Builder’s review: Composite decking

What is composite decking?

Composite deck boards are made from a combination of more than 90 per cent reclaimed timber, bamboo and recycled plastic. However, they've been carefully engineered and designed to look and feel like natural timber.

Unlike timber, composite decking is resistant to termites, rot, mildew and decay over time. We asked Glen Gambrell, owner and builder from All Decked Out for his advice on how he uses composite and his considerations to bear in mind. Glen’s key considerations include:

• Look at the moisture levels on the site you’re working on.
• Consider the look and feel of composite decking materials.
• Will composite suit the aesthetics of the project you’re working on?
• Explain the benefits of composite to your team and clients, including durability, cost and ease of installation.

Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) when required on the job. Always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.

Why builders and carpenters are using composites

If you had asked outdoor specialist Glenn Gambrell a few years ago what he thought of composite decking and materials, his response would have been blunt.

“I used to hear people describe composites as looking artificial or like plastic, and I never argued,” South Australia-based Glenn says. “When I show clients today just how far composites have come, it’s always great to see them get excited by the style, feel and quality of the materials. Not too many clients need convincing now, as many know about what composites offer. As a builder on a project, it’s more about directing them.”

The benefits of using composite materials

All Decked Out has been working with the Ekodeck® composite ranges, exclusively available through Bunnings, for four years. Here are some facts and figures on using composite decking:

• Sales in composites have tripled: Estimates from Ekodeck claim the sales of their materials have more than tripled in the past five years.
• Only 10 per cent of All Decked Out jobs are timber: Glenn, who has been in the building trade for more than 25 years, calls himself “a composite decking specialist”, as 90 per cent of All Decked Out projects use composite materials, with the other 10 per cent using traditional timber.
• Composite decking is easy to install: “There are many good things about composites, like the durability, resistance to weather and it’s easy to work with,” he says. “Composites – be it used for decking or panelling – also require minimal maintenance compared to timber.”
• Research composites before use: “Invest time in the homework so you know the extent of what’s available [in the product range] and then what you can do with it,” Glenn advises.

How do moisture levels affect composite decking installations?

Made from a combination of recycled timber and plastics bonded together using additives, Ekodeck’s composite materials are strong and durable, suitable for many applications. For All Decked Out’s recent Balhannah house deck build, Glenn says the composite decking proved ideal.

“The old timber deck had been in place for years, but failed as there was too much moisture,” he says. But that isn’t an issue for composite materials. “Even though the owners were all for it, further explaining the durability with moisture sealed the deal.”

Consider the look and feel

Design choices with composites have come a long way over recent decades. Ekodeck first opened its doors in 2009 with the textured Classic series leading the charge. Today, the other choices in the range include the wide boards of the Summit Series and Maxiboard, for hard-wearing commercial spaces. But the Designer series remains Glenn’s favourite.

“Composites in the old days could resemble the bags they were delivered in,” Glenn jokes. “Now, they have subtle variances, some of which mimic timber, but look like its own product – a good looking one.”

Is timber or composite right?

When it comes to choosing decking, Glenn says the only limitations come down to the style of the house.

“[Composite decking] perfectly suits most houses as there is a wide range of designs, shapes and colours. For the Balhannah project, it gave the back of the house such a lift,” he says.

With older houses, such as those in a classic Federation style, Glenn believes timber might be a better choice. “In those cases, it comes down to what the client wants, but I always like to discuss composites in case that works best.”

Composite is great in wet areas

The Balhannah house owner made it clear he wanted a deck that would link the back of the house to the garden and could withstand the conditions of the pool and spa.

“The old hardwood deck had taken a beating from the chlorine and chemicals used in the wet areas, but that’s not something you have to worry about with composites,” Glenn says. As Ekodeck is non-porous, it’s not impacted by chemical absorption and won’t leach or stain from poolside run-off. “All that made it a good fit for the site.”

Aim for lower maintenance

Composite materials are resistant to rotting and warping, and don’t require regular staining, sealing, or painting. Being UV stabilised, they resist fading and maintain the integrity of their shape and colour.

“I often explain to owners who want a timber deck to expect to spend up to $750 every year on maintenance, but composites need minor upkeep and even clean themselves when it rains,” he says.

The All Decked Out team is sometimes called out after a timber deck job for repairs, but Glenn says that rarely happens after composite jobs. “It can be soul-destroying to return to a timber deck six months after we installed it and see how it has already worn, but we are never called back to composite jobs,” he says. “They look exactly the same as the day the team finished the job.”

Are composite decking boards heavier?

While composite boards may be heavier, the installation is completed in a faster time. “There are no imperfections, so it’s a matter of laying the boards, trimming some to fit and clicking it all in place.”

Allow for movement and heat

“Composites expand and contract in length, but not width, whereas timber swells in width, but not length,” Glenn explains. “Ekodeck requires gaps of either 3mm or 6mm between boards, while timber needs a minimum of 5mm.” And while composite boards can be hotter underfoot than timber, Glenn says any materials will be hot to walk on when the temperature rises above 30 degrees.

Think of the cost benefits

Composite materials are generally more expensive upfront than using other materials for decking, panelling and cladding jobs, but the higher initial cost is usually offset by cheaper labour costs, due to the overall installation being faster.

“That’s a conversation about costs I have early,” Glenn says. “But once clients see how quickly it all comes together and that the labour charge was lower, it makes the point.”

Castellated panels are worth it

While the Balhannah deck project involved Ekodeck Designer series boards, Glenn shares that castellated panels are proving to be a popular choice for fencing and privacy screens on other projects.

“We’ve had a demand for privacy screens around decks and pools, sometimes as a feature on outside walls and as fencing between properties,” he says.

Like decking, the difference in installation time for panelling, such as with fencing, can be significant. “And it really adds to the impact,” Glenn says.

Don’t forget composite cladding

Another of the Ekodeck range Glenn rates highly is Shiplap cladding for how it has emerged as one of the most popular style choices in recent years.

“The first time I saw a sheet of Shiplap, I have to admit I wasn’t that impressed. But once I saw it fitted, I stood back and went, ‘Okay, I get it!’” Glenn says.

“It’s easy-to-use and is a thick board, so it can make a big difference to a range of spaces both inside and outside – and it can easily be painted.”

Need support with your composite orders?

Glenn shares that when he began researching the ways Ekodeck could be applied, he contacted the company directly to ask questions. For all his ordering ever since, he relies on Bunnings Trade.

“I have a Trade Account Manager, and I also have a Trade rep at my local Bunnings store, and they understand what I do and always help me to get the job done easily,” Glenn says.

In addition to the various Ekodeck materials, All Decked Out also turns to Bunnings Trade for such items as fixings, brackets, screws and bolts. “It usually only takes a phone call and it’s all ready.” Glenn and his team also lean on the Bunnings Trade Landscape Specialist team, too.

Tip: Need real assistance in real time? The Bunnings Trade 134 Trade - (134 872) team are on call to support with quotes and pricing, stock and inventory, order and delivery updates, specialised landscape, PowerPass and all things Trade support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Composite decking

What is Ekodeck?
Ekodeck is a brand of composite decking material made from environmentally friendly materials like recycled plastics and reclaimed wood fibres, or sustainable resources like bamboo.

What are composite materials and where can they be used?
Composite boards blend reclaimed timber/bamboo with recycled plastic to mimic timber. The material is being manufactured for use in decking, cladding, panelling and privacy screens.

How do composites perform compared with timber?
They’re resistant to termites, rot and moisture, UV stabilised and need far less maintenance than timber.

Are composites suitable in wet or poolside areas?
Yes, composite decking can be used in wet or poolside areas because the boards are non‑porous and don’t absorb chemicals like chlorine. The material also doesn’t leach or stain, making them ideal near pools and spas.

What should I keep in mind for installation?
Allow for lengthwise expansion with 3 to 6mm gaps. Also remember, boards are heavier but install quickly due to consistent sizing.

Want more ideas for decking?

Read our guide to the latest decking materials and how they stack up.