Decking is a great option for many Scottish gardens, as it’s versatile, practical, and looks good. But choosing the right decking is also a little more complicated than most people realise, as there’s so much choice in material now.

As expert decking installers, we’ve tried them all. So we’re here to break down which decking option is best for you, according to your budget, how you use your garden, and how much maintenance you want to do.

The importance of proper decking installation

Before we go into the different types of decking, it’s important to understand that your decking is only as good as its installation. Decking needs good drainage and foundations to avoid it from sinking or flooding.

At Ralston Contracts, we make sure your decking is installed to last. From the ground up, we focus on making sure it’s safe, secure, and stable for years to come. If you choose to do it yourself, please do your research first!

The main types of decking – and what works best in Scotland

Here are the key things you need to know about the most popular types of decking.

Timber/wooden decking

Timber decking is the most traditional option. With a warm, natural wood look, it’s always an eye-pleaser. Timber decking has a lower upfront cost than most other types, but it requires the most maintenance as it’s more prone to weathering, moss, and warping if not treated regularly.

Pros of timber decking

• Warm, natural look that suits a wide range of properties

• Lower upfront cost than most alternatives

• Easy to source and widely available

• Can be sanded and refinished if it gets damaged

• You can change the colour often, as all you need to do is repaint or stain the timber

Cons of timber decking

• Requires regular oiling, staining, or treating to stay in good condition

• Prone to warping, splitting, and rotting in wet conditions if not treated regularly because moss and algae build up quickly in the Scottish climate

• Can become slippery when wet if not treated

• Likely to need replacing sooner than other options without consistent upkeep

Important consideration for installing timber decking

You need to understand the wood’s expansion and how that affects the overall design. Before trying to install yourself, please look into this (or contact a decking professional like us for a quote!).

Composite decking

Composite decking is becoming the most popular choice as it works for most budgets and gardens. It’s made from a mix of wood fibre and plastic. It looks similar to timber but is far more durable and lower maintenance. Composite holds up well in wet conditions and doesn't warp or rot in the same way timber does.

Pros of composite decking

• Much lower maintenance than timber, no oiling or staining required

• Holds up well in wet conditions without warping or rotting

• Wide range of colours and finishes to suit different properties

• Good mid-range option that balances cost and durability

• Consistent look that doesn't fade significantly over time

Cons of composite decking

• Can still accumulate algae and dirt, requiring occasional cleaning

• Doesn't quite replicate the feel of real wood underfoot

• Some cheaper composite boards can fade or look less premium over time

• Higher upfront cost than timber

• In exposed sunlight, composite decking retains heat and can be warm to walk on

• If composite is scratched (for example, with garden furniture), it’s difficult to repair the surface without replacing the board. If this happens years down the line, finding the exact colour match for your boards may be difficult.

Important consideration for installing composite decking

Often, composite decking is installed with a wooden sub-frame. If installed correctly, this can last for years. However, installing a composite sub-frame, while it comes with a higher cost, will last much longer. Please consider the longevity of the timber frame, if you opt for this!

Millboard decking

Millboard is a more premium option compared to composite or timber. It’s more realistic than composite, with a deep grain and texture that looks almost identical to real wood. It’s extremely durable, completely waterproof, and requires very little maintenance. The highest price point but often the longest lasting.

Pros of millboard decking

• The most realistic-looking alternative to real timber

• Completely waterproof and highly durable

• Very little maintenance required once installed

• Resistant to fading, staining, and weathering

• Long lifespan makes it cost-effective over time

Cons of millboard decking

• The highest upfront cost of all the options

• In exposed sunlight, millboard decking retains heat and can be warm to walk on

• When installing millboard, the fixings (screws) become hidden below the rubber surface, which is great for aesthetics but makes it difficult if you need to replace a board.

Porcelain decking

This is the most contemporary and premium option. With a look more like slabs, this decking works well alongside porcelain patios for a seamless look. Very durable and low maintenance but has a higher cost.

Pros of porcelain decking

• Extremely durable and long lasting

• Very low maintenance, easy to clean

• Contemporary, sleek look suits modern properties

Cons of porcelain decking

• Can be slippery when wet without an anti-slip finish, worth checking before specifying

• Cold underfoot compared to timber or composite

• Higher cost and more complex to install

• Less suited to traditional or older properties aesthetically

• Fewer design options compared to composite or millboard

Important consideration for installing porcelain decking

Porcelain decking needs to be installed like a patio with the correct sub-base. This makes porcelain decking more expensive and complicated to install, especially if you have a sloped garden (where for example, you’d need to add a retaining wall).

What decking works best for your needs?

Now you know the options and the pros and cons, it’s about weighing up which one suits your:

• Budget

• Maintenance needs

• Goals for the space

• Property style

• Garden layout

For example, if you have a limited budget, you might want to consider the upfront cost versus long-term cost. Timber might be cheaper to install but more expensive to maintain, whereas millboard costs more upfront but needs very little over the years.

The best decking type also depends on how you want to use your garden. If you’re a family with young children and a dog, you’ll need something different to a couple who entertain occasionally.

At Ralston Contracts, we offer a free landscape design consultation to talk you through this decision and make sure it’s the right decking type for you.

Professional decking installers in Ayrshire – get your garden decked out

As you can see, the right decking choice varies from person to person. If you’re in Ayrshire and need support, we would be delighted to discuss your goals and map out the best option to suit you. Please get in touch to arrange your free consultation.