Composite Decking in Australia: Is It Worth It for Investment Properties?

 

Composite Decking in Australia: Is It Worth It for Investment Properties?

💬 “Should I Just Use Composite and Be Done With It?”

We hear this all the time from clients — especially those with investment properties or low-maintenance holiday homes.

It makes sense on the surface: no oiling, no sanding, no mould, no mess. Just lay it and forget it, right?

Well, kind of. But there’s a bit more to the story…

Let’s break down what composite decking actually is, how it holds up in Aussie conditions, and why it’s not always the no-brainer it’s made out to be.

🔍 What Is Composite Decking, Anyway?

Composite decking is made from a mix of recycled plastics and wood fibres. It’s designed to mimic the look of real timber while eliminating many of timber’s natural maintenance needs.

Brands like Ekodeck, ModWood, Trex, and Futurewood dominate the Aussie market — all offering “no maintenance” solutions with long warranties and colour-retention guarantees.

✅ The Pros of Composite Decking

1. Low Maintenance

  • No sanding, no oiling, no resealing.
  • Just wash it off with a hose or soft broom.

2. Fade, Rot & Termite Resistant

  • Won’t split, warp, or get eaten alive by termites — especially handy in bushy or coastal areas.

3. Colour-Stable Options

  • Modern boards hold their colour for years — no more grey weathered timber.
  • Some are UV-stabilised for harsh Aussie sun.

4. Sustainable

  • Many brands are made with recycled plastics and wood fibres.
  • Good option for eco-conscious homeowners.

5. Good for Tenants

  • Great for rentals — less chance of tenant neglect leading to a rotting deck.

❌ The Cons of Composite Decking (They Don’t Advertise)

1. Initial Cost

  • Composite costs 20–30% more than timber upfront (sometimes more with subframes).
  • Labour costs can also be higher due to install complexity.

2. Heat Retention

  • Composite decks get hot — really hot — especially darker colours in full sun.
  • This is one of the biggest complaints from property owners with young kids or pets.

3. Looks Like… Composite

  • It’s come a long way, but up close it still doesn’t look or feel like natural hardwood.
  • Some brands have “plastic shine” or repeating woodgrain textures.

4. Can Still Stain

  • BBQ grease, sunscreen, wine, and leaf tannins can stain, especially cheaper boards.
  • Some need specialised cleaners to fix.

5. Repairability

  • You can’t sand or spot-repair composite — if it’s damaged, it often means replacing entire boards.
  • Expansion and contraction can lead to gapping or buckling if not installed correctly.

🧠 Is Composite Worth It for Investment Properties?

Yes — but only in the right context.

✅ Good fit:

  • Holiday homes where the deck gets minimal use
  • Tenanted properties with low foot traffic
  • Owners who want “set and forget” decking for the next 10–15 years

🚫 Maybe not ideal:

  • Entertainer decks (hot underfoot, hard to clean spills)
  • Luxury properties where timber grain and aesthetics matter
  • Small outdoor areas that need a more natural, premium feel

👷 What We Tell Our Clients

When someone asks, “Should I go composite?”, our answer is:

If you’re looking for zero maintenance and can accept a higher upfront cost and slightly artificial look — composite is a solid option.

But if you want timeless warmth, natural feel underfoot, and the ability to renew it when needed — timber wins every time.

🎯 Hook: Not Sure What to Choose?

Let us help you make the right call.

💬 Book a free 10-minute call with one of our experts. We’ll look at your location, tenant needs, and budget — and give you honest advice on composite vs timber. We Restore and maintain existing builds but can give you unbiased advise and put you in touch with timber deck or composite decking builders that we trust.

📞 Call 1300 363 478

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