Natural wood or synthetic decking: which to choose
Outdoor decking is a plank floor for terraces, porches, gardens and pool surrounds. It is laid on battens, without gluing, so that water drains underneath. It is the same thing many people search for as outdoor parquet or outdoor wood flooring: planks of wood, or of a material that imitates it, made to be out in the open. On the Costa del Sol, with strong sun and salty air, the choice of material is what most affects how long it lasts and how much maintenance it needs:
- Tropical hardwood (ipe, cumaru, teak): natural, very hard and stable. In the sun it turns silver-grey unless it is oiled once or twice a year.
- Pressure-treated or thermally modified wood (pine, ash): more affordable, needs more maintenance.
- Synthetic or composite decking (WPC): a mix of fibres and polymers that does not splinter, needs no oil and copes very well with pool water. We cover it in detail in synthetic floorboards.
Outdoor woods and materials we work with
There is no single “best” outdoor wood floor: it depends on the use, how much water and sun the area gets and the maintenance you are prepared to take on.
| Material | What it is like | Where it fits |
|---|---|---|
| Tropical hardwood (ipe, cumaru, teak, garapa) | Very dense wood that is naturally durable, without chemical treatments. It needs oiling if you want to keep its colour. | Pool surrounds, high-end terraces, walkways. |
| Pressure-treated pine (use class IV) | The treatment penetrates the wood so that it resists moisture, fungus and insects. It is the most affordable option. | Gardens, paths, secondary terraces. |
| Thermally modified wood | European wood (pine, ash) treated with heat, without chemicals. Very stable, with a naturally darkened tone. | Terraces, balconies, penthouses. |
| Composite (WPC) | Wood fibre and polymers. It needs no oiling or sanding and resists stains and fading. | Communal pools, commercial premises, very exposed areas. |
| Densified outdoor bamboo | A fast-growing material, pressed to increase its density and hardness. | Designer terraces, projects with an eco focus. |
How to choose the wood flooring for your outdoor space
- Use: a pool surround, a terrace with furniture, a garden path or a balcony each call for different materials.
- Exposure: all-day sun, shade from trees, splashes of chlorine or salty air greatly change how the same material behaves.
- Maintenance: natural wood needs regular oiling; composite, hardly anything.
- Non-slip: around pools and in wet areas, a class R10 or R11 non-slip finish.
- The full budget: compare material, substructure, fixing and labour, not just the price per m² of the plank.
Where we install it
- Terraces, balconies and penthouses, laid over the existing tiles on battens, with no building work.
- Pool surrounds, with non-slip decking that does not get as hot in the sun.
- Porches and gardens, on adjustable pedestals when the ground is not level.
- Hotels, restaurants, beach bars and residential communities on the Costa del Sol.
Outdoor decking prices in Malaga: what they depend on
We do not work with fixed rates: we adjust the price to each project according to the square metres, the manufacturer and the chosen model. After a free visit and measurement, we give you a fixed, itemised quote. This is what has the most influence:
- Material: synthetic, tropical hardwood or treated wood.
- Base: over tiles on battens or over ground on adjustable pedestals.
- Area and shape: cuts around curved pools, steps and front edge trims.
- Fixing: hidden clips for a clean finish, visible screws to keep costs down or adjustable pedestals on flat roofs.
- Access: carrying material up to a penthouse without a lift makes the job more expensive.
How we install outdoor decking, step by step
- Visit and measuring. We look at the base (tiles, concrete or ground), the drainage falls and the access.
- Choosing the material. We show you samples of wood and synthetic decking and finalise the quote.
- Substructure. We lay level battens or pedestals, following the fall so that water drains away.
- Laying the planks. We fix the planks with hidden clips or screws, leaving the gap needed for expansion.
- Finishing. We treat the cut ends of the wood, finish off front edges, steps and pool surrounds and leave the terrace clean.
Timescales: the number of working days depends on the square metres, the base and the finishing; they are set out in writing in the quote together with the start date.
Brands we work with
Our outdoor decking suppliers include Exterpark and Azek.
Projects of outdoor decking we have carried out
- Pool with synthetic outdoor decking and artificial grass: installation of synthetic outdoor decking and artificial grass in a pool area.
Frequently asked questions about outdoor decking
How much does it cost to lay decking on a terrace in Malaga?
It depends on the material (synthetic or tropical hardwood), the base (tiles or ground), the finishing around pools and steps, and the access. We tailor the price to each project and give you a fixed quote after the visit, with no obligation.
Which is better outdoors, wood or synthetic decking?
Tropical hardwood is natural and very hard-wearing, but it needs oiling so that it does not turn grey. Synthetic decking needs almost no maintenance and copes well with pool water and salty air. We help you choose according to the use and how much sun it gets.
Can decking be laid over tiles without building work?
Yes. Outdoor decking is laid on battens resting on the tiles, without breaking them up or gluing, following the drainage falls.
Does synthetic decking get very hot in the sun?
It does get hot, especially in dark colours. For pool surrounds we recommend light tones and ranges treated to reduce the surface temperature.
What maintenance does outdoor wood decking need?
Clean it with water and neutral soap or a wood-specific cleaner and apply a protective oil once or twice a year. Without oil, the wood takes on a silver-grey tone, but it does not lose strength. Synthetic decking only needs cleaning.
Is outdoor parquet the same as outdoor decking?
Yes. “Outdoor parquet”, “outdoor wood flooring” and “outdoor decking” are used for the same thing: planks of natural wood, treated wood or composite designed for the outdoors and laid on a substructure that lets water drain.
Which wood is best for a terrace or a pool?
For pool surrounds and very exposed areas, tropical hardwoods such as ipe or cumaru, or composite if you do not want to oil it. For terraces and balconies, thermally modified wood is a good option, and pressure-treated pine suits gardens and paths on a tight budget.
Is outdoor decking non-slip?
There are non-slip finishes in both wood and synthetic. Around pools and in wet areas we recommend class R10 or R11.
Other outdoor flooring
Ask for a quote for your outdoor decking
Tell us the approximate square metres, whether it is a terrace, garden or pool, and the town. We will call you to arrange a no-obligation visit to see the area.
