Decking Materials
Decking material is a balance of looks, maintenance, cost and weight. Weight matters most if your deck folds up onto a home on wheels — lighter boards are easier to lift and kinder to your trailer limit. Pricing is shown per country; regions marked "being researched" are coming soon.
Material options
Treated Pine
Pressure-treated softwood — the cheapest decking and light to handle. A budget-friendly, DIY-friendly choice, though it needs regular oiling or staining.
Advantages
- Cheapest decking
- Light (good for a fold-down deck)
- Easy to work and DIY
- Widely available
Trade-offs
- Needs regular oiling/staining
- Can splinter and warp over time
- Shorter life than hardwood
Indicative pricing
Hardwood Timber
Dense natural timbers like spotted gum or merbau — beautiful and tough, but heavy and pricier. Lovely for a fixed deck, heavier to consider on a fold-down.
Advantages
- Beautiful natural look
- Very durable and hard-wearing
- Premium feel
- Long life if maintained
Trade-offs
- Heavy (watch a fold-down/THOW)
- Dearer than pine
- Still needs oiling
Indicative pricing
Composite Decking
A wood-plastic board that looks like timber but never needs oiling — just an occasional wash. Popular for low-maintenance decks; mid-weight and mid-to-higher cost.
Advantages
- No oiling — very low maintenance
- Wont splinter, rot or fade much
- Consistent look
- Long warranties
Trade-offs
- Dearer upfront than pine
- Can get hot underfoot in sun
- Heavier than pine
Indicative pricing
Aluminium Decking
Lightweight metal decking boards — strong, fully weatherproof and fire-resistant. The lightest durable option, which makes it worth a look for a fold-down deck on wheels.
Advantages
- Light yet very strong
- Fireproof and rot-proof
- No oiling ever
- Great for a fold-down deck
Trade-offs
- Most expensive
- Industrial look not for everyone
- Can be noisy/hot
Indicative pricing