Recycled plastic decking is often lumped together with composite decking in search results and in conversations. They are not the same material. The difference matters more than most people realise — particularly if low maintenance and long lifespan are the reason you're looking at alternatives to timber.
Here's what you need to know.
Solid Recycled Plastic vs Composite: What's Actually Different
Composite decking boards are made from a mixture of wood fibre and plastic — typically 50–70% wood content by weight. The wood fibre is what gives composite its wood-like appearance. It's also what causes composite to degrade.
Wood fibre absorbs moisture. Over time, composite boards fade, develop surface mould at the ends and between grooves, and can swell or delaminate — particularly in shaded or damp positions. Most composite manufacturers quote a 15–25 year lifespan under ideal conditions. In a UK climate, shaded north-facing decks often show significant degradation well before that.
Solid recycled plastic boards contain no wood fibre. They are manufactured entirely from recycled plastic — the material is the same through the full depth of the board. There is no surface coating to fade, no wood content to absorb moisture, and no organic material to support mould growth.
The colour is integral to the material. It cannot fade because there is nothing to fade.
What About Timber?
Timber decking requires annual maintenance to stay looking acceptable — oiling, staining, or painting, plus inspection for soft spots and splinter risk. In the UK, a well-maintained softwood deck typically lasts 10–15 years before requiring significant work or replacement. Hardwood lasts longer but costs considerably more upfront and still requires regular treatment.
Solid recycled plastic boards need no annual treatment. A jet wash when they look dirty. That is the full maintenance requirement.
The Boards
Ezotrade supplies solid recycled plastic decking boards with a grooved profile on both faces. The grooves provide a slip-resistant surface and give the board a clean, consistent appearance when installed.
| Size | Colour | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30×140×1500mm | Grey | £11.50 |
| 30×140×1500mm | Brown | £11.50 |
| 30×330×1500mm | Grey | £25.00 |
| 30×330×1500mm | Brown | £25.00 |
The 140mm-wide board suits most standard domestic decking projects. The 330mm-wide board covers ground more quickly — useful for larger areas or where fewer board gaps are preferred.
Both are available in grey and brown. The grey finish is a mid-tone charcoal; the brown is a warm, deep reddish-brown.
Installation
Recycled plastic boards install the same way as timber — screwed or clipped to the subframe below. Standard deck screw or hidden clip fixings both work. Pre-drilling is recommended to prevent any surface cracking at fixings.
Gap between boards: Leave 5–8mm between boards for drainage and thermal expansion. Recycled plastic has a low but measurable expansion rate in high summer temperatures. Boards laid tight will crown or lift on very hot days. The correct gap eliminates this completely.
Subframe: Recycled plastic boards perform best on a recycled plastic subframe. Pairing them with timber joists introduces the same moisture-driven movement you're trying to avoid. Our recycled plastic decking joists are available from £26.88 and install identically to timber.
Choosing a Colour
Both grey and brown are UV-stable and will not fade. The colour you see on the product shot is the colour you get in year twenty-five.
Grey suits contemporary garden schemes and pairs well with aluminium or dark steel fixings and furniture. Brown is the more traditional choice and works well with brick, stone, and timber surroundings.
Neither choice is wrong. Both are permanent.
In Summary
If you're replacing a timber deck and want to stop thinking about maintenance, solid recycled plastic is the only material that genuinely delivers on that. Composite requires less maintenance than timber — but it still requires maintenance. Solid recycled plastic requires none.
25+ year guarantee. No oiling. No staining. No rot.
UK-wide supply and delivery. Trade and retail.
📞 020 4619 6390
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Ezotrade Ltd — Recycled plastic structural products. UK-wide supply and delivery.
