3 Great Timber Decking Alternatives

If you love the look of timber decking but don’t want the hassle or expense of maintaining real wood, AWBS has you covered. We supply a number of wood decking alternatives and mock-timber porcelain paving solutions so that you can enjoy the aesthetic benefits of real wood without having to deal with its flaws. Sound good? Read on to discover our top 3 alternatives to decking boards and why they may be a better option for you.

Why choose timber alternative decking?

First thing’s first, let’s take a look at why you might want to consider alternative decking materials over traditional timber frames. After all, none of us can deny how great timber decks look, but are they practical and how long do they last?

The problem with real wood decking is that even when the timber is treated, over time the effectiveness of this wanes. So, although hardwood decks can last 10 -15 years, you’ll find yourself having to do maintenance on your decking every 2-5 years in order to preserve it.

This includes sanding off loose fibres that could easily become splinters, posing a danger to children and pets, and resealing the surface of the wood to help maintain its waterproof properties and prevent rot. You will also have to re-stain or repaint your timber decking as the surface will fade after being exposed to direct sunlight, wind and rain for a while.

Meanwhile, alternative decking materials like composite and porcelain don’t require the same amount of upkeep and can last over 25 years with very little maintenance. Plus, thanks to advances in production and digital printing, these man-made decking alternatives can be designed to look and feel just like real wood or natural stone to suit your garden’s design. So, let’s take a look at 3 of the best decking alternatives available here at AWBS.

Low-maintenance wood decking alternatives

Composite decking

Sometimes referred to as plastic decking, composite decking actually consists of a robust combination of polymer and stone composites. This high-performance material is not only durable, but its textured, printed surface also mimics the natural grain of real wood.

However, unlike timber boards, composite decking is non-porous, anti-fungal and resistant to UV light, meaning it won’t rot, warp or fade. It also comes in a wide range of colours, as well as different finishes from modern to rustic styles to complement any home.

At AWBS, we supply two leading composite decking brands – Millboard and Trex. Millboard decking is moulded from real oak, hand-coloured to create a natural appearance and it also features a slip resistant, wipe clean surface that outperforms timber, especially when wet.

Alternatively, our eco-friendly Trex composite decking is made from 95% recycled materials. Its outer shell is resistant to scratches, stains, mould and splintering. On top of that, all of our Trex decks come with a 25 year warranty on fade, wear and stain for added peace of mind.

Porcelain paving

An increasingly popular alternative to traditional paving slabs, porcelain paving tiles are similar to interior wall and floor tiles but considerably thicker at around 20mm. As a result, porcelain paving is stronger and denser than other decking materials, as well as being weather resistant with no sealing needed. Plus, the tiles naturally repel moss and algae too.

Depending on the look you’re going for, our porcelain paving tiles by brands such as Digby and Pavestone are available in stone and wood effects to suit both classic and contemporary properties. Each design is digitally printed onto the slab with the option of shallow texturing or a riven surface to mimic natural wood grain for authenticity.

Thanks to their straight edges and even thickness, exterior porcelain tiles are relatively easy to lay and point on a mortar base. You can also purchase our porcelain paving in plank sizes to further enhance the illusion of real timber decking.

Not sure whether porcelain paving is for you? If you’re visiting our Oxford Garden Centre, why not take a look at our porcelain paving in situ? In our café courtyard, you’ll find a blend of Digby and Pavestone porcelain tiles and wall cladding to give you a sense of what the finished product would look like. We also have extensive displays of porcelain paving at each of our 3 AWBS branches, you can find your local branch here.

Timberstone wood effect concrete sleepers and posts

If you’re after a hard wearing decking alternative that’s almost indistinguishable from the real thing, then Timberstone sleepers are a great choice. Designed by Pavestone, these wood effect paving slabs are moulded from concrete and coloured to give them a weathered look that resembles timber sleepers. Minus the splinters, rot and warping that comes with wood!

Unlike poured concrete, concrete stone paving can withstand the elements much more effectively and it is therefore suitable for a variety of path and patio projects. The surface is naturally slip resistant, easy to care for and looks remarkably like aged wood, while being much more durable. This makes wood effect paving ideal for natural settings where other paving may look out of place, as the sleepers will complement the character of your garden. Plus, you won’t have to worry about the material degrading over time.

Available in 3 sizes and both warm and cool tones, our cost-effective Timberstone sleepers can also be paired with corresponding vertical posts to create small walls and flower beds. Each post is grooved to create a strong, interlocking design. We’ve even got matching wood effect stepping stones and a choice of decorative gravel or bark mulch to complete the look.

Explore a wide selection of decking alternatives at AWBS

As you can see, there are plenty of options when it comes to decking and patios. So, if you don’t want to fork out for natural stone paving and you’d prefer a lower maintenance option than traditional timber, one of the three alternative decking materials above could be perfect.

Ready to explore our range? From composite decking to porcelain paving tiles, you can browse all of our wood effect decking alternatives online or visit us in store in Oxford and Swindon. Each branch has a dedicated garden display area set up to help you envisage our paving and decking options in situ and if you need any help, our well-informed team will be on hand to assist you.

Once you’ve found what you’re looking for, we can provide free delivery within 25 miles of your local store. Plus, if you don’t want to install the decking yourself, we can source a trusted and approved installer for you. Contact us today to learn more.