Best Composite Decking Material

Composite decking has become one of the most popular alternatives to traditional timber. It provides the appearance of a timber deck without the regular sanding, staining and oiling needed to keep natural boards looking their best.

However, not every composite decking product is the same. Different boards contain different materials, protective coatings and internal structures. These differences can affect the deck’s appearance, strength, surface temperature, resistance to moisture and long-term performance.

For most residential projects, high-quality capped composite decking offers the best overall balance of appearance, durability and maintenance. Premium resin-mineral and PVC boards can also be excellent choices for particular environments, while basic uncapped composite may suit homeowners working with a tighter budget.

At Skyline Concepts, our carpenters construct and renovate decks across Perth. In this guide, we explain the different composite decking materials currently available, their advantages and disadvantages and what you should compare before selecting a product.

What Is Composite Decking?

Traditional wood-plastic composite decking is manufactured by combining wood fibres with recycled or new plastic and bonding agents. The mixture is formed into boards that can be installed over a timber, steel, aluminium or compatible composite subframe.

The wood fibres help give the boards a more natural appearance and texture, while the plastic component provides additional resistance to moisture, insects and decay.

Composite decking is generally designed to look like timber, with colours and surface patterns inspired by popular hardwoods.

Depending on the product, boards may feature embossed grain, colour variation, concealed fixings and matching fascia or edge boards.

Unlike timber, composite decking does not need to be regularly oiled to protect the surface. It still requires cleaning, but its overall maintenance requirements are significantly lower.

What Is the Best Type of Composite Decking?

For the majority of Perth homes, capped composite decking is the best all-round option.

Capped composite boards contain a wood-plastic composite core surrounded by a protective polymer shell. This outer layer helps shield the board from moisture, UV exposure, mould and everyday stains.

The amount of coverage varies between products. Some boards are capped on three sides, leaving the underside exposed, while others are completely wrapped on all four sides.

High-quality capped composite usually costs more than basic uncapped decking. However, the additional protection can make it a worthwhile investment, particularly for an exposed deck, pool area or outdoor entertaining space.

The best specific product will depend on the location of the deck, your budget and the appearance you want to achieve.

Capped Composite Decking

Capped composite is the most common premium composite decking material currently available. It combines a wood-plastic core with a harder protective surface.

Modern capped products are available in a wide range of finishes. Some use consistent colours, while premium boards blend several shades to recreate the natural variation found in hardwood.

Advantages of Capped Composite Decking

• Strong resistance to stains and fading
• Does not require regular sanding or oiling
• Resistant to rot, splintering and termite damage
• Available in realistic timber-look finishes
• Easier to clean than many uncapped products
• Suitable for exposed residential decks
• Often available with lengthy manufacturer warranties
• Can be installed using concealed fixing systems

Disadvantages of Capped Composite Decking

• Higher initial cost than treated pine or entry-level composite
• Can become hot in direct sunlight
• Scratches cannot usually be sanded out
• Requires precise installation to accommodate expansion
• Lower-quality products can still look artificial
• Replacement boards may not perfectly match older, weathered boards

Brands such as Ekodeck, ModWood, Trex, TimberTech, Eva-Last and NewTechWood offer capped composite ranges in Australia. Each range differs in board profile, capping, warranty and colour options, so it is important to compare individual products rather than choosing based on the brand name alone.

For example, some current Trex ranges use three-sided protective shells and selected boards include technology intended to reduce heat build-up. However, the manufacturer still advises that all decking can become hot in strong sun.

Uncapped Composite Decking

Uncapped composite was one of the earliest forms of wood-plastic decking. The material is consistent throughout the board, without a separate protective outer shell.

It still offers advantages over natural timber, including resistance to splintering, termites and decay. However, the exposed wood-plastic surface is generally more vulnerable to staining, fading and moisture than capped products.

Advantages of Uncapped Composite Decking

• More affordable than many capped products
• Does not require oiling or painting
• Consistent appearance
• Resistant to rot and termite damage
• Often available in simple, neutral colours
• Can be suitable for covered or lightly used areas

Disadvantages of Uncapped Composite Decking

• More susceptible to staining
• Can fade or weather more noticeably
• May absorb oils and spills
• Usually has a less realistic finish
• Can require more regular cleaning
• Older or lower-quality boards may be more prone to mould on the surface

Uncapped composite can still be a practical option for a covered patio or budget-focused project. For a deck exposed to Perth’s direct sun, winter rain or frequent outdoor entertaining, we would generally recommend considering a capped product.

PVC Decking

PVC decking is often grouped with composite decking, although it does not usually contain wood fibre. Instead, it is manufactured using polymer materials and may include a protective outer coating.

Because it contains no timber fibres, PVC decking is highly resistant to moisture. It can be a strong option for pool areas, coastal properties or locations where the deck will regularly become wet.

Advantages of PVC Decking

• Excellent resistance to moisture
• Will not rot or attract termites
• Lightweight
• Does not splinter
• Low maintenance
• Available in timber-look colours and textures
• Some ranges provide improved resistance to staining and fading

Disadvantages of PVC Decking

• Usually more expensive than standard composite
• Can look or feel less natural than timber
• May expand and contract as temperatures change
• Can become hot in full sun
• Product availability may be more limited
• May feel lighter or less solid underfoot

PVC technology has improved significantly. Premium products can now provide detailed grain patterns, blended colours and extensive warranties. TimberTech, for example, currently offers separate wood-plastic composite and advanced PVC collections rather than treating them as the same material.

Resin-Mineral Composite Decking

Resin-mineral composite is a premium wood-free alternative to traditional wood-plastic composite.

These boards typically use a mineral and resin core with fibre reinforcement and a textured surface. The surface may be moulded from real timber to reproduce fine grain, knots and other natural imperfections.

Millboard is one of the best-known examples of this material. Its current decking boards use a polyurethane resin and mineral composite structure rather than a wood-plastic core.

Advantages of Resin-Mineral Decking

• Highly realistic timber appearance
• Does not contain timber that can rot
• Resistant to moisture and insect damage
• Does not need sanding, staining or oiling
• Premium surface texture
• Some products conceal fixings beneath the surface
• Good option for high-end outdoor areas

Disadvantages of Resin-Mineral Decking

• Premium purchase price
• Requires the correct proprietary fixings
• Installation can be more specialised
• Individual surface damage may be difficult to repair
• Availability is more limited than standard composite
• Additional matching components can increase the project cost

This type of decking is best suited to homeowners who want the detailed appearance of natural timber but are willing to invest more for lower maintenance and a premium finish.

Solid Versus Hollow Composite Boards

Composite decking boards are also available in solid and hollow profiles.

Solid boards contain material throughout their cross-section. They generally feel substantial underfoot and may be better suited to high-traffic or demanding applications. However, they are heavier and may use more material, which can increase their price.

Hollow boards contain internal channels. This reduces their weight and can make the boards easier to handle. Some hollow products provide excellent performance when installed correctly, but the exposed ends usually need to be finished carefully.

There are also scalloped boards, which remove sections from the underside while retaining a solid-looking upper surface. These can reduce weight and material use while maintaining an attractive finished appearance.

One type is not automatically better than the other. The complete board design, span capabilities, capping, installation system and manufacturer testing are more important than whether the profile is solid or hollow.

Three-Sided Versus Four-Sided Capping

A three-sided board is protected across the top and both edges. The underside remains uncapped, which can allow the composite core to release moisture and may reduce the product’s cost.

A four-sided capped board is completely wrapped. This provides additional protection around the entire core and can be valuable in damp or highly exposed locations.

However, a four-sided cap does not automatically make a board superior. The quality of the outer shell, the composition of the core and the installation system also matter.

When comparing products, look at where the decking will be installed. A completely wrapped board may offer useful protection around pools or low decks, while a high-quality three-sided board can perform very well in a properly ventilated residential setting.

Which Composite Decking Is Best for Perth Conditions?

Perth decks need to handle intense summer sun, prolonged UV exposure and substantial temperature changes. Coastal properties may also face salt-laden air, while decks in the Perth Hills can be affected by bushfire construction requirements.

For an exposed Perth deck, we generally recommend a reputable capped composite product with strong UV protection. A lighter colour can help reduce surface heat, particularly if the deck receives afternoon sun and will frequently be used barefoot.

All outdoor surfaces can become hot during a Perth summer, including timber, concrete, tiles and composite boards. However, darker composite colours tend to absorb more heat. Some newer product ranges use heat-reducing technology, but this does not mean they remain cool on extremely hot days.

Before choosing a colour from a small indoor sample, place the sample outside in direct sunlight. This provides a much more realistic indication of its colour, texture and surface temperature.

For a pool deck or damp location, a fully capped composite, PVC or wood-free resin-mineral product may provide additional moisture resistance. Slip-test information should also be checked, as an embossed timber texture does not automatically guarantee strong wet-slip performance.

Near the coast, the board is only one part of the system. Fasteners, brackets and the subframe must also be suitable for the conditions. Corrosion can compromise a deck even when the surface boards remain in excellent condition.

Is Composite Decking Suitable for Bushfire-Prone Areas?

Some composite decking products have been tested for use at particular Bushfire Attack Levels, but not all composite boards are suitable for bushfire-prone properties.

A product should never be chosen simply because it is marketed as fire resistant. You need to confirm its documented test results, the assessed BAL for the property and whether the complete construction method satisfies the applicable requirements.

There are specialised products available. ModWood currently offers a fire-retardant composite decking board designed for applications up to BAL-40, while other manufacturers publish separate Australian bushfire testing for selected ranges.

The requirements can also affect the deck’s framing, gaps, joins and connection to the home. If your property is in a designated bushfire-prone area, material selection should form part of the wider design rather than being treated as an isolated decision.

Does Composite Decking Require Maintenance?

Composite decking is low maintenance, but it is not maintenance-free.

Dirt, leaves, food, sunscreen, grease and organic material can accumulate on the boards. Shaded areas may also develop surface mould if debris and moisture are allowed to remain.

Routine maintenance generally involves:

• Sweeping away leaves and loose dirt
• Washing the surface with water and an approved cleaner
• Cleaning food or oil spills promptly
• Keeping gaps between the boards clear
• Avoiding harsh chemicals unless approved by the manufacturer
• Using protective feet under heavy furniture
• Following the manufacturer’s pressure-washing instructions

The correct cleaning method differs between products. Using an unsuitable chemical or holding a high-pressure cleaner too close to the boards could damage the surface and affect the warranty.

What Should You Compare Between Composite Products?

Price and colour are important, but they should not be the only deciding factors.

Before choosing composite decking, compare:

Warranty Coverage

Check the length of the warranty, what it actually covers and whether it is transferable. A long warranty may cover structural failure but apply different conditions to fading, staining or commercial use.

Heat Performance

Ask whether the product has independent heat testing or heat-reducing technology. Always remember that colour, shade and orientation will affect the result.

Slip Resistance

Review current wet and dry slip-test information, especially around pools, stairs and exposed areas.

Expansion Requirements

Composite products move as temperatures change. The installer must follow the required board spacing, end gaps and fixing methods.

Board Profile

Compare the thickness, width, span capabilities and whether the board is solid, hollow or scalloped.

Capping

Determine whether the product is uncapped, capped on three sides or completely wrapped.

Fixing System

Concealed clips create a clean surface, but the complete system should allow for correct board movement. Edge boards, steps and fascia details may require separate components.

Local Availability

Choose a range with reliable local supply. If a board becomes damaged in the future, sourcing a matching replacement will be much easier.

Australian Testing and Documentation

Look for clear installation instructions, technical data and testing relevant to Australian conditions. Marketing claims should be supported by appropriate documentation.

How Important Is Professional Installation?

Even premium composite boards can fail or look poorly finished if they are installed incorrectly.

The supporting joists must be spaced according to the manufacturer’s requirements. The boards need appropriate gaps for drainage and expansion, and the subframe must allow sufficient ventilation.

Detailed areas such as stairs, fascia boards, breaker boards, picture-frame borders and joins require planning before installation begins. If these details are treated as an afterthought, the finished deck can contain awkward cuts, unnecessary joins or visible fixings.

We also consider water movement around the deck. Trapped water, blocked gaps and poorly designed drainage can create issues below the boards, even when the composite material itself is moisture resistant.

So, What Is the Best Composite Decking Material?

For most homes, a high-quality capped wood-plastic composite is the best combination of value, durability, appearance and availability. It offers better protection than uncapped composite without reaching the premium price of some PVC or resin-mineral products.

For poolside or moisture-heavy environments, fully capped composite or PVC decking may be the better choice. For a high-end project where a realistic timber appearance is the priority, resin-mineral composite is worth considering. In bushfire-prone areas, the best material will be one specifically tested and approved for the property’s requirements.

There is no single product that wins in every category. The right choice depends on where the deck is being built, how much sunlight it receives, how it will be used and what you are prepared to spend.

Contact Skyline Concepts to discuss your project and find the best composite decking material for your outdoor area.