Garden Decking Installation In Essex

Softwood V's Hardwood

Softwood and hardwood are defined by the type of tree they come from, not the actual hardness of the wood. Softwood comes from coniferous trees that are usually fast growing as the keep their leaves all year round. Because of this, they grow quicker and therefor are more efficient and subsequently cheaper. Properly looked after you can expect 15 years of use which can reduce to under 10 if not. Hardwood comes from broad leafed, slow growing and typically deciduous trees (leaf dropping).  This decking can last up to 35 years or longer if properly treated and maintained, however, it is not as easy to work with as a softwood. It also ages better and can actually improve in appearance over time. The main downside is cost, but that when factoring in the extra life it can be a worthwhile investment (if you are aware that it requires maintenance).  

Composite Decking

After initially struggling to take a foothold, more recently composite decking has improved to offer a durable and safe product. Expect a composite deck to last 25-30 years, although it is a more expensive material. But in the pro's column, it requires less maintenance than wood decking (e.g. cleaning with a detergent). In direct sunlight, composite decking can get very warm but lighter colours suffer less. Lastly, it is not a natural product if you like to weigh up the environmental benefits, whereas pretty much all wood is now sustainably sourced.