Composite Decking | Explore, Learn & Compare Our Range

The cost of composite decking typically ranges from £18 to over £50 per board, depending on the quality, technology (e.g., capped vs. uncapped), type, and supplier you choose.

For a detailed insight into the market and what to look for at each price point, please see our complete guide to composite decking prices.

Put simply, the main difference is the surface layer, which impacts maintenance and long-term performance.

First-Generation (Uncapped) – These boards have a surface made from a composite of wood fibres and plastic. They are the most common type in the UK due to their affordability but require more regular maintenance due to their wood-based surface.

Second-Generation (Capped) – These boards have a protective PE plastic layer (a “cap” or “shield”). They offer superior resistance to moisture, fading, and staining. This design provides ultra-low maintenance and exceptional long-term performance.

To learn more, please review our full guide: Knowing the Different Types of Composite Decking.

Our composite decking boards are designed to be DIY-friendly. If you’re comfortable with basic DIY tasks like measuring, cutting, and drilling, you’ll likely find the installation straightforward.

The key to a successful installation is careful preparation, not advanced skill. From our experience, most issues arise from not following these five crucial rules:

• Build a solid and level subframe.
• Use the correct joist centres.
• Leave proper expansion gaps.
• Ensure good airflow beneath the deck.
• Follow the installation guide precisely.

We highly recommend watching our full installation guide video before you begin, to confidently assess if it’s the right project for you.

Put simply? No for most residential projects, and yes for commercial projects. Why?

Well, our hollow boards have been installed in UK gardens for over a decade. As long as they’re developed correctly and you follow the installation guide, you won’t have an issue—and you’ll save yourself a bit of money.

Now, are solid boards better? Yes, that’s a fact in this industry. They’re more resilient and can withstand a huge amount of foot traffic and pressure, which is why, in our view, they’re the perfect choice for busy commercial projects like pubs, restaurants, or public walkways.

Yes, like all outdoor materials, composite decking will experience some colour change from UV exposure. The real question is: how much?

First-Generation (Uncapped): Expect a noticeable, yet normal, colour change as it weathers over time. Pro tip: darker colours generally maintain their appearance better than lighter ones.

Second-Generation (Capped): Thanks to their protective PE plastic layer, these boards have superior UV resistance, meaning any colour change is typically minimal and often unnoticeable.

We rigorously test our boards (using a scientific “Delta E” measurement) to ensure lasting colour performance. Review more details about does composite decking fade on our blog.

If you install it yourself, the cost is just your time. For a professional installation, our network of trusted fitters reports that labour costs typically range from £60 to £90 per square metre (m²), depending on your project’s complexity and location.

This labour cost does not include essential materials like the subframe, clips, or trims. For a complete breakdown of all costs, read our detailed cost-to-install guide.

The longevity of any composite decking is determined by two key factors: correct installation and proper care. When these steps are followed, our boards are designed to last for decades.

You can typically expect composite decking to last for 10 to 25 years:

• First-generation (uncapped) boards last 10–15 years, while our high-performance
• Second-generation (capped) boards will last for 25 years and beyond.

For complete peace of mind, all our products are backed by a comprehensive warranty—our commitment to you for long-lasting performance and durability.

Yes, like any outdoor surface, composite decking will get warm in direct sunlight. If surface temperature is a key purchasing decision for you, your colour choice will be an important factor:

Darker colours (e.g., black): Absorb more heat. On very hot, sunny days, you’ll likely want to wear footwear.

Lighter colours (e.g., light grey): Absorb significantly less heat and will feel much cooler underfoot.

For more details, review our full guide on how hot composite decking gets.

Yes, but not like traditional timber.

A few years back, our decking was considered for use at high-traffic motorway service areas. The independent testing measured the board’s ‘Pendulum Test Value’ (PTV) in very wet conditions to simulate British weather. Our boards achieved an average PTV of 34, which is officially rated as having a ‘low/medium slip potential

We learnt from these test a key install tip. The direction you lay the boards. If you run them horizontal to your direction of walk, e.g. (walk across them), you’ll get a huge increase in slip resistance. It’s a simple trip that makes a big difference. For more details, on slip resistance composite decking check out our blog.

How often you need to clean your deck largely depends on the type of composite board you have:

First-Generation Boards: We recommend a regular clean about once a month with hot, soapy water. It’s crucial to spot-clean any spills immediately to prevent them from setting.

Second-Generation (Capped) Boards: A good, thorough clean three times a year (typically in spring and autumn) is usually sufficient to prevent dirt, pollen, or algae build-up. But remember, they’re stain-resistant, not stain-proof—so don’t let spills like red wine sit for days!

Learn how to clean your composite decking in our aftercare blog.