On lifecycle cost, yes for low-maintenance use: composite is £40-90/m² versus £20-40/m² for treated softwood, but needs no annual cleaning and oiling (about £5-8/m²/year and a weekend of labour). Over 15 years the totals converge; over 25, composite wins.
| Factor | Timber vs Composite | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost per m² | Timber £20-40 / Composite £40-90 | Supply only |
| Lifespan | Timber 10-15yr / Composite 25-30yr | With stated maintenance |
| Annual maintenance | Timber: clean + oil / Composite: wash | Timber ≈ 1 weekend/yr |
| Slip resistance (wet) | Depends on board grooves, both OK | Look for rated boards |
| Repair | Timber: swap a board / Composite: harder match | Fading makes matches tricky |
Quality composite: 25-30 years with fade. Treated softwood: 10-15 years with maintenance. Hardwood: 25+ years but high cost. All three need a sound substructure — joists fail before boards.
Composite. No splinters, no annual maintenance visits, forgiving of wet use. The higher upfront cost is recovered in management time.
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