{"id":5946,"date":"2026-04-22T17:03:42","date_gmt":"2026-04-22T09:03:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/?p=5946"},"modified":"2026-04-30T13:37:02","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T05:37:02","slug":"what-is-composite-decking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/what-is-composite-decking\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Composite Decking? A Guide for Builders"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Composite decking is a board made from wood fibres and plastic. It’s built to resemble timber \u2014 and to last longer with significantly less upkeep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More builders are specifying it because clients are tired of the cost and hassle of maintaining timber. Oiling, staining, and replacing boards every few years can add up quickly. Composite solves that problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article covers what composite is made of, how it compares to timber, what it costs, and what trade buyers should know before they spec it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Is Composite Decking Made Of?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Composite decking boards are made from two things: wood fibres and HDPE plastic. The wood fibres \u2014 sawdust and wood chips \u2014 give the board its timber look and feel. The HDPE plastic binds them together and protects the wood core from water, UV, and insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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About 60% of the material is recycled content. That’s a useful point for projects with green or sustainability requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result: a board that looks and feels like real wood \u2014 but won’t rot, split, or need oiling. It takes the best parts of timber and replaces the worst ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the Co-Extrusion Process Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Modern composite boards have a protective outer shell bonded around a solid core. This is called the cap layer. Think of it like a coated pipe: the core gives the board its strength, while the cap handles UV, surface scratches, and moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cap layer does the most work for long-term performance. A thicker cap means better UV protection and colour retention. LastElegance boards carry a 0.8 mm cap \u2014 thicker than many comparable products on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That extra thickness is what separates capped composite from older, first-generation boards, which were more prone to staining and fading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Solid, Hollow, or Capped \u2014 What Type Do You Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The right profile depends on the project. Here’s a quick breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n