How to Choose the Right Decking – Real Wood vs Composite

When it comes to preparing for a decking project—or planning to wholesale decking products—one of the first questions people face is:

• Should I go with real wood or composite (WPC)?
• What are the pros and cons of each type of board?
• How do I avoid costly mistakes when choosing?

It’s a common struggle because decking is not just about appearance—it directly impacts durability, maintenance needs, and long-term costs. The wrong choice could mean a deck that warps, rots, or requires endless upkeep.

To clear the confusion, we collected over 30+ different decking samples and compared them in detail. From traditional treated pine to hardwoods and modern composites, we looked at how each performs in real use. We’ll also share insider tips on what to look out for when buying, so you can avoid the “traps” that many first-time buyers fall into.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear picture of which decking material is right for your project—whether you’re focused on price, durability, or low maintenance.

1. The Basics of Decking

Before comparing different materials, it’s important to understand what makes up a decking system. A deck isn’t just the surface boards you see—it’s built from two main parts:

1.The frame (substructure)

Usually made of steel, aluminum, or treated timber.

Acts as the “skeleton” of the deck, supporting the weight and keeping everything stable.

2.The decking boards (surface)

The visible part you walk on.

Available in different materials: treated pine, hardwood, or composite (WPC).

The choice of board material largely decides how long your deck lasts, how much maintenance it needs, and how it looks.

Think of it this way: the frame is the bones, while the decking boards are the skin. A strong frame is essential, but the boards are what determine everyday performance and comfort. That’s why choosing the right decking material is so critical.

In the following sections, we’ll break down the most common options—starting with treated pine, then hardwood, and finally composite (WPC)—so you can see clearly how each one performs.

2. Comparison of Decking Materials

When choosing decking, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses. Let’s look at the three main categories:

1. Softwood Decking(Treated Pine)

Softwood comes from coniferous trees—trees that usually have needles and cones, like pine, cedar, fir, and spruce.

Characteristics:

• Usually lighter and softer than hardwood
• Easier to cut and work with
• Grows faster than hardwood, so more affordable

Common uses: Decking, construction, furniture, paper

Treated pine is the most common softwood used for outdoor decks. It’s cheap and easy to handle, but less durable than hardwood or composite boards.

Pros:

• Very affordable ($8–$10 USD/m² or $0.75–$0.93 USD/ft²)
• Easy to cut and install
• Lightweight – good for decks where weight matters

Cons:

• Wears and scratches easily
• Can warp, twist, or rot outdoors
• Requires frequent painting or sealing
• Needs stronger frame support due to low strength

Best for: Short-term or light-use decking where cost and weight are the priority.

2. Hardwood Decking(Merbau, Spotted Gum)

Hardwood comes from deciduous trees—trees that usually have broad leaves and shed them annually, like oak, maple, Merbau, or Spotted Gum.

Characteristics:

• Denser and stronger than softwood
• More resistant to scratches, wear, and impact
• Slower-growing, so usually more expensive

Common uses: Flooring, furniture, decking, cabinets, outdoor structures

Hardwoods like Merbau or Spotted Gum are popular because they are strong, long-lasting, and can withstand outdoor conditions much better than softwoods.

Pros:

• Very durable and wear-resistant
• Can be sanded and refinished if scratched
• Naturally resists decay better than softwood
• Long lifespan (decades with care)
• Rich natural wood look

Cons:

• More expensive ($39–$58 USD/m² or $3.6–$5.4 USD/ft²)
• Harder to cut and install
• Requires periodic maintenance (decking oil)

Best for: Long-lasting, high-quality decks where appearance and durability matter.

3.3 Composite / WPC Wood Decking

Composite decking (also called WPC decking) is a modern outdoor flooring material made by combining wood fibers (like sawdust) with recycled plastics. The result is a strong, durable, and eco-friendly alternative to natural wood.

Unlike traditional timber, WPC decking doesn’t crack, warp, or rot easily. It also comes in many colors, wood-like textures, and surface finishes, making it popular for patios, gardens, swimming pool areas, and commercial spaces.

• Pros:
  • Long lifespan with minimal maintenance.
  • Resistant to water, insects, and decay.
  • Stable in shape—less risk of warping or cracking.
• Cons:
  • Big quality differences between suppliers (not all WPC is the same).
  • Some types may fade under strong UV exposure.
• Best for: Customers who want durability and low maintenance.

3.4 Types of Composite Decking

Composite (WPC) decking is generally divided into Hollow boards and Solid boards. Each type has its own performance, durability, and cost differences.

1. Hollow Composite Decking

Hollow boards have gaps inside the structure, which makes them lighter and cheaper but also less stable than solid boards.

Square Hollow

• Internal holes are square or rectangular.
• Weak point: Prone to collapsing, warping, and mold growth because moisture easily builds up inside.
• Status: Almost phased out in the market—few serious brands still produce these.

Round Hollow

• Internal holes are round, similar to arches in bridge design.
• Advantage: Much stronger and more stable than square hollow boards; less likely to collapse under weight.
• Durability: Handles heat expansion, contraction, and pressure better.
• Status: Becoming more popular worldwide as a lighter yet more durable option.

👉 Summary: If choosing hollow decking, round hollow is the only recommended option.

2.Solid Composite Decking Types

Solid composite decking is built for strength and long-lasting use. In the market, there are 3 main types to fit different needs:

1.Composite Solid Boards

• What it is: Boards without a protective cap on any side.
• Pros: Cost-effective, heavy-duty, and durable for high-traffic areas.
• Cons: More likely to absorb stains and require more maintenance than capped options.

2.All-Side Capped Solid Boards

• What it is: Fully wrapped with a protective cap on all sides.
• Pros: Maximum protection against moisture, stains, scratches, and fading. Longest lifespan and best performance.
• Cons: Higher cost compared to uncapped boards.

3.One-Side Capped Solid Boards

• What it is: One surface is uncapped (the walking side), while the underside is capped.
• Pros: Balances performance and cost. The capped side protects against daily wear, while the uncapped side reduces price.
• Cons: Slightly less protection compared to fully capped boards.

3. Buying Tips & How to Avoid Pitfalls

With so many decking options available, it’s easy to get lost—or worse, make a choice that looks cheap upfront but costs much more in the long run. Here are some practical tips to help you choose wisely:

✅ 1. Work with Experienced Suppliers

• Always check how long the supplier has been in the market.
• Those with 10+ years of experience usually have better quality control, stable product lines, and more reliable warranties.
• Avoid “new players” offering extremely low prices—they often lack consistency and may disappear after a few years.

✅ 2. Request Samples Before Buying

• Don’t just rely on photos. Touch and see the boards yourself.
• Compare texture, weight, and durability between different samples.
• This helps you spot the difference between premium WPC and cheap, low-density boards.

✅ 3. Avoid Cheap Hollow Boards

• Square hollow boards may look affordable, but they often collapse, mold, or crack quickly.
• In the end, you’ll spend more on replacements and repairs.
• Round hollow or solid boards are a safer, more cost-effective choice.

✅ 4. Match the Decking to Your Needs

• Budget-sensitive? → Treated pine or entry-level WPC.
• Love natural beauty & Heavy & don’t mind maintenance? → Hardwood.
• Want durability & zero hassle? → High-quality WPC or capped composite.
• Premium projects (hotels, villas, public spaces)? → Round hollow or solid or capped WPC boards.

By considering your budget, maintenance habits, and style preferences, you’ll avoid most of the common mistakes buyers regret later.

Linice Wood – Leading Composite Decking Manufacturer in China

Linice Wood is a leading composite decking manufacturer in China, with over 15 years of experience in the industry.

If you want to import composite decking from China, we provide reliable, high-performance WPC decking with professional support and competitive pricing.

Contact us today to explore our range and request samples for your next project.