Last Updated June 2026
What is composite decking? Composite decking (also called eco-friendly decking or eco decking) is an engineered board made from recycled wood fibre and recycled plastic. It looks and feels like real timber but requires almost no maintenance.
✅ Environmentally friendly — made from recycled plastic and wood waste
✅ Very low maintenance — no oiling, staining or sanding required
✅ Durable — lasts 20–30 years with minimal upkeep
✅ Splinter-free and slip-resistant — safer for kids and pets
✅ Backed by a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty
❌ Higher upfront cost than treated pine timber
❌ Damaged boards must be replaced, not sanded back
❌ Can feel warmer underfoot in direct Queensland sun
❌ Less colour flexibility than timber (can’t repaint)
→ Ready to get composite decking installed in Brisbane? See our Composite Decking Brisbane page.
Eco-friendly decking, often called composite decking, offers sustainable alternatives to traditional timber. It balances environmental benefits with practical performance for Brisbane, Gold Coast, and SE QLD homes. While it reduces waste through recycled materials and cuts long-term maintenance, it comes with higher upfront costs and specific durability considerations. Eco friendly decking (composite decking) is becoming increasingly popular.
| Composite | Hardwood Timber | |
| Maintenance | Very low — hose down only | High — oil every 12–18 months |
| Upfront cost | Higher | Lower |
| Lifespan | 25–30 years | 15–25 years (with maintenance) |
| Splinters | None | Yes, especially as it ages |
| Warranty | 25 years (manufacturer) | No product warranty |
| Eco-friendly | Yes (recycled materials) | Depends on timber source |
| Looks | Realistic timber-grain finish | Natural timber |
| Pool areas | Ideal | Requires careful species choice |
The main advantage of an eco deck is that it is made from recycled materials such as plastic bags and bottles. Thus, composite decks are environmentally friendly as they use waste products that may well otherwise end up as landfill. Eco decking is also made from by-products such as sawdust.
Another environmentally friendly aspect of eco decking is that it does not require any of the finishes that wooden decks need. The stains and preservative finishes that are used on natural timber decks are harmful to the environment. These are not necessary for an eco deck. A third green aspect of an eco deck is that you can use an eco-friendly deck cleaner, in contrast to the environmentally harmful chemicals that are used to clean wooden decks.
DeKing’s EKODEKING Replant Programme also plants one tree for every 20 square metres of decking built, further offsetting the environmental footprint of your new deck.
Yes — this is the number one reason Brisbane homeowners choose composite decking.
The second biggest advantage of an eco deck is that the maintenance level is much, much less than a traditional timber deck. An eco deck does not need to be painted, stained or oiled which is necessary for a timber deck to maintain its appearance and extend its lifetime. All the upkeep that is required to keep your eco deck clean is to hose it down with a garden hose.
In Brisbane’s subtropical climate — with intense UV, high humidity, and summer storms — this maintenance saving is significant. A timber deck typically needs oiling every 12–18 months; a composite deck needs none.
Eco decking materials are improving all the time and are now far more attractive than the original eco deck boards that were produced. Eco decking boards are now available in attractive colours and wood grain finishes. With an eco deck, you also do not need to use nails. Eco deck tiles have an easy snap in place installation system, which makes them easy to install and more attractive in that there are no visible nail holes or nails. Not using nails adds to the appearance of the deck and also makes it more environmentally friendly in this regard. Eco decks have a smooth and splinter free finish.
DeKing installs a full range of composite decking products in Brisbane — see our Composite Decking page for brands, pricing, and a free quote.
Composite decking typically lasts 20–30 years with minimal maintenance. Due to the materials that an eco deck is comprised of, it won’t rot and more often than not is resistant to insect infestation. Thus, eco decking is very durable and can last 20 years or more with little to no maintenance required. DeKing’s composite range is backed by a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Eco wood is a more flexible material and provides different opportunities to that of a ‘real’ wood deck. If you have an existing timber deck that is structurally sound and level it is possible to use eco deck tiles or boards over an existing deck. You can purchase eco deck tiles which are easy to snap into place. Thus eco decking can be an easy DIY project.
Eco decking boards are more expensive than timber boards. Thus, the overall cost of materials for an eco deck is higher than if you chose to use timber. For some people, this is not all that important. They balance the benefits to the environment, and the lack of maintenance and durability of eco decks, as being more than sufficient to counteract the higher initial upfront cost that is required for materials. For others, the initial higher eco deck prices are not within their budget, and a timber deck is preferred.
As a rough guide, composite decking in Brisbane costs $260–$420 per square metre installed — with DeKing’s benchmark for a 6m x 4m TREX deck sitting at $15,000–$17,000. The higher upfront cost compared to timber is often offset by the zero maintenance requirement over a 10–15 year period.
If a section of an eco deck is damaged, say scratched by furniture, you can’t sand back the eco deck like you would with a wooden deck. If eco boards are damaged, they need to be replaced.
Yes, you have more options with a timber deck. A timber deck can be stained, oiled or painted. Thus, you can completely transform your timber deck through repainting in a different colour, for example.
Yes, timber decking, too, can be an environmentally friendly choice. In fact, it is argued that the manufacturing process of eco decking is less energy efficient than the harvesting and transporting of traditional timber decking. Timber decking is also easier to dispose of than an eco deck once it reaches the end of its life. Because of the materials that comprise an eco deck, it takes longer to decompose than the quicker rotting characteristics of wooden boards.
DeKing sources all Australian hardwoods and treated pine from certified sustainable forests. Merbau hardwood comes with a certificate of responsibly sourced timber.
If maintained correctly, a timber deck can be very durable and long lasting. This is particularly true if your wooden deck has protection from the elements such as a roof over the deck.
Some would say, and it’s hard to argue that a well cared for timber deck has a natural beauty that eco friendly decks simply can’t match.
It is also possible to build your own deck using a timber board deck kit.
For a DIY kit for a 5m X 4m deck Click Here.
For DIY Kit for a 3m X 1.05m deck Click Here
At the end of the day, the choice is yours, both options will provide you with an attractive outdoor area where you can entertain, relax and enjoy regular alfresco dining. Both eco decks and timber decks will also increase the resale value of your home. Looking for composite decking installed in Brisbane? See our composite decking service page
Still unsure? Use our free Deck Quote Calculator to compare costs, or call DeKing on 07 3804 6400 for honest, obligation-free advice.
DeKing Decks services Brisbane, Redlands, Bayside, Logan, Ipswich, Moreton Bay, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Toowoomba.
The finished product was just perfect. We couldn’t have got a better deck and definitely made the best choice with Decking Decks. Team was so professional and there for us every step of the way.~ emily vella
Yes, eco-friendly composite and recycled decking usually costs 30–60% more upfront than treated pine or basic hardwood. However, the lower maintenance and longer lifespan often make it cheaper in the long run.
Absolutely. Most eco-friendly decking options need only occasional cleaning with soap and water, with no oiling, sanding, or sealing required — a major advantage in Brisbane’s harsh sun and humidity.
It depends on the brand. High-quality composite decking made from recycled plastic and wood fibre is more sustainable than virgin timber, but some lower-grade products contain more virgin plastic. Always check the manufacturer’s environmental credentials.
Yes — composite decking is one of the best choices for pool areas. It is slip-resistant, splinter-free, and resistant to moisture and chlorine. Unlike timber, it won’t warp or rot from repeated water exposure.
Composite decking can get warmer than timber in direct sunlight. Lighter-coloured boards absorb less heat and are a better choice for pool decks or north-facing areas with heavy sun exposure.
Installed composite decking in Brisbane typically costs $260–$420 per square metre. A 6m x 4m deck using TREX composite boards with a treated pine frame runs approximately $15,000–$17,000. Use our Quote Calculator for a more accurate estimate.
Choose composite if you want low maintenance, a 25-year warranty, and a deck that handles Brisbane’s climate without the upkeep. Choose hardwood timber if you love the natural look of real wood and are happy to oil and maintain it regularly. Not sure? Call DeKing on 07 3804 6400 for honest, obligation-free advice.
DeKing Decks is a Brisbane-based deck builder with over 15 years of experience building timber and composite decks across South East Queensland. EKODEKING is DeKing’s specialist composite and eco decking division, sourcing materials from leading brands including TREX, TimberTech, ZHU, and EZY Decking.
At DeKing Decks we offer customers the choice of timber and composite decking.
→ See our Composite Decking Brisbane service page
→ Get a free quote using our Deck Cost Calculator
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