Composite decking guides
Straight answers on boards, upkeep, planning and cost, written for gardens in Leeds and West Yorkshire.
- UpkeepHow long does composite decking last?A good capped composite board typically lasts 25 to 30 years or more, and most makers back that with a 25-year warranty. In practice the frame underneath usually decides how long the deck lasts: treated timber joists not rated for ground contact can rot in 10 to 15 years, while an aluminium frame outlasts the boards.30 October 2026 · 3 min read
- UpkeepHow to clean composite deckingSweep it, then scrub along the grain with warm water, a little washing-up liquid and a soft brush, and rinse. Do it in spring and autumn, and deal with grease and leaf stains as soon as you see them. Avoid wire brushes, bleach and holding a pressure washer close to the boards.30 October 2026 · 3 min read
- Choosing boardsHow to choose a composite decking colourChoose a mid-tone, mixed-colour board unless you have a strong reason not to. Very dark boards get hot and show water marks and dust; very light boards show dirt and leaf stains. Look at a real sample, wet and dry, in your own garden at different times of day before you decide.29 October 2026 · 3 min read
- CostsIs composite decking worth it?For most people who plan to stay in their home for five years or more and would rather not spend weekends treating a deck, yes. Composite costs roughly twice as much as treated softwood to fit, but needs no staining or oiling and usually lasts 25 years or more. If you are happy to treat timber yourself, timber stays cheaper.29 October 2026 · 4 min read
- PlanningDo you need planning permission for decking in Leeds?Usually not. A deck counts as permitted development if no part of it is more than 30 cm above the ground, it is not in front of the house, and with extensions and outbuildings it covers no more than half the garden. On a sloping Leeds garden the far edge often goes over 30 cm, and then you need to apply to Leeds City Council.29 October 2026 · 5 min read
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