Creating a deck is one of the most effective ways to enhance your outdoor living space – whether you’re adding functionality, visual appeal, or both. But with the wide range of decking options available today, it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. We say this because we encounter it all the time – clients asking us things like “why are there so many types of decking?” or “what’s the actual difference between timber decking and composite decking Ireland?”
This article is more of a guide, one that helps you make sense of the choices and clears up some of the most common questions.
1. Start with Your Priorities: What Matters Most?
Before jumping into materials and styles, ask yourself:
• What is the deck’s main purpose? (entertaining, relaxing, connecting zones).
• How much exposure will it get to rain, shade, or direct sunlight?
• Do you prefer low maintenance, or are you okay with some upkeep for a natural look?
• What’s the aesthetic you’re aiming for? Modern, rustic, minimalist, cozy?
Your answers will help narrow down what materials and types of structure make the most sense for your space.
2. Comparing the Main Decking Materials
There’s no universal “best” material – it depends on the context. Here’s a breakdown of the most common options used across decking Ireland:
Softwood
• Budget-friendly and visually warm.
• Needs regular maintenance (sealing, staining).
• Works best in open, well-ventilated spaces.
• Soaks up moisture if not properly sealed – like a sponge.
Hardwood
• Naturally strong and durable.
• Still benefits from protective oiling or coatings.
• Great for shaded areas or higher foot traffic.
Composite
• A blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic
• Super low maintenance – no sealing or staining.
• Wide variety of colors and textures.
• Handles Ireland’s wet, changing weather with ease.
Porcelain
• A more recent but rising choice.
• Incredibly durable, slip-resistant, and non-porous.
• Installed on a specially designed aluminum subframe.
• Requires expert installation to ensure long-term performance.
PVC
• Lightweight and fully synthetic.
• Doesn’t need sealing or staining.
• Can get slippery and feel plasticky underfoot.
At Timbermasters, we work with all of the above – except PVC. That’s a deliberate choice. While PVC is widely used and can absolutely be viable, we’ve found that – for long-term value – it just hasn’t matched our expectations. There are also environmental considerations. So, for now, it’s not something we include in our projects.
3. Structural Considerations: What Lies Beneath Matters
The boards may be what you walk on – but the subframe is what keeps the whole deck solid, level, and long-lasting. In Ireland’s damp climate, a good subframe should:
• Let water drain freely.
• Stay rigid without flexing over time.
• Use materials that resist rot and decay.
• Allow a good airflow to protect both the deck and subframe.
At Timbermasters, we use double-treated timber for most of our subframes. That means:
- The first treatment is the standard one applied to timber available on the market, typically meant to prevent fungal decay and insect damage during storage and transport. However, this alone doesn’t offer any protection against long-term exposure to moisture or Ireland’s unpredictable weather.
- So, we apply our own second round of treatment in our workshop, using our secret Timbermasters formula, a mix inspired by marine applications, designed to deeply penetrate the wood and boost its resistance to rot, damp, and decay – yes, the kind of protection you’d expect on a boat.
This process significantly improves the timber’s resistance to moisture – effectively sealing it against long-term exposure in exposed or humid environments. For certain conditions (very low ground clearance or heavy loads), we sometimes recommend aluminum framing, which can last 15–20 years with minimal maintenance.
4. Choosing the Right Style
The material you choose is important – but so is the atmosphere your deck creates. A well-designed space doesn’t just look right, it feels inviting. It becomes part of how you live outdoors – whether it’s where you sip your morning coffee or host a summer dinner with friends. Think about:
• Colors and textures that work with your house or garden.
• How the boards are laid (straight, diagonal, patterned).
• Edge details – picture frames, trims, clean cuts.
Good design is about finding the sweet spot between what you imagine, what the space can handle, and what the materials actually let you build. Some boards curve beautifully, others demand structure and precision – knowing how to use each one is what turns an idea into something that works. That’s where a designer or architect can make all the difference. You can see plenty of examples of this on our website if you’re curious.
5. Installation: DIY or Professional?
Sure, some people take the DIY route – and for small, basic decks that can work. But once you get into uneven terrain, multi-levels, or specific materials like composite or porcelain, a professional team is the right choice .
An experienced installer will:
• Properly prepare the ground (stabilization, levelling, drainage).
• Follow all installation requirements – essential if you want to keep your warranty valid.
• Spot potential issues early and fix them before they turn into real problems.
Some companies even create tailored installation files for each deck – offering precision and consistency that’s hard to match with DIY.
Oh… wait… that’s us. TIMBERMASTERS.
What Makes TIMBERMASTERS Different?
This article isn’t about us – but if you’re curious, here’s what people seem to appreciate:
Premium Subframes
All our decks start with a solid foundation. Always. From proper ground preparation to smart structural design, we make sure the subframe is built to last. We always use double-treated timber or aluminum when the project calls for it.
Broad Range of Materials
We cover everything from softwood to hardwood, composite, porcelain, and aluminum systems. Just no PVC. We cover everything from softwood to hardwood, composite, porcelain, and aluminum systems. Just no PVC.
Professional Teams
Our teams build decks every week, all year round – and that kind of consistency brings real expertise. They’ve worked on all types of projects and know how to handle the unexpected. Behind them is our in-house team of architects, who create tailored layouts and offer clear installation guidance for every job.
One-Stop Shop
From first message to final sweep-up:
• We take care of the entire decking process – from preparing the ground and supplying materials to design, installation, and waste management.
• If your project calls for more – lighting, paving, landscaping, or even a pergola – we can bring it all together in one place. Whether it’s a timber frame or a bioclimatic pergola, we’ve got you covered. (We talk more about pergolas in a separate article.)
Warranty
We offer a 24-month warranty on all projects. It’s our way of standing behind the work – and giving you peace of mind from day one.
Decking with Soul
A great deck isn’t just well-built – it should feel like it belongs there. It should reflect the people who use it, the rhythm of the space, and the life around it. For us, good design means listening first, building with care, and creating something that feels right from the start – and still feels right years down the line.
For us, there’s no standard formula – each deck is designed around the client, their space, and how they want to live in For us, there’s no standard formula – each deck is designed around the client, their space, and how they want to live in it. Every deck is built around three things:
• What the client wants.
• What the space can do.
• What the materials allow.
That’s how we get decks that still look great years down the line.
Ready to Start?
If you’re exploring decking ideas and want to talk it through, reach out. We’ll help you figure out what works best – even if it’s just for some friendly advice.
“Nothing makes us happier than getting a photo two years after installation – with a client enjoying their coffee on a deck that still looks like day one. ” – The Timbermasters Team.
FAQs-Choosing the Right Decking Ireland
Q: What is the most low-maintenance decking option?
A: Composite and porcelain decking require the least upkeep. They don’t need sealing or staining and perform very well in Ireland’s climate.
Q: How long does a well-built deck last in Ireland?
A: With the right materials and a strong subframe, a deck should last 15–20 years. Aluminums subframes and subframes and porcelain boards offer the best long-term durability.
Q: Do I need planning permission for a deck in Ireland ?
A: In most cases, no – especially if the deck is low to the ground. As a general rule, if it’s under 1 meter in height from ground level and built at the back of your home, you’re unlikely to need planning permission. That said, it’s always best to check with your local planning office, as details can vary depending on location and layout.
Q: Can a deck be installed on uneven or sloped ground?
A: Yes. With proper ground preparation and levelling, decks can be safely and securely built even on challenging terrain.
Q: How slippery does decking get when wet?
A: Porcelain and quality composite boards are designed to be slip-resistant. Timber can be more slippery if untreated or not regularly cleaned.
