Garden Decking in Horsham | Should I Choose to Have a Deck Laid in a Composite or in Timber?
If you are planning garden decking for a garden in Horsham, the main decision you will face is the material. Composite and timber garden decking are the two most common options. Each has its strengths and its limitations, but the right choice depends on how you use outdoor space, your budget, and how much ongoing care you want to commit to.
Oakhurst Groundworks installs decking in Horsham and all surrounding areas. We help homeowners to choose materials that suit gardens and their lifestyles, and not just on what might look better on paper.
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What is Timber Decking?
Timber decking uses natural wood, usually a softwood such as pine or a hardwood like oak or iroko. Timber has a traditional appearance so it works especially well in modern and older gardens in Horsham. Use a timber deck to suit you if you value a natural finish and are more comfortable with regular upkeep. Wood needs treatment to protect it.
Moisture, UV exposure and wear caused by foot traffic are all issues and without maintenance, boards can fade, warp and become slippery.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled plastics and wood fibres. It is designed to replicate the look of timber but goes on to reduce maintenance. Many homeowners in Horsham choose a composite material for decking due to consistency and longer-term durability.
Composite boards resist rot, insects and moisture.
They hold their colour well and do not require painting, staining or sealing. This makes them popular for busier households or rentals.
Key Differences to Consider
When choosing decking for your Horsham garden, focus on materials or how an installation performs over time, not just the upfront cost.
Here are the main points to compare:
- Maintenance: Timber needs regular cleaning and treatment while composite decking will only require the occasional wash.
- Appearance: Timber offers natural grain and variation, whereas a composite deck can provide a uniform, more modern look.
- Durability: Composite decking resists rot and splintering, but timber can last for many decades if it is well-maintained.
- Cost: Timber decking usually costs less to install. Composites cost more initially but go on to save you money on upkeep.
- Safety: Composite boards often include anti-slip finishes that are more useful for a shaded or a damper garden in Horsham.
The local climate plays a big role in how decking performs.
Horsham experiences seasonal rainfall or temperature changes. Timber decking absorbs moisture, which leads to swelling and surface algae if not treated properly. Composite decking handles damper conditions better and will stay more stable throughout the four main seasons.
If a garden has limited sunlight or has trees, composite decking may reduce ongoing problems with moss and staining. Timber can work well too, but will need a structured installation and maintenance plan.
Which Decking Is Right for Your Garden?
Ask yourself a few questions before deciding. How much time will you want to spend maintaining your decking? Will children and pets use a space daily? Are you planning to stay in your Horsham property long-term, or is there a possibility you may want to sell in the future?
Timber decking suits homeowners who enjoy hands-on care and want the traditional finish of wood. Composite decking suits those who prefer less maintenance and require consistent performance year after year.
Decking in Horsham from Oakhurst Groundworks
The quality of an installation matters as much as the material. Poor groundworks lead to movement, drainage problems and earlier failures so, at Oakhurst Groundworks, we prepare solid foundations and always install decking to suit the ground conditions found across Horsham.
If you are considering decking and want clear, practical advice, our company can assess your garden and explain which options work better for you. Making the right choice now will save you time, cost and an incredible amount of end-user frustration in the many years ahead.