It’s the first question almost everyone asks: composite or timber? There’s no single right answer — it comes down to how your deck will be used, how it’ll look against your home, and how much weekend maintenance you’re honestly up for.
Here’s how the two stack up.
Looks
Hardwood like spotted gum and merbau has depth, grain and a warmth that’s hard to fake. Composite has come a long way and looks great, with consistent colour and no knots or surprises. Timber wins on character; composite wins on consistency.
Maintenance
This is where it really splits.
- Composite — a wash now and then. No oiling, no sanding, no fuss.
- Hardwood — needs oiling on a schedule to stay looking its best, and a sand-and-re-oil every few years.
If “low maintenance” is doing a lot of work in your wish list, composite earns its keep.
Cost over time
Composite usually costs more to buy and install, but next to nothing to maintain. Hardwood can be friendlier up front and then asks for time and oil every year. Over a decade the totals get closer than people expect — so think in lifespans, not just the first invoice. (Real figures are TBC — see pricing.)
Climate
On the Coast, both work well if they’re installed and finished properly. Composite shrugs off salt air; hardwood handles it fine too, as long as you keep the finish up.
So which one?
Want it to look after itself? Composite, supplied through ITI. Love the look of real timber and don’t mind a bit of upkeep? Spotted gum or merbau. Still torn? Tell us about your place and we’ll talk it through — or run the numbers in the material calculator.
Thinking about your own deck? See our decking services or get a free quote.