Station Yard

Station Row

Drybridge

Irvine

KA11 5BZ

Tel. 01294 688268

View our Blog

Telephone lines are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Over 25 artificial grass retail samples are available to view 24/7 on the outer fence, beside the traffic lights outside the yard. 

Apologies, we no longer supply NEW Trade customers.

Supply only (retail) artificial grass prices range from £5m2 to £25m2.

View our supply and fitting prices here,   click to view

Need a price for supply and fitting? Give us a call. We offer   6 different price packages,   to help meet most realistic budgets.   All 6 packages   will look amazing, no matter which one that you choose.

Welcome to Cutting Edge Artificial Grass. With our           5 star reviews   on     Google   you can be sure that you are in safe hands for all your artificial grass and           landscaping            needs. Be the envy of your neighbours and let us transform your garden into an amazing, outdoor living space.

A full landscaping and garden work service is available including fencing, gates, decking, monoblocking, driveways, patios, garden sheds and garden rooms, to name just a few offerings. New fences and decks can be built from either timber or composite.

Please don't get caught out. To avoid the awful dog urine odours, it starts with selecting the correct grass which will normally be described as "Pet Specific". These grasses are specially designed and manufactured with a non absorbent PU backing (polyurethane). Never use the common LATEX backed artificial grass. The vast majority of grass on the market is child and pet friendly LATEX backed grass which will harbour odours because it's absorbent. 

PET FRIENDLY is a very misleading marketing term, which really just means that the grass will not harm your pet because it is free from harmful elements such as lead, cadmium and zinc.

The sub-base for dog areas should also be totally different . On some installations, it may be best to avoid using Type 1 and whin dust, because the fine dust in these slows down the drainage, thus more risk of urine smells.  Sand in particular should avoided at all costs, as it holds uric acid crystals, which causes the odours.  Installations with sand are also a big No No, because sand is a great medium for weeds, mould and mildew to grow, it cannot be fully compacted, it washes away, it sinks and it encourages ant activity and nesting.

The proper sub-base should be as deep as possible and very fast draining. There are also specialist products on the market that are designed to keep the dog urine odours under control.

The use of modern additives can significantly reduce dog urine smells especially if applied below the grass and also power brushed into the top of the grass at the time if installation. There is also a chemical that can also be applied above and below the grass before the astroturf is fixed down.

To keep the odours to a minimum it's best to hose down your grass as often as possible especially during warm dry periods. Adding a timed water sprinkler system can be a good investment. 

Regular brushing and application of a decent enzyme/bacteria cleaner is also recommended for those with dogs.

The complete guide to decking — Composite vs Timber (types, thicknesses, pros & cons)

For Cutting Edge Artificial Grass — serving Newton Mearns, Glasgow Southside and across Ayrshire.

Meta title: Composite decking vs Timber decking — types, thicknesses & how to choose | Cutting Edge Artificial Grass

Meta description: An extensive, SEO-friendly guide to composite and timber decking: types, board sizes & thicknesses, installation tips, maintenance, longevity and what suits gardens across Newton Mearns, Glasgow and Ayrshire towns.

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Decking transforms a garden — it creates usable outdoor rooms, raises patios above damp ground, and adds value to a property. But with so many materials, profiles and board sizes on the market it's easy to feel lost. This guide explains the different kinds of composite decking and timber decking, common board thicknesses and widths, what suits different sites and budgets, and maintenance expectations. We also mention the towns and suburbs we commonly work in so local customers know we’ve got them covered.

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Why choose decking? (quick overview)

Creates a level, dry outdoor surface for dining and entertaining.

Can conceal uneven ground, drains and pipes.

Choice of material affects lifetime, maintenance and final look.

Key decisions: material (composite vs timber), board profile (solid/hollow), board thickness and joist structure.

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Composite decking — types, construction and pros & cons

What is composite decking?

Composite decking is a man-made board composed of wood fibre (or flour) and plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene or PVC) mixed and formed into planks. Modern composites are often capped with a polymer layer for improved scratch and stain resistance.

Main composite types

1. WPC (Wood-Plastic Composite) — uncapped

Blend of wood fibres and plastic.

Looks similar to timber but can fade and stain faster than capped products.

Cheaper entry-level option.

2. Capped WPC (capped composite)

WPC core with a protective polymer cap (often co-extruded).

The cap resists moisture, UV and staining; lower fading and better scratch resistance.

Most popular consumer choice — good balance of appearance and durability.

3. Solid composite decking

Dense, fully filled planks (no hollow core).

Heavier, robust, often lasts longest among composites.

Good for full-foot traffic and furniture loads.

4. Hollow core composite decking

Lighter, formed with hollow channels inside.

Cheaper and easier to handle; may require closer joist spacing.

Watch for edge damage on narrow or thin boards.

5. Polymer or PVC decking (100% polymer)

No wood fibres — made of PVC or other polymers.

Extremely rot-resistant and low maintenance.

Often more expensive and can look less “natural” unless textured/embossed well.

Common composite board profiles & sizes

Thickness range: typically 18 mm – 32 mm (most common: 25–30 mm).

Widths: commonly 120 mm – 150 mm face width, but can be narrower (90 mm) or wider (200 mm) depending on manufacturer.

Lengths: usually 2.1 m, 2.4 m, 3.6 m and sometimes longer (check availability).

Profiles: grooved-edge (for hidden fixing clips) or square-edge (screw-fixed).

Pros of composite decking

Low maintenance — no sanding, staining or oiling (usually just occasional washing).

Resistant to rot, splitting and insect attack.

Good slip resistance available on textured boards.

Long warranties available (often 10–25 years depending on brand).

Wide range of colours — greys, browns, charcoals and wood-look finishes.

Cons of composite decking

Higher upfront cost vs basic softwood (but often cheaper than high-grade hardwood).

Can get warmer under strong sun (especially dark colours).

Some cheaper composites fade and scratch; choose capped products & reputable brands.

Thermal expansion — needs correct spacing and clip systems.

Installation and joist guidance for composites

Use stainless steel or compatible hidden clip systems for grooved boards.

Joist spacing depends on board type: solid composite 300–400 mm centres, hollow composite often needs 200–300 mm centres. Always follow manufacturer guidance.

Allow end and side gaps for expansion (manufacturer will specify — typically 2–8 mm per board and longer gaps at butt joints).

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Timber decking — species, thicknesses, pros & cons

Timber types (commonly used in the UK)

1. Softwood (pressure-treated) — e.g., Scandinavian redwood, European pine (treated C16/C24)

Affordable and widely available.

Commonly pressure-treated for rot resistance.

Looks traditional; needs staining/oiling every 1–2 seasons to keep look and protect surface.

2. Thermally modified softwood

Heat-treated timber (e.g., ThermoWood) with improved dimensional stability and rot resistance.

Aesthetic similar to hardwood, but lower maintenance than untreated softwood.

3. Tropical hardwoods — e.g., Iroko, Cumaru, Garapa, Balau, Massaranduba

Naturally hard and durable; excellent longevity (many hardwoods can last decades untreated).

Distinct richer colour; requires pre-drilling when fixing due to density.

More expensive and typically heavier.

4. European hardwoods — e.g., Oak (less common for decking than tropical hardwoods)

Durable, attractive grain; may need more maintenance than tropical hardwoods in exposed conditions.

5. Composite-timber hybrids — timber face with composite backing or vice versa — niche products.

Common timber board thicknesses & widths

Thickness range: typically 18 mm – 32 mm, with common decking board thicknesses:

18–21 mm — often used for thinner, lighter boards (usually hardwood or certain softwoods).

22–25 mm — common for both softwood and hardwood decking; balanced strength/weight.

28–32 mm — heavy-duty decking (often tropical hardwoods or thicker softwood), better for wider boards and higher loads.

Standard widths: 90 mm, 120 mm, 140–145 mm, 150 mm face widths are common.

Joists: typically supported on joists sized 45 x 145 mm or similar; joist spacing commonly 300–450 mm centres depending on board thickness and species.

Practical rule: thicker boards allow wider spans and wider board widths without sagging. If you want wide, long boards or expect heavy loads, choose 28–32 mm timber or use closer joist spacing.

Fixing methods for timber

Face-fix screws (stainless steel or coated) — traditional, visible screws.

Concealed clip systems — give a clean look; choose compatible clips for timber thickness.

Ring-shank nails — still used but screws offer much better holding power, especially in softwood.

Pros of timber decking

Authentic natural wood look and feel.

Can be sanded and refinished to look like new.

Good thermal performance — does not get as hot as dark composites.

Tropical hardwoods can last very long with minimal chemical treatment.

Cons of timber decking

Higher maintenance — periodic oiling, cleaning and occasional sanding.

Can shrink, swell or cup in some conditions.

Softwoods need regular treatment or will weather to silver-grey and be at higher risk of rot.

Insects and decay risk if not kept dry/ventilated.

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Choosing board thickness: practical guidance

Small balconies or light-use intimate decks: 18–21 mm timber or composite (ensure close joist spacing).

Family garden decks with furniture: 22–25 mm offers a good balance.

Heavy-use or wide spans (tables, planters, hot tubs): 28–32 mm timber or solid composite is safer.

Hollow composite boards: choose thicker boards or reduce joist spacing (200–300 mm) to avoid flexing.

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Appearance & finish options

Grooved vs square edge: grooved for hidden fixing, square-edge for face-fix screws and a more traditional look.

Board texture: smooth, light woodgrain or deep woodgrain — affects slip and look.

Colours: composites come in greys, charcoals, warm browns; timber ranges from pale treated softwood to rich tropical hardwood tones.

Accessories: matching fascias, stair treads, trims, and hidden fasteners — choose matched system for neat finish.

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Maintenance & lifespan (what to expect)

Composite (quality capped): minimal maintenance — periodic wash with soapy water; 10–25 year warranty depending on brand; lifespan 15–30+ years in many cases.

Softwood treated timber: requires cleaning and oiling yearly or every 1–2 years; lifespan 8–15 years depending on treatment and exposure.

Thermo-modified wood: lower maintenance than untreated softwood; lifespan often 15–25 years.

Tropical hardwood: low maintenance for structural life; can last 25–50 years if properly installed.

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Cost considerations (high-level)

Softwood treated decking: lowest upfront cost, higher lifetime maintenance cost.

Capped composite / polymer decking: higher initial cost, low maintenance — often better long-term value for busy homeowners.

Tropical hardwood: higher upfront cost, long life, natural look — maintenance varies by species.

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Which material suits different garden types?

Shaded, damp gardens: composite or tropical hardwood — both resist rot. Ensure airflow under deck.

Sunny, high-use family gardens: capped composite for low maintenance and stain resistance.

Traditional, natural aesthetic: hardwood decking or oiled softwood can give authentic warmth.

Budget projects: pressure-treated softwood with good drainage and regular upkeep.

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Local note — suburbs & towns we mention (we serve these areas)

If you’re in or near Glasgow or Ayrshire, Cutting Edge Artificial Grass installs decking and outdoor living spaces across the following locations:

15 Glasgow suburbs (examples we commonly work in):

Newton Mearns, Giffnock, Clarkston, Pollokshaws, Shawlands, Cathcart, Langside, Partick, Hillhead, Bearsden, Milngavie, Hyndland, Dennistoun, Maryhill, Bishopbriggs.

15 Ayrshire towns we serve:

Ayr, Prestwick, Troon, Kilmarnock, Irvine, Kilwinning, Saltcoats, Ardrossan, Stevenston, Largs, Girvan, Maybole, Dalry, Kilbirnie, West Kilbride.

(If your town isn’t listed — still get in touch; we travel across Ayrshire & Glasgow suburbs regularly.)

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Installation checklist (what a professional installer checks)

Site survey & fall/drainage plan.

Sub-base preparation (compacted hardcore or paving).

Correct joist size and spacing for chosen decking material.

Adequate ventilation under deck (prevent trapped moisture).

Hidden clips or stainless fixings chosen for the board type.

Edge trims, step treads and safe front/fascia finish.

Access for future maintenance (leave service gaps to access pipework if needed).

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Frequently asked questions (SEO friendly)

Q: How thick should decking boards be for a hot tub?

A: For heavy concentrated loads like a hot tub, use structural support with thicker boards (28–32 mm timber or solid composite) plus a reinforced joist layout and proper foundation. Get a structural check for safety.

Q: Do composite boards get hotter than timber?

A: Dark composite boards can absorb more heat and feel warmer in direct sun. Choosing lighter shades or wood-toned composites can reduce surface temperature.

Q: Can I fit decking over concrete?

A: Yes — with a sleeper system or pedestal supports to allow drainage and airflow. Composite and timber both work on concrete when installed correctly.

Q: How often will my timber deck need oiling?

A: Every 6–18 months depending on exposure and product used; hardwoods need less frequent oiling than softwoods.

Q: Which is more eco-friendly — composite or timber?

A: It depends. Some composites use recycled plastics and reclaimed wood fibre (good for diverting waste), while responsibly sourced FSC timber is renewable and biodegradable. Check product certifications.

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SEO & Google optimisation tips for this blog (for your website)

Use the primary keyword “composite decking vs timber decking” in the title, first paragraph, and at least two H2s.

Include local modifiers: “decking Newton Mearns”, “decking Glasgow Southside”, “decking Ayr” — we’ve included suburbs/towns above to target local search.

Add structured FAQ schema (the FAQ section above) so Google can show rich results.

Add images (close-ups of capped composite, tropical hardwood grain, decking layouts) with descriptive alt text like: “capped composite decking installation Newton Mearns”.

Build internal links to your installation/pricing pages and to at least one local case study/gallery.

Add a short page load-friendly gallery and keep image sizes optimised.

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Call to action (local & practical)

If you’re in Newton Mearns, the Southside of Glasgow, or anywhere across Ayrshire — we can visit, survey your garden and provide a written quote comparing composite and timber options with board samples and recommended thickness/joist layout.

Contact Cutting Edge Artificial Grass for a FREE site visit and tailored quote — we’ll specify the right board thickness, fixing method and finish for your garden.

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Quick summary (TL;DR)

Composite = low-maintenance, choose capped WPC or polymer for best results; typical board thickness 25–30 mm; joist spacing depends on profile.

Timber = natural look, higher maintenance; typical thickness 18–32 mm (choose thicker for wide spans/heavy loads).

Pick material based on budget, desired look, maintenance willingness and load requirements.

We serve Newton Mearns, many Glasgow suburbs and towns across Ayrshire including Ayr, Kilmarnock and Troon — call for a local survey.

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