How to Choose the Right Decking Material for Your Climate
Choosing the right decking material is crucial to ensuring your outdoor space is durable, functional, and visually appealing. Various materials offer different benefits, and the climate plays a significant role in determining which material is best for your deck. This guide provides insights into the performance of different decking materials in various weather conditions, with a particular focus on why composite decking (WPC) is often the best choice for a wide range of climates, including Sydney’s unique environment.
Understanding Sydney’s Climate
Sydney experiences a temperate climate with warm summers, mild winters, and relatively high humidity levels. The region receives a fair amount of rainfall throughout the year, particularly during the summer months. These conditions in Sydney do not fluctuate to extremes as much as they do in parts of Australia. There are neither snow nor desert conditions. Nonetheless, decking materials must withstand moderate heat, cold, humidity, and moisture while maintaining their aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
Comparing Decking Materials
Timber Decking
Australia is fortunate to have many fine species of native hardwood.
Pros: Timber decking is popular for its natural beauty and traditional appeal. Common types of timber used in decking include hardwoods like Merbau and softwoods like Pine.
Cons: Timber requires regular maintenance, including sealing, staining, and sometimes sanding, to protect it from moisture, insects, and UV damage. In Sydney’s humid and wet climate, timber is prone to warping, splitting, and rotting if not properly maintained. Logging of timber is a strain on the environment.
Pressure-Treated Wood
This has been infused with chemical preservatives to improve its resistance to decay, insects, moisture, and other forms of deterioration. This process significantly extends the lifespan of the wood, making it a suitable, longer lasting option for outdoor projects such as decking, fencing, and landscaping.
Pros: It is more affordable than hardwoods and can last longer with ongoing care.
Cons: Despite treatment, this material still requires regular maintenance to prevent cracking and splintering. Expect to reapply sealer once per year. Over time, exposure to Sydney’s weather can cause treated wood to deteriorate. Logging of this timber is a strain on the environment.
Cedar and Redwood
Pros: These woods are naturally quite resistant to decay and insects, offering a beautiful and durable option without the need for chemical treatments.
Cons: Cedar and redwood are more expensive than other wood options. And they will still require once per year sealer if we are to maintain their appearance and structural integrity.
Composite Decking (WPC)
Composite decking, or Wood Plastic Composite (WPC), is made from a blend of wood fibres and plastic.
Pros: It is highly resistant to weather, moisture, and insects, making it ideal for Sydney’s climate. Composite decking requires almost no maintenance. It just needs to be hosed clean, or cleaned with soapy water. It will retain its appearance for many years.
Cons: The initial cost of composite decking can be higher than natural wood, but its low maintenance requirements often offset this cost over the lifespan of the deck. It will be cheaper in the long term.
Why Composite Decking (WPC) is the Best Choice
Given Sydney’s climate, composite decking (WPC) stands out as the best overall choice for several reasons:
Durability and Weather Resistance
Composite decking is engineered to withstand extreme weather conditions. It does not warp, crack, or splinter, even in the face of Sydney’s high humidity and rainfall. The material is also UV-resistant, preventing fading and degradation from the sun.
Low Maintenance
Unlike natural wood, composite decking requires very little maintenance. A simple occasional cleaning with soap and water is enough to keep it looking new. This low maintenance requirement makes composite decking a convenient and cost-effective option in the long run.
Aesthetic Versatility
Composite decking now comes in a wide range of textured colours very similar to the look of natural wood, but without the associated maintenance. This allows homeowners to achieve the desired aesthetic for their outdoor space while enjoying the practical benefits of composite materials.
Eco-Friendly Option
Many composite decking products are made from recycled materials, including reclaimed wood and recycled plastic. This environmentally friendly aspect appeals to homeowners looking to reduce their environmental footprint.
Insect and Rot Resistance
By combining wood fibres and plastic the composite decking becomes highly resistant to termites, rot, and other forms of decay. This is particularly important in humid climates like Sydney’s, where these issues are more prevalent.
Advice From Our Sydney Timber Decking Suppliers
When looking for the right decking material we need to consider the appearance of the material, how well it matches the surroundings, how long the material will last, and whether we need to perform ongoing maintenance. These factors are all influenced by the local climate. In Sydney’s moderate climate composite decking (WPC) emerges as the superior choice. Our timber decking suppliers in Sydney believe that WPC’s durability, low maintenance requirements, and resistance to weather and insects make it an excellent investment for any homeowner looking to enhance their outdoor space. While the initial cost may be higher, the long-term benefits and savings make composite decking a smart and sustainable long-term option for Sydney’s diverse and demanding climate.