NewTechWood vs Timber Decking: Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to deck building, the biggest decision you have to make is the kind of material to use. For years, timber has been the go-to choice for decks around Australia, but NewTechWood has become increasingly popular since its creation in 2004.
NewTechWood is a composite of wood and plastic, leading the industry when it comes to sustainable alternatives to real wood. Made from 95% recycled materials, NewTechWood is considered one of the best WPC (Wood Plastic Composite) products available.
Both the traditional timber and NewTechWood have their benefits and drawbacks, so how do you decide which is best for your deck? As retailers of both timber and NewTechWood, Park Road Timber and Hardware is here to help you make that crucial decision.
Timber
Benefits of Timber Decking
There’s a reason that timber decks have become known as the reliable choice to expand a home’s outdoor entertaining options. By building a timber deck, you are sticking with the traditional option seen on countless Australian homes.
Timber is a versatile material, offering you multiple styles for your deck. From painted in a colour that suits your home, to stained for a timeless, rustic appearance, the appeal of a timber deck is easy to see. If you ever get tired of the current style, the colour or stain can be stripped and replaced with something new.
When it comes to wood decking options, timber is one of the easiest to work with and is a cost-effective choice, given that it is readily available. If you need a versatile option that you can easily cut, shape, stain, paint or sand, timber is an excellent choice.
Drawbacks of Timber Decking
To keep your timber deck looking its best, you may have to put in some maintenance. If you choose timber, be prepared to re-paint or re-stain the wood to keep it looking pristine and keep the timber sealed. Timber is also prone to weathering, so you may need to replace some of the boards as time goes on.
The other drawback of timber is that the environmental cost is higher, given that more trees need to be cut down when compared to a composite alternative.
NewTechWood
Benefits of NewTechWood
Composite alternatives to wood are becoming more popular for a variety of reasons including reduced maintenance requirements. While some composites look more like plastic than wood, choosing a high-quality WPC such as NewTechWood means you can still enjoy the aesthetic benefits of timber. It comes in multiple style options, such as NewTechWood castellation cladding, if you are looking to complement your deck.
NewTechWood is highly durable, meaning you don’t have to put in any annual maintenance. The composite has a protective layer on each side, making it UV-resistanct, age-resistant and fade-resistant. Another benefit of NewTechWood decking is that the material is highly sustainable.
Drawbacks of NewTechWood
The major drawback of a composite such as NewTechWood is that it tends to be more expensive than timber, although it can depend on the quality of the timber you are considering.
NewTechWood also cannot be re-stained or painted like timber, which means that your initial choice of colour is crucial, as you won’t be able to change it later. If you are planning a deck with more vibrant colours, timber may be the better choice.
Park Road Timber and Hardware is Here to Help
The NewTechWood cladding and decking composite is gaining popularity for a reason, although there is still an argument to be made for the classic style of real timber.
At Park Road Timber and Hardware, we offer both options, so if you aren’t sure whether you are interested in our range of Mitre 10 decking timber or the newer composite, our team is here to help you make the right decision. Visit us at our Cheltenham store, give our friendly staff a call on (03) 03 9909 5397 or complete our contact form to hear back from us as soon as possible.
