Why Composite Decking Just Makes Sense for Sunshine Coast Properties
The thing is, our climate here is brutal on timber. You’ve got the UV index that’s off the charts most of the year. That coastal humidity sitting at 70-80% pretty much constantly. Salt air if you’re anywhere near the water. And when those summer storms roll through, well, timber just cops a beating.
Composite decking was basically designed for exactly these conditions. The material doesn’t absorb moisture, so that humidity everyone complains about? Not a problem. The UV stabilisers in quality composite mean the colour stays consistent year after year, even through our intense summers.
We’ve installed composite decks right on canal properties in Mooloolaba where salt spray hits them daily. Up in the hinterland around Buderim where the humidity never seems to drop. Down in Caloundra where you get the ocean breeze and full sun exposure. And the decks we put in five, six years ago? They look the same as the day we finished them.
No More Weekend Maintenance
Here’s the reality with timber – you’re looking at oiling or staining every 12-18 months minimum. That’s a full weekend of work, plus materials. With composite, you spray it down with the hose maybe a few times a year. That’s it. Everything else you’ve been told you need to do with a timber deck? Doesn’t apply anymore.
Choosing the Right Composite Decking for Your Home
Not all composite decking is the same, and that’s something we make sure every client understands before we start. You’ve got brands like Trex, Modwood, and Ekodeck – all quality products, but they’ve got different characteristics that matter depending on your specific situation.
Trex is the big name everyone’s heard of. American brand, been around forever, solid performance in our climate. Modwood is Australian-made, which means it’s literally designed for our conditions. Then you’ve got Ekodeck, another Aussie product that’s gaining traction because of how well it handles our coastal environment.
The differences come down to things like heat retention – some composite gets hotter underfoot in full sun than others. Colour options vary quite a bit. Warranty coverage is different across brands. And honestly, price points are all over the place.
What Works Best on the Sunshine Coast
We tend to recommend different products for different applications. Pool decks? You want something that stays cooler and handles constant water exposure. Full sun exposure in Noosa or Peregian? UV stability becomes the priority. Covered entertainment areas? You’ve got more flexibility with your choices.
The capped composite options – where there’s a protective shell over the core material – perform better long-term in our coastal conditions. They resist fading, staining, and moisture penetration better than uncapped boards. Costs a bit more upfront, but that’s where you see the real durability over 10, 15, 20 years.
We’ll walk you through samples, show you what we’ve installed on properties similar to yours, and help you make a decision that fits both your budget and your lifestyle.
What to Expect During Composite Deck Installation
Installation timeline is always a concern – nobody wants their backyard torn up for months. Good news is, composite decking generally goes in faster than timber, especially once we’ve got the subframe sorted.
For a typical deck on a Sunshine Coast property, you’re looking at anywhere from a few days to a couple weeks depending on size and complexity. Small courtyard deck? Could be done in three, four days. Bigger wraparound deck with stairs and multiple levels? Maybe two weeks. Weather can throw things off – we’re not pouring concrete in the rain or installing decking in a storm – but that’s just part of working on the coast.
The process starts with council permits if you need them. Sunshine Coast Council has specific requirements depending on your property, especially if you’re near waterways or in bushfire-prone areas. We handle all that paperwork because honestly, most homeowners don’t want to deal with it.
The Build Process
First up is the subframe. This is where a lot of installers cut corners, and it comes back to bite you later. Composite needs proper support and ventilation – different requirements than timber. We use treated pine or steel depending on the application, and we make sure there’s airflow underneath to prevent any moisture issues.
Then the actual decking boards go down. With composite, you’re usually using hidden fasteners – looks cleaner, no screw heads showing, and the deck surface stays smooth. Takes a bit longer than face-screwing timber, but the finished result is worth it.
Last bit is finishing touches – fascia boards, stairs if you need them, any railings or balustrades. And then you’re done. No waiting for stain to dry, no curing time. Deck’s ready to use straight away.
The Real Cost of Composite Decking vs Timber
eah, composite costs more upfront. No point dancing around that. You’re probably looking at roughly 1.5 to 2 times the initial cost of a decent hardwood deck. But here’s where the conversation gets interesting – that’s not where the cost comparison ends.
Timber deck on the Sunshine Coast? You’re oiling or staining every year, maybe every 18 months if you’re lucky. That’s $500-$1,000 in materials and either your whole weekend or paying someone to do it. Over 20 years, you’re looking at $10,000-$20,000 just in maintenance. Then factor in board replacements when pieces rot or split, which happens faster in our climate.
Composite? You hose it down occasionally. That’s your maintenance cost. Zero dollars beyond water and five minutes of your time.
We’ve had clients run the numbers and realise they break even around the 7-10 year mark. After that, they’re saving money compared to timber while having a deck that still looks brand new.
Property Value Considerations
Real estate agents on the Sunshine Coast will tell you – quality outdoor living spaces add serious value. Composite decking signals to buyers that the property’s been well-maintained, there’s no deferred maintenance they’ll inherit, and they can move in and just enjoy the space.
Timber deck showing wear? That’s a negotiating point for buyers. Pristine composite deck? That’s a selling feature. Different conversation entirely.
FAQs About Composite Decking
Some do, some don’t. Darker colours will get warmer than lighter ones – that’s just physics. But the newer capped composite products have heat-deflecting technology that keeps surface temperatures down. If you’re building a pool deck or something that’ll be in full sun, we’ll steer you toward the cooler options.
Quality composite has textured surfaces specifically designed for wet conditions. Actually performs better than treated timber when it rains or around pool areas. We’ve never had a client complain about slipping on the composite we’ve installed.
Sometimes, but usually it’s not the best idea. If the timber substructure is solid and up to spec, maybe. More often than not, we’re pulling everything out and starting fresh. Composite needs proper support and ventilation that old timber frames don’t always provide.
Not with the brands we install. You’ll get some very slight colour change in the first few months as the material stabilises – normal for any composite – but after that it stays consistent. UV stabilisers in the material do their job, even in our intense Sunshine Coast sun.
Nope. Termites eat wood. Composite isn’t wood. They’re not interested. One less thing to stress about on a Queensland property.
Ready to Stop Maintaining Your Deck and Start Enjoying It?
Look, we get it. You didn’t buy a property on the Sunshine Coast to spend your weekends sanding and oiling timber. You moved here for the lifestyle, and your outdoor space should add to that, not create more work.
Composite decking gives you back those weekends. Gives you a deck that handles everything our coastal climate throws at it without falling apart. And gives you peace of mind knowing the investment you’re making will actually last.
We’ve been installing composite decks across the Sunshine Coast – from Noosa down to Caloundra and everywhere in between – for years now. We know which products hold up best in our conditions. We know the council requirements. And we know how to build a deck that’ll still look great in 10, 15, 20 years without you doing anything beyond occasional cleaning.
Get Your Free Quote
Give us a call or shoot through an enquiry and we’ll come out to your property. Have a look at what you’re working with, show you samples of different composite options, and give you a straightforward quote. No pressure, no sales tactics – just honest advice about what makes sense for your home and budget.
You’ll actually use your outdoor space more when you’re not constantly thinking about the next round of maintenance. That’s the whole point of living on the Sunshine Coast, right? Let’s make it happen.
