PVC, Composite or Timber: Which Decking Is Right for You in Devon?

The question we are asked more than any other is: what's the difference between composite and PVC, and is timber still worth considering? The honest answer depends on where the deck is going, how it'll be used, and what the client is prepared to spend and maintain. Here's our unsponsored guide — based on 500+ installations across Devon, Somerset and Cornwall.

Timber Decking

Timber is the material that started decking culture in the UK, and it's not going anywhere. A well-specified pressure-treated softwood or hardwood deck has a natural warmth that no composite fully replicates, and the upfront cost is generally lower than either of the synthetic alternatives. The trade-off is maintenance: timber needs cleaning, treating or oiling annually, and even well-maintained decking boards will need replacing after 15–20 years in a wet climate.

• Lower upfront cost (approximately £100–£175 per m² installed in Devon)
• Natural look — hard to replicate with synthetics
• Requires annual cleaning and treatment to prevent rot, splintering and greying
• Susceptible to moisture damage if the subframe drainage is poor
• Best suited to sheltered, inland gardens with good airflow beneath the deck

Composite Decking

Composite decking is a blend of wood fibre and recycled plastic — it looks like timber but behaves like a synthetic. It's the material we fit most often, and for good reason. Composite boards will not rot, will not splinter, and need virtually no annual maintenance beyond a wash down. In the coastal towns we serve — Exmouth, Sidmouth, Torquay, Budleigh Salterton — the salt-laden sea air would accelerate the degradation of untreated timber; composite boards simply don't care.

• Approximately £150–£250 per m² installed, depending on product grade and site complexity
• No annual treatment or oiling required — just an occasional wash
• Will not rot, splinter or warp in Devon's wet, mild climate
• Available in a wide range of colours including charcoal, grey, anthracite and wood-effect tones
• Carries our longest guarantee — up to 15 years on installation
• Ideal for coastal properties, holiday parks and busy family homes

PVC Decking

PVC (or cellular PVC) decking is fully synthetic — there's no wood fibre in the core. This makes it completely waterproof and extremely slip-resistant, which is why we specify it for areas around hot tubs, swimming pools and waterside installations. It's also the go-to material for holiday park operators who want a uniform, low-maintenance finish across a large fleet of units — like the Hampton brown boards we fitted at Devon Hills Holiday Park and Finlake Holiday Resort.

• Fully waterproof — ideal for pool surrounds, hot tub areas and waterside decks
• Slip-resistant surface — important for safety around water
• Very low maintenance — no treatment required
• Slightly less natural in appearance than composite, but highly durable
• Popular with holiday park operators for large-scale fleet installations

The Devon Climate Factor

Devon receives over 1,000 mm of rainfall per year on the western edge of Dartmoor, and even the milder coastal strip sees 700–800 mm annually. That's a demanding environment for any outdoor material. In our experience, composite and PVC outperform timber in Devon conditions — not because timber is a bad material, but because the level of maintenance required to keep it performing well is rarely delivered in practice. A deck that's not treated in year two or three deteriorates quickly, and replacing boards is expensive.

"I wanted to write and thank you and the on-site team for the excellent experience you give customers; I have never experienced the professionalism and courtesy shown by your team in many years of builds and re-builds."

Our Recommendation

For most Devon homes and holiday properties, composite decking is the right choice — the balance of appearance, longevity and low maintenance is hard to beat. For anything near water, or for large commercial installations where consistency and durability are paramount, PVC is our default. Timber remains a legitimate option for clients who love the natural look and are committed to annual maintenance — we fit it regularly and it can look beautiful for decades with proper care.