Choosing between composite and timber decking is the single biggest decision most Surrey homeowners face when planning a new outdoor space. Both look great — but they perform very differently over time, and the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how much effort you want to put into upkeep.
The Core Difference
Timber decking is a natural product — it looks beautiful, feels warm underfoot, and costs less upfront. Composite decking is engineered from wood fibre and recycled plastic — it’s made to look like timber but behave like a low-maintenance, weatherproof surface that lasts decades.
Cost Comparison (Surrey, 2026)
| Treated Timber | Composite (e.g. Dino/Trex) | |
|---|---|---|
| Install cost (25m²) | £3,000–£4,500 | £5,500–£8,500 |
| Annual maintenance | £200–£400 (oil/sand) | £0–£50 (occasional clean) |
| Expected lifespan | 10–15 years | 25–30 years |
| 10-year total cost | ~£6,500–£8,500 | ~£5,500–£9,000 |
| Warranty (typical) | 1–5 years | 10–25 years |
Maintenance costs are estimates. Timber costs assume professional oiling every 1–2 years.
Timber Decking — Pros & Cons
- ✅ Lower upfront cost
- ✅ Natural look and warm, authentic feel
- ✅ Easier to repair individual boards
- ✅ Biodegradable and sustainably sourced options (FSC-certified)
- ❌ Requires annual cleaning, oiling or staining
- ❌ Susceptible to warping, splitting and algae in wet UK weather
- ❌ Can become slippery when wet without treatment
- ❌ Shorter lifespan — boards typically need replacing within 12–15 years
Composite Decking — Pros & Cons
- ✅ No oiling, staining or sanding — ever
- ✅ Won’t rot, warp, split or go green
- ✅ Anti-slip grooved surface — safer for families
- ✅ 25-year manufacturer warranties available (Dino, Trex)
- ✅ Consistent colour — won’t fade or grey out
- ❌ Higher upfront investment
- ❌ Can get warm to the touch in direct summer sun
- ❌ Less forgiving to repair — boards must match batch
What We Recommend for Surrey Gardens
Surrey’s climate — wet winters, frost, humid summers — is particularly tough on timber. We see boards that were beautiful at installation looking grey and splitting within 5 years when not properly maintained. For most of our customers, composite pays for itself by year 6 or 7 when you account for the maintenance savings.
That said, if you love the natural look, want to keep initial costs down, or are building a temporary deck before a bigger garden project, treated softwood or hardwood timber (Iroko, Ipe) is still a great option — just budget for annual care.
Our Recommended Composite Brands
- Dino Composite — excellent value, 300mm joist spacing, available in multiple wood-effect colours
- Trex Transcend — premium US brand, 25-year fade warranty, widely used in East Sussex
- Millboard — ultra-realistic wood grain, high-end finish, popular in Reigate and Oxted
Get Expert Advice for Your Garden
Not sure which option suits your garden? We’ll visit, measure up, and give you honest advice — no sales pressure. We install both timber and composite across Surrey, East Grinstead, Crawley, Horley, and the wider East Sussex area.