4 of the Best Alternatives to Timber Decking

With a range of smart and long-lasting decking options on the market, there’s no need to stick with timber. While this traditional choice looks great, its downsides include proneness to weather and termite damage, high upkeep, and limited design options.

For the perfect deck to suit your home and lifestyle, consider safety, longevity, maintenance, and budget – as well as aesthetics – with these top alternatives.

Fibre cement decking

Resistant to splintering and shrinking from heat as well as warping and rotting from moisture, fibre cement boards like HardieDeck™ are an ideal option for the Australian climate. In addition to being versatile and long-lasting, they can be sealed with a tint to match the colour of your existing home.

Quick to install and requiring little upkeep, fibre cement decking is termite resistant and bushfire approved, making it a worry free and cost-saving decking alternative. If you’re concerned about the long-term commitments of owning a deck, such as ongoing costs and regular maintenance, fibre cement boards might be the best option for your home and lifestyle.

Tiles

A popular DIY choice, tiles can be a stylish option for homeowners looking to build or update an outdoor deck. Highly customisable and available in a range of materials such as ceramic and terracotta, they can be installed in myriad patterns and designs for a uniquely individual look.

While tiling can look beautiful, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. The grout between the tiles collects dirt and can change colour from sun exposure. Tiles can also crack or break if something heavy is dropped on them. This can be difficult to repair if you want to maintain a uniform look, as finding an exact match can be a tricky task.

A stunning HardieDeck from Three Birds Renovations. This modern deck was the finishing touch to a contemporary renovation, creating an outdoor area that is an extension of the home.

Get your outdoor area ready for summer. Contact Herbert Hall for more information

Wood plastic composite

Typically made from a combination of materials – namely wood and plastic – this timber alternative requires less upkeep. There’s no need to regularly stain or treat you’re a wood composite deck, which is an environmentally friendly lumber substitute.

A downside to wood plastic composite decking is that, while it’s made to have a similar appearance to timber, this is not always the case and many options it can look cheap or fake. It is also not resistant to mold or mildew, therefore making it less appealing for decks that will be exposed to rain or are located near pool areas.

Estimate the size and price of your new deck with the HardieDeck Size and Prize Estimate Calculator.

Polished concrete

An obvious benefit of concrete flooring is that it is tough and able to withstand heavy pressure. If installed, sealed and maintained properly, it can be a long-lasting and cost-effective option that is more difficult to mark or damage than timber.

This hardness and strength can, however, also be a disadvantage as it doesn’t cushion feet or offer any ‘give’ while walking on its surface. This can make it uncomfortable to stand on for long periods of time – not ideal when you’re entertaining guests. Much like ceramic tiling, polished concrete can also be quite loud and might require rugs to reduce noise.

If you need more information, contact Herbert Halls team of experts on 07 4787 1444.

Share