.
- Timber is lighter and therefore it can be subject to high winds destroying your beautiful fence. Even if the fence is not destroyed we often hear stories of how the fence panels banging against the post kept the owner up all night.
- From a security standpoint, Timber fence panels are easy to lift out of the concrete posts and give quick access to your valuables both outside and within your home.
