{"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":"2026-06-10T17:41:11","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T09:41:11","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

Timber callbacks cost builders time and money. Oiling schedules, board replacements, splinter complaints \u2014 they stack up fast over the life of a project. Composite decking was built to cut that cycle out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide covers what composite is made of, how it performs in Australian conditions, real costs over 10 years, and what to check before you spec it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Composite decking boards blend two materials: wood fibre and HDPE plastic. The wood fibre \u2014 sawdust and wood chips \u2014 gives the board its timber look and feel. The HDPE plastic binds it together and shields the core from water, UV, and insects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Close-up<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Close-up<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our boards use hardwood fibre, combined with HDPE at a density of 0.95 g\/cm\u00b3. About 60% of the material is recycled content<\/strong>. That’s useful for projects with green building or sustainability requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The result: a board that looks and feels like timber \u2014 but won’t rot, split, or need oiling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Modern capped composite has a protective outer shell bonded around the board core. This is the cap layer. The core gives the board its strength. The cap handles UV, surface scratches, and moisture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cap thickness is what separates quality composite from older, first-generation boards. Thinner caps fade and stain faster. LastElegance boards carry a 0.8 mm cap layer<\/strong> \u2014 thicker than many comparable products on the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After 3,000 hours of QUV accelerated ageing testing, our boards hold colour shift to \u0394E \u2264 4\u20135<\/strong>. In plain terms: the colour stays close to what you spec’d, even after years of Australian sun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Solid or Hollow \u2014 Which Profile Do You Need?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The right profile depends on the project load, joist spacing, and budget. Here’s a practical breakdown across our three decking ranges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Brown<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

TimberLuxe<\/a> \u2014 Solid profile (140\u00d723 mm \/ 140\u00d720 mm)<\/strong> Heavier and more rigid underfoot. Suits high-traffic areas, shorter joist spans, and commercial builds where stiffness and underfoot feel matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Composite Decking Renew<\/a> \u2014 Hollow profile (150\u00d723 mm \/ 140\u00d723 mm)<\/strong> Lighter and better value on large-area decks. Wall thickness runs 4\u20136 mm. Strong enough for most residential work at 300\u2013350 mm joist spacing. Popular for projects where cost-per-m\u00b2 is the priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

VerdeLife<\/a> \u2014 Grooved solid profile (139\u00d724 mm)<\/strong> Mid-weight board with a deep grain texture. Rated R11 for slip resistance per AS\/NZS 4586 \u2014 the pick for pool surrounds and commercial outdoor areas with foot traffic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not sure which profile suits your project? Browse full board specs \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Composite vs Timber: A Trade-Level Comparison<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most builders already know the basics. Here’s a clean breakdown for project teams, clients, or procurement managers who need it in one place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Brown<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>Composite Decking<\/th>Treated Pine<\/th>Merbau<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Annual upkeep<\/td>Soapy wash once or twice a year<\/td>Oil or stain every 2\u20133 years<\/td>Regular oiling<\/td><\/tr>
Expected lifespan<\/td>25+ years<\/td>10\u201315 years without care<\/td>25+ years with consistent upkeep<\/td><\/tr>
Upfront cost per m\u00b2<\/td>Higher than treated pine<\/td>Lowest<\/td>Mid to high<\/td><\/tr>
Termite resistance<\/td>Yes \u2014 no organic food source<\/td>Needs treatment<\/td>Good natural resistance<\/td><\/tr>
Water absorption<\/td>0.2% (ASTM D1037)<\/td>Moderate to high<\/td>Low to moderate<\/td><\/tr>
Flexural strength<\/td>26.2 MPa (EN 15534)<\/td>Varies by grade<\/td>Varies by grade<\/td><\/tr>
Slip resistance<\/td>R11 (AS\/NZS 4586)<\/td>Untreated \u2014 varies<\/td>Untreated \u2014 varies<\/td><\/tr>
Formaldehyde<\/td>Not detected (EN 717-1)<\/td>Varies by treatment<\/td>Natural<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Composite costs more upfront than treated pine. Factor in oiling, staining, and board replacement over 10\u201315 years, and the total cost usually levels out \u2014 or tips in composite’s favour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timber \u2014 especially merbau or spotted gum \u2014 has a natural warmth some clients prefer. That’s fair. Composite grain texture has improved a lot, but it isn’t identical to real wood. Worth being straight with clients about that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Builders Are Switching to Composite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most common thing we hear from builders who’ve made the switch: no oiling call-backs<\/strong>. That one change removes a recurring friction point from their post-handover relationship with clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here’s what else drives the switch:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. Termite resistance.<\/strong>\u00a0No organic material means nothing for termites to eat. In Queensland, NSW, and WA \u2014 where termite pressure is high \u2014 this is a real advantage over untreated timber.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Moisture stability.<\/strong>\u00a0At 0.2% water absorption, composite won’t swell, cup, or split after heavy rain. Critical for coastal builds and wet zones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Slip resistance built in.<\/strong>\u00a0R11 per AS\/NZS 4586 \u2014 meets the spec for pool surrounds and most commercial outdoor areas.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Colour that holds.<\/strong>\u00a0\u0394E \u2264 4\u20135 after 3,000 hours of QUV testing. Clients don’t call about bleaching, fading, or surface splinters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Customisation for larger orders.<\/strong>\u00a0Sizes, colours, surface textures, and packaging can all be made to spec. Useful for distributors and builders running varied project types.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    How It Performs in Australian Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Australia isn’t easy on outdoor materials. Here’s how composite handles the four main challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UV exposure:<\/strong> The cap layer uses a combined HALS and UV absorber system \u2014 not a single additive, but a dual-stabiliser approach. Our QUV results show colour shift controlled to \u0394E \u2264 4\u20135 after 3,000 hours. That’s one of the tighter tolerances in the market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Termites:<\/strong> No organic food source in the plastic-encased core. Builders in high-risk zones across QLD, NSW, and WA tell us this is one of the first things clients ask about \u2014 and the answer is simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Moisture:<\/strong> 0.2% water absorption (ASTM D1037) means the board stays dimensionally stable in wet conditions. No swelling, no cupping.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bushfire zones:<\/strong> Our boards are fire-tested to ASTM E84 \u2014 Flame Spread Index (FSI): 85, Smoke Developed Index (SDI): 300. If your project sits in a designated bushfire zone, confirm the required BAL rating with your certifier. Composite fire performance varies by board profile and installation method, and the certifier’s assessment governs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    What to Check Before You Spec Composite<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    A few things that catch builders out on their first composite project:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Joist spacing matters.<\/strong> Composite boards need joists at 300\u2013350 mm centres \u2014 tighter than some timber install specs. Check this before you quote or order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Expansion gaps are non-negotiable.<\/strong> Composite expands with heat. End gaps and board gaps need to be set correctly per the install guide. Skip this and you’ll get buckling in summer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Not all composite is capped.<\/strong> Uncapped boards leave the wood-fibre core exposed on some faces. They absorb more moisture and fade faster. All LastElegance decking boards are fully capped. If you’re comparing quotes, check what the other supplier is offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hidden fasteners vs face screws.<\/strong> Our boards use a stainless steel clip system \u2014 fasteners slot into the board groove and clip onto the joist. No surface screws, no pre-drilling, clean finish. It also speeds up install compared to face-fixing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    How Long Does Composite Decking Last?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Capped composite typically lasts 25 years or more. Treated pine without regular care starts to show real wear in 10\u201315 years. Merbau can match the composite lifespan, but it needs consistent upkeep to get there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Split<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Our composite decking carries a 15-year warranty<\/strong>. What it doesn’t cover: damage from incorrect installation, wrong cleaning products, or misuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Brief your clients on the exclusions before handover. It’s a five-minute conversation that prevents problems later. The warranty applies to both residential and commercial projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    What Does Composite Decking Cost?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Composite costs more per m\u00b2 than treated pine at the point of purchase. Trade buyers know this. The more useful question is: what does it cost over 10 years?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Material<\/th>Upfront (per m\u00b2)<\/th>Est. 10-Year Upkeep<\/th>Est. 10-Year Total<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
    Composite decking<\/td>$80\u2013$120<\/td>$5\u2013$15 (cleaning only)<\/td>$85\u2013$135<\/td><\/tr>
    Treated pine<\/td>$30\u2013$60<\/td>$40\u2013$70 (oiling + repairs)<\/td>$70\u2013$130<\/td><\/tr>
    Merbau<\/td>$100\u2013$160<\/td>$50\u2013$80 (oiling + staining)<\/td>$150\u2013$240<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Supply and labour costs vary by region, project size, and order volume. These are indicative ranges for comparison purposes. Request a quote for accurate pricing on your project.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The 10-year gap narrows quickly once you price in oiling labour, staining materials, and board replacement. On most long-run projects, composite comes out level with treated pine \u2014 or ahead. Against merbau, composite is usually the lower total-cost option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For trade buyers ordering in volume, supply direct from the manufacturer cuts out importer markups. Our MOQ is 100 m\u00b2. Contact us to discuss pricing \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    FAQ<\/h2>\n\n\n
    \n
    \n
    \n

    Is composite decking the same as PVC decking?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    No. Composite contains wood fibres and HDPE plastic. PVC is 100% synthetic \u2014 no wood content at all. Composite looks and feels closer to timber underfoot. PVC is fully waterproof but tends to look more artificial.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Does composite decking get hot in the sun?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    Like any surface, composite warms up in direct sun. It runs cooler than uncoated metal but warmer than shaded timber in peak summer heat. Lighter colours reduce heat build-up \u2014 worth flagging for pool surrounds and barefoot commercial areas.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    What slip resistance rating do LastElegance boards carry?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    R11 per AS\/NZS 4586 \u2014 the DIN 51130 test confirms the same rating. That meets the requirement for pool surrounds and most commercial outdoor areas. Confirm with your certifier for the specific project spec.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    How do you clean composite decking?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    Sweep and rinse with soapy water. That handles most dirt and marks. Avoid harsh chemicals or high-pressure washers \u2014 they can damage the cap layer. For stubborn stains, use a soft brush and a composite-specific cleaner.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    What is the minimum order quantity?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    100 m\u00b2. For custom colours, lengths, surface textures, or packaging, contact our team to discuss your project requirements and lead times.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Is composite decking worth the higher upfront cost?<\/h3>\n
    \n\n

    For most long-term projects, yes. Higher purchase price is offset by lower upkeep and a longer lifespan. For short-term or tight-budget builds, treated pine may still be the practical choice. That’s an honest answer.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Composite isn’t right for every project. But for builders and trade buyers who want a lower-maintenance, longer-lasting board \u2014 and fewer post-handover headaches \u2014 it’s a strong spec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Questions about the right board for your project? Contact our sales team \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Timber callbacks cost builders time and money. Oiling schedules, board replacements, splinter complaints \u2014 they stack up fast over the life of a project. Composite decking was built to cut that cycle out. This guide covers what composite is made of, how it performs in Australian conditions, real costs over 10 years, and what to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":5948,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1401],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5946","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-composite-decking"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5946","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5946"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5946\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5948"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5946"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5946"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.lastelegance.com\/au\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5946"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}