Decking Showdown: Timber vs Composite – Which Wins Today?

Few features have the power to transform an outdoor space quite like a well-designed deck. It frames the view, creates flow between indoor and outdoor living, and adds serious value to a home. If you’re thinking about upgrading your outdoor areas, then adding a deck is likely a good contender for enhancing your space! But before you lay a single plank, the biggest decision you face: timber or composite?

Timeless Timber

Let’s face it… Timber remains a firm favourite for purists who appreciate the natural grain, warm tones, and the simple organic feel and texture that real wood can provide. When maintained properly, hardwoods like garapa or balau age beautifully and bring a sense of timeless luxury to any outdoor setting. But therein lies the catch—timber needs regular care to retain its good looks and structural integrity. Exposure to sun, rain, and humidity inevitably takes its toll—and if you’re not prepared for the ongoing maintenance and costs, timber decking can quickly become more of a burden than a pleasure. Left unprotected, the elements may lead to issues like warping, splintering, or fading, compromising both the beauty and integrity of your deck. Even well maintained timber decks have an estimated 10 year life span, so replacement is inevitable.

Composite: The Modern Contender

Composite decking has evolved beyond the practical, yet, plastic-like finishes of the past. Today’s composite decking offers sophisticated wood-look finishes, excellent slip resistance, and impressive weather performance. For those who want the appearance of timber without the upkeep, composite delivers. It’s also a more sustainable solution, with top products made from bamboo fibre and recycled plastic—ideal for eco-conscious consumers and designers.

Among the front-runners in bamboo composite decking is Eva-Last, known for pushing the boundaries of performance and beauty. Their advanced ranges, such as Apex Plus, Infinity and Eva Tech, offer ultra-realistic timber finishes while standing up to everyday wear. In fact, these ranges offer some of the most realistic timber alternatives we’ve seen—so much so that you often have to touch them to believe they’re not the real deal. But the real beauty lies beneath the surface: these boards are engineered to endure the harshest climates, globally, from scorching sun to torrential rains and even ice and snow without flinching. And all this while providing product warranties that last for decades!

What we personally appreciate about Eva-Last is that they’ve taken composite from purely practical to seriously stylish. This is not a compromise—it’s a clever choice. Whether you’re designing a sleek residential patio or a high-traffic hospitality deck, their products are versatile enough to meet the demands of both function and form. If, like many of us, you want to minimise maintenance without sacrificing aesthetic integrity, Eva-Last ticks all the right boxes—and then some.

The Verdict

Ultimately, your choice depends on the story you want your space to tell. Timber carries heritage and character, perfect for traditionalists or naturalists at heart. Composite, on the other hand, offers a future-forward solution that prioritises low maintenance, environmental impact, and cutting-edge design. For many, especially in climates where the weather is unforgiving, composite may just clinch the win.

With brands like Eva-Last in the mix, we are certainly spoiled for choice. Remember, the right decking choice sets the tone for your entire space— so choose wisely.

Visit Eva-Last for more info.