I think the only budget decking is softwood, which is probably what you have. Hardwood decking is beautiful, depending what wood you choose. It’s not cheap. I actually love the very rich coloured decking used in the tropics, but I’m not sure what wood it is.

i have softwood decking, all I could afford at the time, but it has lasted better than I imagined. It didn’t really go silver, it just went a scruffy brown/beige so I very recently painted it a dark slate grey. My deck is about 7 years old.

There is a product that is a composite decking which supposedly never rots. Some are realistic, some are rather too plastic looking for my liking! Wickes and other builders merchants sell it.

Oak Silvers the best, it's also hardwood and long lasting. Try this website www.uk-timber.co.uk I think you need 38 3.6m boards and the order including the vat comes to £1002

( Bargain ). They also do all smooth or reversible ( same price ).

Don't forget though, you need your stringers underneath on top of that price, but any decent treated timber on a good sub base should be good.

With a decking, it is always best to remember that you get what you pay for so material quality is paramount.

The support structure is also extremely important and a composite option should be considered as you will have no issues with rot.

If your budget is really tight, then have you considered looking on ebay or the internet for a reclaimed hardwood? It may look tatty and discoloured however you can generally buy this cheaply and then renovate it with a jet wash before re-finishing. You can rent a great jet wash from HSS which will strip any algae, etc., quickly and leave the wood looking renewed.

A hardwood will last for a very long time if treated properly and this applies to the reclaimed option as well.

Brandler, what is your opinion of composite deck? I am considering it for when my old deck finally falls apart, whenever that will be! Some of it looks like plastic and I’m not keen. I wonder also if it is non slip?

@ forzaitalia - I have to admit that I am a lover of hardwood options, however composite decking has come a long way in the last few years.

Aesthetically there are options which look very authentic, however what gives it away is that it never weathers like a natural product would. There are also option available that are anti-slip.

I would certainly use a composite support structure as it cannot be seen and is both robust and lasts for decades.

Thank you Brandler, it might see me out then! I do love that dark rich hardwood deck you see in the tropics and I’m seeing used over here now. Think I’ll be doing some research now!

If you want a hardwood that turns a beautiful range of silvers then you can't go far wrong with yellow balau hard wood. It comes in widths of 4" and 6". I won't go into to much blurb as it will only start a big debate and that should be left for another thread, but always use smooth side up. It looks better, easier to maintain and it is the correct way!

Two best suppliers for this is Silva Timber and Arnold Laver Timber World.

@ AGI Landscaping - I agree that Arnold Laver Timber are a great supplier and one of the companies that provide materials to us.

Thank you for all your comments - really appreciate you taking the time. I am pleased to read - smooth side up (thanks to AGI Landscapes), I really don't like the 'groove' side.

I am in conversations with Silva and Arnold Laver, also I have found a company called Puidukoda - Siberian Larch with an Iron Sulphate treatment.....just not sure environmentally how friendly this is! More reading required.

Great - many thanks for your very solid advice - much appreciated. Hopefully I will be able to load up some before and after images late Summer!