The best decking alternatives to wood are PermaTech® composite decking, PVC decking, and aluminium decking. All of these are beautiful and hard-wearing options, proven to last in Australia’s unique conditions.

While the appeal of traditional timber is undeniable, the technology of decking alternatives has created a world of better options. If you want an appealing, durable, and ultra-low maintenance deck for your home… timber simply doesn’t cut it when there are smarter alternatives available.

1. PermaTech® Composite Decking

Why you’ll love it

For a timber alternative that looks just like the real thing (but performs much better over time), you can’t go past composite decking with PermaTech®. It’s made from a blend of recycled wood fibres and polymers, combining natural beauty with incredible durability for a product that performs year after year.

What is PermaTech®?

NexGEN’s PermaTech® is a durable, weather-resistant surface for composite decking, made from ionomer polymers that enhance toughness and tensile strength. Manufactured through co-rotating extrusion, it fusion-bonds a hardwood/polyethylene core with a proprietary cap, providing stain, fade, and scratch resistance superior to conventional composites.

This product is very easy to DIY – you don’t need any specialised tools to cut our capped composite decking boards. They cut like regular hardwood. As for the installation itself, our team is always here to provide advice and answer any questions.

Is composite decking worth it?

Not all composites are equal. While you may pay more upfront for premium composite decking boards, they have a lower cost over their lifetime than timber because of their low maintenance and longevity. 

You don’t need to keep spending time and money on supplies to keep things smooth, weather-tight and safe. While timber lasts for around 10-15 years, our solid-filled composite boards last much longer. We’ll even guarantee it:

• Good Life has a 25-year stain, fade and structural warranty.
• Escapes has a 30-year stain, fade and structural warranty.
• Select has a 50-year stain and fade warranty, with a lifetime structural warranty.

Related: Why You Can’t Afford to Buy Cheap Composite Decking

Will composite decking look fake?

While early versions of composite decking may have looked less convincing, today’s composite is a different story. Be aware that you will get what you pay for; cheaper products typically look ‘plastic’ whereas premium composite decking (like NexGEN’s exclusive Fiberon range) looks very realistic. 

With stunning wood grain textures and natural colours inspired by Australian hardwood timber, NexGEN’s composite decking is just like the real thing – without the splinters, risk of insect damage, or discolouration over time.

2. PVC Decking

Why you’ll love it

The timeless aesthetic of timber, and the unbeatable durability of PVC materials. Our Promenade range of capped PVC decking is perfect for applications around water – unlike traditional timber decking, it won’t swell or warp even if it’s submerged (ideal for pool steps, or jetties in either salt or freshwater settings).

How much is PVC decking?

How much your PVC decking project costs will ultimately be determined by what you’re doing, i.e. the amount of materials you need. PVC decking is a little more expensive than composite decking boards, but it offers the most resistance to staining, scratching and moisture for heavy-duty decking in high traffic areas.

As with composite boards, it’s worth opting for premium options like the Promenade range. They offer a much more realistic wood-look finish that stays fresh and lasts much longer than timber decking. 

Is PVC decking more slippery?

While we can’t speak for other brands, NexGEN Promenade boards are R-11 slip rated for wet and dry environments. This provides you (and your family) with a moderate level of anti-slip technology, prioritising safety and function as well as your aesthetic. 

More importantly, they will stay this way. Wood might start out with a similar slip rating (around R-10), but over time it degrades from UV and moisture breaking down the firmness of the material – not to mention the growth of mould, moss or mildew making it more slippery without constant maintenance.

Is 100% PVC decking less durable than wood?

PVC is more durable than decking timber decking. NexGEN’s Promenade range has a 50-year warranty for stains and fading and a lifetime structural warranty.

Because there is no organic material, you won’t have to worry about mould, mildew or termite damage. It’s the ideal solution for coastal living or humid climates because it’s completely moisture resistant – meaning you can enjoy your pristine decking for a long time.

3. Aluminium Decking

Why you’ll love it:

Aluminium is unbeatable in the harshest of conditions. If you live in a high or extreme BAL zone (like BAL-FZ), you can’t use wood or other combustible items to build a deck. Our aluminium decking is non-combustible and flame zone approved, so you can keep the outdoor lifestyle you love even if you live in an at-risk area.

DryDeck aluminium decking stays cool underfoot, won’t rust, takes almost zero work to maintain. By using the DryJoist system, you can also create a 100% dry area under your structure for extra space or storage.

How much does aluminium decking cost?

Aluminium decking has the highest up-front cost, compared to other decking mediums. However, you’ll get a superior return on investment in high-risk fire areas with non-combustible, cool-to-touch DryDeck aluminium decking. 

Does aluminium decking get slippery?

No. Our DryDeck is powder-coated marine grade aluminium, which creates a naturally textured, durable and non-slip surface. Additionally, the ribbed surface provides extra traction and further disguises the hidden tongue-in-groove fasteners for a flawless and water-tight finish.

Won’t aluminium look too industrial for home use?

Not at all! You would be surprised at how well NexGEN’s aluminium decking options suit contemporary Australian homes. If you love clean lines and effortless upkeep, DryDeck is the ideal choice for you.

With three colour options for the powder-coated finish, the deck’s proven colour retention, excellent stain and dirt resistance keeps it clean and free of unpleasant discolorations.

What is the best alternative to wood decking?

That depends entirely on your environment and your desired finish.

No matter your design inspiration or practical needs, alternative decking like composite boards, PVC and aluminium offer superior performance to traditional wooden decking. 

• For a natural wood finish, try our PermaTech® capped composite decking in Australian hardwood options like spotted gum, stringy bark, and jarrah. The varied wood grain patterns and smooth finish in the Select and Escapes collections are hard to beat.
• For luxurious longevity that’ll look just like the real thing, you can’t go past Promenade capped PVC decking. Perfect for coastal dwellings, submerged installations, and BAL29 bushfire rated – you’ll get plenty of enjoyment out of these convincingly natural-look boards.
• For ultimate durability in harsh environments, you need our waterproof and BAL-FZ approved aluminium DryDeck. This is the best decking material for homes in fire-prone areas, coastal homes, or for those who want a sleeker, more modern look than wood.

There’s also the environmental impact to consider when choosing decking material. Using timber decking like merbau has an initial aesthetic appeal for some, but the forestry chains involved in sourcing popular hardwood varieties can be unethical and unsustainable.

By using different materials, you can source an eco-friendly solution that will last longer and look better.

Related: Composite Decking vs Timber – Costs, Durability & Sustainability

Spend time with your family, not on maintenance

Timber takes a lot of maintenance, even premium hardwood decking. On average it takes between 16 and 32 hours of care per year, plus the cost of materials for regular oiling or staining… or other treatments for getting rid of pests, mould and other unwanted growths.

By comparison, NexGEN’s decking solutions only take between 2 and 4 hours per year to maintain; no oiling, painting, or sanding is needed to keep them looking as good as new. Our range of alternative decking materials won’t rot, warp or fade.

No more spending hours on the upkeep of your outdoor space. Your weekends are yours to enjoy again.

Try NexGEN’s premium decking options

Premium alternative decking gives you a lifetime of enjoyment outdoors. It’s safe and durable for you and your family and designed to withstand decades of Australia’s harshest conditions. 

Ready to ditch timber? NexGEN’s product range has the perfect low-maintenance alternative for your space. Why request a free sample pack below, or contact our helpful team today to get started with your next decking project?