Ekodeck, the composite eco decking range sold across Australia, gives you the look of a timber deck without the annual sanding, oiling and repainting. This guide covers the colour range, board sizes, installation basics and the ecological credentials that make composite decking the popular alternative to hardwood. Whether you are planning a new deck or replacing tired merbau, here is what to know before you buy.
What Is Eco Decking? Composite Boards Explained
Eco decking boards are extruded from reclaimed timber fibres and recycled plastic, bonded into a dense, dimensionally stable profile. The result is a board that looks like timber, cuts and screws like timber, but shrugs off the weather that destroys it. No rot, no termites, no splinters, no oiling. Ekodeck is the best-known eco deck brand in Australia, stocked through major retailers nationally – which matters when you need six extra boards mid-build on a Sunday.
Eko Deck Colours: Choosing Your Shade
Ekodeck colours are designed around Australian hardwoods so an eco deck sits naturally beside a timber house:
- Merbau – the deep red-brown of the classic Australian deck
- Wildfire – rich burnt red tones
- Walnut – dark chocolate brown for modern builds
- Slate Grey – cool contemporary grey
- Sandy Grey and Stonewood – lighter, beachside tones
- Jarrah – deep heritage red
Composite colours look darker in full sun than on small showroom chips. View a full board outdoors before committing. The colour runs through the whole board, so scratches and cuts do not show pale timber underneath.
Ekodeck Sizes and Board Profiles
Ekodeck boards come in standard lengths and two main widths:
- 137mm wide boards in 5.4 metre lengths – the standard decking profile
- Ekodeck Designer Series – the premium range with deeper embossed woodgrain and a protective outer layer for extra stain and scratch resistance
- 88mm narrow boards for feature work and smaller decks
- Solid and hollow profiles depending on the range
Board spacing, fixing clips and breaker boards follow the same rules as timber decking, and offcuts can be worked with normal woodworking tools. Buy 5 to 10 percent extra for cuts and breakage, same as a timber deck.
Eco Decking vs Hardwood: The Honest Comparison
| Factor | Eco decking (composite) | Hardwood (merbau etc.) |
|---|---|---|
| Upkeep | Soap and water wash | Annual wash, sand and oil |
| Fading | UV-stable, gradual | Greys without oil |
| Splinters and rot | None | Possible over time |
| Termite resistance | Inherent | Requires treatment |
| Heat in full sun | Warmer underfoot than light timber | Varies by species |
| Lifespan | 25+ years warranted | 15-25 years maintained |
In material cost, composite decking runs above basic merbau per square metre. Budget roughly $40 to $90 per square metre in boards depending on the range and finish. The real equation flips over time: two rounds of professional sanding and oiling cost more than the composite price difference, and you never schedule them.
Installing Ekodeck: DIY or Professional
Ekodeck installs with standard decking skills – measure, cut, clip or screw, repeat. The substructure rules are the same as timber: joists at 450mm centres (300mm for diagonal lays), a slight fall away from the house for drainage, and ventilation under the deck so moisture does not pool. Hidden fastening clips give the cleanest finish; colour-matched screws are the budget option. First-timers manage a simple ground-level eco deck in a weekend or two; raised decks, engineered footings and balustrades belong with a licensed builder.
The Ecological Credentials of Eco Decking
The eco in eco decking is real, with two caveats. The manufacturing process consumes energy like any industrial product, and boards eventually reach end-of-life – though most composite decking can be recycled into new composite in Australia through dedicated programs. Compared with hardwood, the ecological case rests on: reclaimed timber fibres instead of old-growth logging, recycled plastic diverted from landfill, no oil-based finishes washing into stormwater, and a lifespan that outlasts two timber decks. For most homeowners, composite is the lower-impact choice over the life of the deck.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ekodeck any good for Australian conditions?
Yes. Ekodeck is engineered for Australian UV and heat, carries a 25-year warranty in normal residential use, and does not rot, split or attract termites. It is one of the most widely stocked composite ranges in Australia.
Does eco decking fade in the sun?
Composite eco decking fades slightly in the first months to its final UV-stabilised shade, then holds that colour for decades – unlike bare hardwood, which greys continuously without oiling.
Can you cut Ekodeck with normal tools?
Yes. Composite boards cut, drill and rout with standard woodworking tools and blades. A fine-tooth blade gives the cleanest cut edges in composite.
How much does eco decking cost per square metre?
Eco decking boards cost roughly $40 to $90 per square metre in Australia depending on range and colour, on top of the substructure. Installed eco decks typically quote $250 to $400 per square metre complete, comparable with installed hardwood once the low maintenance is factored.
Summary
Eco decking turns the highest-maintenance part of the Australian backyard into a fit-and-forget surface. Pick a colour beside the real board in sunlight, follow standard substructure rules, budget for quality clips, and the deck will still look freshly installed the day the neighbour is out sanding his merbau again.
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