Comparing timber vs composite is very challenging due to the fact that many of their characteristics are similar. Ultimately, the client’s decision hinges on their aesthetic preferences, budget considerations, and long-term maintenance expectations. In this blog we will specifically discuss these two types in the form of decking. There are various types and species of timber, in this case, we will focus on CCA treated (SA Pine) timber. The durability of CCA treated timber decking is often understated while the low maintenance of composite decking is overstated.

Timber vs Composite: The main differences

It’s important to remember that factors such as the environment and installation have a significant impact on the durability of the deck. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines, regardless of the material you use. Now, let’s get started.

Product

CCA treated timber decking

CCA treated timber decking is a product that we manufacture and supply at Sabie poles. It’s a softwood timber (Pine) that has been moulded to create a decking profile.

Product Qualities

• Creates a warm, inviting outdoor area that blends seamlessly with the natural environment.
• When CCA treated it has a greenish tint.
• Available plain or non-slip (with grooves)
• Available in 2 standard sizes namely 22m and 32mm thickness, 102mm in width with multiple length options up to 6.6m.
• Protected against rot, decay, insect attacks and weather elements.
• Timber is inspected and is treated according to SANS 1288 specifications, it’s a standard in quality you can expect.
• Can be integrated with other materials such as stone or metal to create a unique design.

Composite decking

Composite decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood decking. It is made from a blend of recycled materials, including plastic and wood fibers, combined with a bonding agent (glue) and colorants.

Product Qualities

• Provides a neat, sleek look.
• Similar look to real timber depends on the manufacturer and the quality of the decking.
• Limited colour variants.
• Slip-resistance may vary depending on the quality of the decking.
• Width Ranges from 135mm to 150mm, thickness 20mm to 25mm, when imported to South Africa, standard length is 5.8m.
• Depending on quality it can be protected against insect attack, rot and decay.
• Quality depends on the manufacturer, it may differ.
• Prone to stains and scratches from furniture, pet claws and everyday wear and tear.

The manufacturing process

Composite decking

Recycled plastic and reclaimed wood fibers are collected, cleaned, and processed to remove contaminants. The plastic and wood fibers are blended with colorants and bonding agents, then heated to form a thick, pliable material. The heated mixture is extruded through a mold to create decking boards with the desired shape and wood-grain texture.

CCA treated timber decking

Our CCA-treated timber decking is sourced from FSC-certified forests and molded at our facility in Sabie, Mpumalanga, South Africa. After the molding process, the timber undergoes high-pressure treatment with CCA (Copper, Chromate, and Arsenic) in a specialized cylinder, and is then left to air dry.

It is protected from damage by insects such as borers and termites, as well as decay from fungi.

Customizing Capabilities

CCA treated Timber decking

•  Can be sanded, stained or painted.
• Can be customized to fit complex designs and curves.
• Can be custom milled to fit specific needs.

Composite decking

• Cannot be sanded.
• Customization is limited to manufactured dimensions.
• Limited colour variants
• Not recommended to be painted mainly due to warrantee regulations.
• Is limited to standard sizes and profiles.

Material and installation cost.

The price difference between CCA treated timber decking and composite decking is huge.  Even if you include maintenance cost the difference still remains high, after some research on cost, this is what I have found. This is just an average on what you would pay in South Africa. Note that in South Africa, composite is mostly imported.

Material: Cost of CCA treated Timber (32mm thickness) p/m2 = R380.00

Treatment: Cost of treatment (Sealer) required = R220 (covers 10m2) (this case is Timberlife Ultradeck Sealer)

Material: Cost of Composite decking (22mm thickness) p/m2 = R1250.00

This is an estimate for a standard 10m² deck over approximately 10 years in ideal conditions.

Purchasing composite decking alone will cost R12,500.00. No further maintenance is required, except for occasional cleaning, which might involve some cost for cleaning chemicals.

On the other hand, purchasing timber decking alone will cost R2,500.00. CCA-treated timber decking requires applying a sealant before installation, after installation, three months later, and then annually. The total cost for sealing over 10 years would be R2,640.00. Thus, the total cost for a timber deck with basic maintenance will be around R5,140.00.

Composite decking requires specialized screws and fasteners, which are generally more expensive than those used for timber decks.

Other factors should also be considered, but this gives a basic idea of the costs involved.

Composite decking tends to be more expensive both to purchase and install compared to timber decking. While it is often argued that the higher price of composite decking is offset by its low maintenance and durability, this assertion is overstated. A well-maintained timber deck can potentially last a lifetime, and its repair costs are generally lower than those of composite decking.

Additionally, sourcing the right timber for replacements is typically easier than finding matching composite materials. Therefore, the decision between composite and timber decking should consider not only initial costs but also long-term maintenance and repair considerations.

Conclusion

When choosing the right decking material for your project, it’s important to consider both the environment and your lifestyle. Composite decking, for example, does not require annual sealing and staining but must be kept clean to prevent stains, algae, and mold growth. If you only visit your home once a year, composite decking might not be ideal. Timber decking, on the other hand, does not have the same maintenance requirements and may be more suitable for such situations.

While it is true that composite decking has become advanced to the point that it can achieve a look similar to wood, it still does not have the qualities of wood, such as the smell, texture, and natural aging process that many people appreciate.

Composite decking lacks the unique character and warmth that natural wood provides. If you are a timber fanatic, you will still be able to point out a timber deck that is not built with timber. Even if composite decking is designed to mimic the appearance of wood, a timber fanatic would still be able to tell that it is not entirely natural due to differences in texture, grain patterns, and the natural imperfections often found in timber decking.

If you still want to know more about our timber decking, please click on the following link: Pine Wood Decking. here’s the bonus! We also supply the best quality screws used for timber decking. Please click on the following link to read more: Timber Screws: Timber decking screws