Hardwood vs Composite Decking: Which is Right for the Northern Beaches?

For most Northern Beaches homes, premium capped composite is the best choice for pool surrounds and low maintenance decks, while Australian hardwood remains the best choice for aesthetic-driven builds where the owner is prepared to oil the deck every one to two years. Composite costs 15 to 30 percent more upfront but wins on lifecycle cost over 20 years. Hardwood is cheaper on day one, gives a warmer natural finish, and handles the Northern Beaches climate well when properly maintained.

The choice comes down to three questions. How much maintenance are you actually going to do? How important is the natural timber look? Where is the deck (pool, elevated, exposed to salt)?

Hardwood decking on the Northern Beaches

Cost: $180 to $320 per square metre supplied. Installed around $350 to $600 per square metre including substructure.

Lifespan: 25 to 40 years with regular oiling and good drainage under the deck.

Common species: Spotted gum (durable, warm colour), blackbutt (light colour, high durability), jarrah (deep red, dense), merbau (dark brown, high tannin, popular but staining risk).

Maintenance: Oil every 12 to 24 months to maintain colour and protect the timber. Sweep regularly. Wash annually. Sand and re-oil every 5 to 10 years for a full refresh.

Salt air performance: Good. Australian hardwoods are naturally durable and handle coastal exposure well. Regular oiling accelerates this by adding a protective barrier. Poorly maintained hardwood in salt air will grey and check faster than inland.

Aesthetic: Warm, natural, tonal variation between boards, ages gracefully to a silver grey if left unoiled. Nothing beats hardwood for warmth underfoot and character.

Best for: Traditional and coastal architecture, aesthetic-driven builds, homeowners who enjoy periodic maintenance, protected or covered decks.

Composite decking on the Northern Beaches

Cost: $220 to $500 per square metre supplied. Installed around $450 to $750 per square metre including substructure.

Lifespan: 25 to 40 years for premium capped composite. Warranties commonly run 15 to 30 years.

Types: Uncapped (older technology, more fading), capped (polymer wrapped, best colour stability), solid vs hollow (solid is heavier and higher-end).

Maintenance: Minimal. Sweep regularly. Wash occasionally. No oiling, sanding or sealing required.

Salt air performance: Excellent. Premium capped composite handles salt exposure better than any timber. Ideal for pool decks, exposed elevated decks and beachfront properties.

Aesthetic: Consistent colour and grain across boards, less warmth than natural timber, colour range from timber-look through greys and blacks. Modern designs suit contemporary architecture particularly well.

Best for: Pool surrounds, exposed decks in salt spray zones, holiday houses and rental properties, homeowners who do not want ongoing maintenance, contemporary architecture.

The pool surround question

For pool decks, composite wins clearly. Salt or chlorine, sunscreen, splash and constant moisture all accelerate hardwood degradation. Composite handles all of these with no issue. On the Northern Beaches, most premium pool builds we work on now specify composite for the surround. See our pool landscaping page for pool deck examples.

The elevated deck question

For elevated decks (above 1 metre) with significant salt spray exposure, composite generally outperforms hardwood over 20 years. For elevated decks in more sheltered positions, hardwood is a perfectly good choice and often gives a warmer aesthetic result.

Lifecycle cost over 20 years

A 30 square metre hardwood deck installed at $500 per square metre costs $15,000 upfront. Over 20 years, allow 10 to 15 oilings at $600 to $1,200 each: $9,000 to $15,000 in maintenance. Total 20 year cost: $24,000 to $30,000.

The same 30 square metre deck in premium composite at $600 per square metre costs $18,000 upfront. Maintenance over 20 years is negligible, perhaps $500 for occasional deep cleaning. Total 20 year cost: around $18,500 to $19,000.

On lifecycle cost alone, composite wins by roughly 30 to 40 percent over 20 years for most Northern Beaches applications. Where hardwood wins is on aesthetic preference, natural material feel underfoot, and lower upfront cost for buyers with tight initial budgets.

Common misconceptions

Composite gets too hot in the sun. Older uncapped composite did. Modern premium capped composite is significantly cooler than older generations, though slightly hotter than timber. Light colours help.

Hardwood is always cheaper. Upfront yes. Over 15 to 20 years, no. Oiling costs add up and eventually boards need replacing.

Composite looks fake. Older composite did. Premium capped composite from established brands now has convincing grain, colour variation and finish. It will never look identical to timber but the gap has closed significantly.

What we specify

At Podology, for pool decks in Avalon, Palm Beach, exposed coastal builds and low maintenance briefs, we typically specify premium capped composite. For sheltered or covered decks, aesthetic-driven builds and traditional architecture, we specify Australian hardwood (usually spotted gum or blackbutt). See our decking Northern Beaches page for examples, or our related post on decking cost per square metre in Sydney. For structural or elevated decks, see structural landscaping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does composite decking fade in the Sydney sun?

Premium capped composite from established brands typically shows minimal fade over 20 years. Older uncapped composite fades noticeably in the first 5 to 10 years. If long term colour stability matters, always specify capped composite and check the manufacturer warranty for fade coverage.

How often should hardwood decking be oiled?

Every 12 to 24 months in Sydney depending on exposure. Coastal decks with direct sun exposure often need annual oiling to maintain colour. Sheltered or shaded decks can go 24 months between coats. Skipping oiling for extended periods leads to greying and eventually surface degradation.

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

Modern premium composite typically has a textured surface that performs similarly to smooth-finish hardwood when wet. For pool surrounds where slip resistance is critical, always ask for the specific slip rating (usually P4 or P5) and choose accordingly. Some products are specifically rated for wet applications.

Can I put composite decking on an existing timber subframe?

Sometimes, if the existing subframe is in good condition, at the right joist spacing (usually 350 to 450mm for composite), and structurally sound. Most projects benefit from replacing or upgrading the subframe when re-decking, particularly with heavier composite products.

Which is more environmentally friendly?

It depends. Australian hardwood from certified sustainable Australian forests has a strong environmental case. Composite decking uses recycled content (some brands are 70 to 95 percent recycled material) but is still a plastic-based product. Neither is a clear winner on environmental grounds.