Decking can add so much to your home – it’s a stylish space for entertaining, work and play, or simply unwinding at the end of a long day, and it often adds to the value of your home too. Installing garden decking is a substantial investment of your time and money, so it’s important to know how long different types of decking will last when you plan and choose your materials.
Of course, the lifespan of your decking will depend on the type of decking you use (hardwood, softwood, or composite) but also on factors such as weather, general wear & tear, and the decking maintenance and care you put in.
Together Tip:
It can be tempting to choose cheaper decking boards so the initial cost is lower, but those may have to be replaced after only a few years. That becomes very expensive. We always advise weighing up the costs, practicality and function of the decking with durability and lifespan, to make sure you choose the best decking for your home and budget.
The first thing to remember is that no decking boards can guarantee an exact lifespan. They will all have an expected average, but your decking could last a much longer or shorter time, depending on how it is used and the conditions it “lives” under.
As a general rule, composite decking has the longest lifespan, usually 25-30 years, while wooden/timber decking is more likely to last around 15 years. Remember that hardwood decking will probably last longer than softwood, and the frame and joists you choose will also have a big impact.
Aside from the materials that you choose, these are the top 5 factors that affect how long your decking will last:
We all need a little love and care, but this is about more than simply looking good! Regular sweeping and cleaning will get rid of mould, algae and fungi, which can cause a lot of damage to decking boards and make them slippery too. Even a few stray leaves or bits of dirt can provide a home for things to start growing or hide other problems, so it really is worth putting in a little effort. Basic cleaning is also a nice, simple job for kids to earn some pocket money… we’re just saying…
For a more thorough clean, you can use a power hose (on the lowest setting – see more in our “How to clean decking” guide) or scrub the deck with a gentle cleaning solution. Always check the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific decking boards and follow their instructions and timings, as these will differ depending on the type of decking and any treatment, sealant, or stain that you use.
Composite decking is well-known as a lower-maintenance option and needs far less cleaning and care than timber, so it’s important to think about that too when choosing decking boards. Will you have the time to do more maintenance or will you end up having to replace your decking sooner?
Rain, frost, ice and snow can take a toll on decking, especially if there are leaks and scratches that water seeps through. Even without scratches, decking boards can’t be considered 100% waterproof, so it’s important to prevent water from gathering.
It’s a good idea to check any sealants, joins and waterproofing during the warmer months so you’re ready for winter, and keep up regular maintenance during winter – even if you aren’t using the deck at all – to get rid of icy patches and prevent leaves and dirt from accumulating.
Many things can scratch and wear away the surface of your garden decking, and that includes moving heavy furniture, the scraping of a chair when someone stands up, or dropping something sharp.
We have all seen the damage debris from a storm can do, and even regular walking and sitting on the same areas can make them more likely to be damaged.
Avoiding damage altogether is first prize, but accidents happen, so make it a habit to check for small scratches and tears, and treat/patch them up immediately to help extend your decking’s lifespan.
“But you said to remove the ice!!” we hear you groan…. Yes, it is important, but be aware that old favourites like salt or sand are a common cause of scratches and scrapes on decking boards.
If there’s a light snowfall, sweeping it off with a broom can do the job, but for heavier ice and snow you may want to use a plastic shovel with a rubber blade.
The best bet for protecting your decking boards is to treat them with a good sealant before winter.
We all want cleaning to go faster, and on many surfaces (such as bathrooms and kitchens) stronger chemicals are a perfect solution. Not when it comes to decking maintenance, unfortunately! Chemicals can eat through sealants and coatings on your decking, which decreases its lifespan.
This can also change the colour and durability of decking boards, letting water get through, and creating an environment for those dreaded moulds and fungi to grow.
Check the cleaning products recommended for your decking boards rather than risking harsh chemicals.
We hope this has been a useful guide to how long different types of decking will last, and that you can see how winter damage, scratches and tears, abrasive ice removers, and harsh chemicals can affect the lifespan of your decking. Most importantly, you can prevent a lot of that with good decking maintenance and care, and get many more years of enjoyment.
We have a wide range of decking options available, so we’re sure you’ll find something that suits your needs. Eventually, all decking will need to be replaced, and we can help with everything you need for that too.
As always, we’re here to help if you have any questions or need some advice! Give us a call on 01604 581444.
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