Solid Plastic Decking Boards: The Ultimate Maintenance-Free Solution

Outdoor decking has transformed the way we use garden and patio spaces, but traditional timber decking brings significant challenges—rot, splinters, warping, and relentless maintenance. Hollow composite decking promised a solution but introduced its own problems with trapped moisture, mould growth, and structural weakness.

Solid plastic decking boards represent the next evolution: a completely maintenance-free, rot-proof, and incredibly durable alternative that outperforms both timber and hollow composites in every critical area.

The Problem with Timber Decking

1. Rot & Decay (5-10 Year Lifespan)

Even pressure-treated timber:

Absorbs moisture through cut ends and fastener holes
Rots from the inside out—often invisible until boards collapse
Requires replacement within 5-10 years in the UK climate

2. Constant Maintenance

Timber decking demands:

Annual re-staining or oiling (£300-£800 labour + materials)
Pressure washing (can damage surface fibres)
Splinter removal (safety hazard for bare feet)
Board replacement (rotted sections)

3. Warping & Twisting

As timber dries and absorbs moisture cyclically:

Boards cup and twist—creating trip hazards
Gaps appear—uneven spacing
Fixings loosen—nails pop up

4. Splinters & Surface Damage

Dangerous for children and pets
Barefoot walking becomes hazardous
Furniture scratches and damages the surface easily

The Problem with Hollow Composite Decking

Hollow composite boards (wood fibres + plastic) seem like an improvement, but:

1. Water Ingress

Open ends allow water in—even with capping
Freezing water expands—cracks the board from inside
Mould grows inside hollow chambers

2. Structural Weakness

Hollow core means less load-bearing capacity
Can crack under point loads (heavy furniture)
Flexes more than solid boards—feels unstable

3. Fade & Staining

Wood fibres absorb moisture—causing stains
UV fading is common (especially on cheaper products)
Mould on surface—particularly in shaded areas

4. Still Requires Maintenance

Despite marketing claims:

Needs annual cleaning with specialist products
Mould treatment required in damp areas
End caps must be maintained to prevent water entry

How Solid Plastic Decking Solves All These Problems

100% Solid Core—No Hollow Chambers

Solid plastic boards are dense throughout:

No water ingress—nowhere for moisture to collect
Maximum strength—supports heavy loads without flexing
No mould growth—no organic material to feed on

Completely Waterproof (0% Absorption)

Unlike timber or composites:

Absorbs zero moisture—no swelling, no rot
Performs flawlessly in all UK weather conditions
Can be installed in ground-contact applications
No seasonal movement—remains stable year-round

Rot-Proof & Maintenance-Free

Solid plastic decking:

Never rots—no organic material to decay
Never needs treating—no staining, oiling, or sealing
Just wash with water—that's the only maintenance
50+ year lifespan—with zero maintenance costs

Non-Slip Surface

The textured surface:

Provides grip even when wet
Safe for bare feet—no splinters
Safer than wet timber—which becomes dangerously slippery

UV-Stable Colour

Modern solid plastic boards:

Resist UV fading—colour remains consistent for decades
Won't go grey like untreated timber
No staining—wipes clean easily

Technical Specifications

Material Composition

100% recycled plastic (HDPE)
No wood fibres—no organic material
UV stabilizers throughout (not just surface coating)

Dimensions

| Size | Typical Use | | ---------------- | ----------------------------- | | 35mm × 120mm | Standard residential decking | | 35mm × 140mm | Wider boards for modern look | | 40mm × 150mm | Commercial/high-traffic areas |

Standard Lengths

2400mm, 3000mm, 3600mm, 4800mm
Custom lengths available

Weight

Approximately 1.5× timber weight
Heavier than hollow composite
Advantage: Superior stability, won't blow away during installation

Load Bearing

High compressive strength—suitable for heavy furniture
Resistant to point loads—won't dent or crack
Supports full vehicle weight (when properly supported)

Temperature Performance

-20°C to +50°C operational range (melts at 180°C)
No cracking in cold
No softening in heat
Thermal expansion: 0.11 mm/m/°C

Installation: What You Need to Know

Subframe Requirements

Solid plastic boards can be installed on:

Timber joists (traditional method)
Steel frame (commercial applications)
Recycled plastic joists (best option—fully maintenance-free system)

Joist Spacing

400mm centres for 35mm thick boards (residential)
300mm centres for high-traffic areas
Closer spacing for commercial applications

Fastening Methods

1. Face Screwing (Most Common)

Screw through top surface into joist
Use stainless steel screws
Pre-drill to prevent cracking
Countersink screw heads slightly

Pros:

Simple and fast
Strong connection
Easy to replace individual boards

Cons:

Screws visible on surface (can use colour-matched plugs)

2. Hidden Fixing Systems

Clips attach to side of boards
No visible fixings on surface
More labour-intensive

Pros:

Clean appearance
No screw holes on walking surface

Cons:

More expensive
Slower installation
Harder to replace individual boards

Expansion Gaps

Solid plastic has minimal thermal expansion compared to hollow composite:

3-5mm end gaps (between board ends)
2-3mm side gaps (between boards)
10mm perimeter gap (against walls/buildings)

Cutting & Drilling

Cut with standard circular saw or mitre saw
Use wood-cutting blades
Pre-drill all screw holes—prevents cracking
Countersink screw heads—flush finish

Design Flexibility

Colour Options

Solid plastic decking available in:

Brown (timber alternative—most popular)
Grey (modern aesthetic)
Black (contemporary look)
Mixed colours (create patterns)

Laying Patterns

Straight lay (traditional, fastest)
Diagonal (visually interesting)
Herringbone (high-end look, more waste)
Picture frame borders (define edges)

Applications

1. Residential Gardens

Patios and entertaining areas
Raised decks
Balconies
Pool surrounds (non-slip surface ideal)

2. Commercial Spaces

Restaurant terraces
Hotel courtyards
Office outdoor areas
Shopping centre walkways

3. Public Spaces

Park boardwalks
Waterfront promenades
Playground surfaces
Accessible pathways (DDA compliant)

4. Marine Environments

Pontoons and jetties
Boat house decking
Marina walkways
Coastal installations (no salt damage)

Cost Analysis: Solid Plastic vs. Timber

Initial Investment

| Material | Cost per m² (supply & install) | | --------------------------- | ------------------------------ | | Pressure-treated timber | £80-£120 | | Hardwood timber | £150-£250 | | Hollow composite | £120-£180 | | Solid plastic | £180-£280 |

10-Year Total Cost

Timber Decking:

Initial installation: £100/m² × 20m² = £2,000
Annual treatment: £400/year × 10 years = £4,000
Board replacements: £800
Labour: £1,500
Total: £8,300

Solid Plastic Decking:

Initial installation: £230/m² × 20m² = £4,600
Maintenance: £0
Replacements: £0
Total: £4,600

Savings over 10 years: £3,700 (45% cheaper)

25-Year Total Cost

Timber:

Complete replacements (2×): £4,000
Continuous maintenance: £10,000
Total: ~£18,000

Solid Plastic:

Initial installation: £4,600
Maintenance: £0
Total: £4,600

Savings over 25 years: £13,400 (74% cheaper)

Performance Comparison Table

| Feature | Timber | Hollow Composite | Solid Plastic | | ----------------------- | --------------- | ----------------- | ------------- | | Lifespan | 5-10 years | 15-20 years | 50+ years | | Maintenance | High (annual) | Medium (periodic) | None | | Rot Risk | High | Medium | Zero | | Splinters | Yes | Possible | No | | Fading | Severe | Moderate | Minimal | | Structural Strength | Medium | Low-Medium | High | | Moisture Damage | Yes | Yes (inside) | No | | Slip Resistance | Poor (wet) | Good | Excellent | | Environmental | Forestry impact | Mixed materials | 100% recycled |

Environmental Credentials

Recycled Content

100% recycled plastic (post-consumer waste)
Each m² diverts approximately 25kg plastic from landfill
No virgin plastic in production

Carbon Footprint

Compared to timber:

No deforestation required
Lower embodied carbon than virgin plastic
Longer lifespan = fewer replacements = less overall impact

End-of-Life

100% recyclable at end of 50+ year lifespan
Can be reground and made into new products
Circular economy solution

Sustainability Certifications

Recycled content verified
UK environmental standards compliant
Contributes to BREEAM and LEED credits

Installation Case Studies

Case Study 1: Residential Garden Deck (Surrey)

Size: 30m² raised deck
Previous: Softwood timber (replaced every 7 years)
Upgrade: Solid plastic boards on recycled plastic joists
Result: Zero maintenance in 8 years, still looks new

"We used to spend every spring re-staining the deck. Now we just hose it down once a year. Best investment we've made in the garden." — Homeowner

Case Study 2: Restaurant Terrace (London)

Size: 120m² commercial dining area
Previous: Hardwood timber (high maintenance cost)
Upgrade: Solid plastic (heavy-duty specification)
Result: Withstands heavy foot traffic, easy to clean, no closures for maintenance

"With timber, we had to close the terrace every autumn for re-treatment. The solid plastic decking has been completely maintenance-free for 5 years, saving us thousands in lost revenue." — Restaurant Manager

Case Study 3: Coastal Boardwalk (Cornwall)

Size: 500m linear boardwalk
Previous: Pressure-treated timber (replaced every 5 years due to salt exposure)
Upgrade: Solid plastic with stainless fixings
Result: No corrosion, no rot, no splinters—safer and cheaper long-term

"Salt air destroyed timber decking in 3-4 years. The solid plastic has been in place for 12 years with zero deterioration." — Council Facilities Manager

Common Questions & Misconceptions

"Isn't plastic slippery when wet?"

No. Solid plastic decking has a textured, anti-slip surface that provides better grip than wet timber. It's widely used around swimming pools for this reason.

"Will it fade in the sun?"

Modern solid plastic boards contain UV stabilizers throughout the material (not just a surface coating). Minimal fading occurs over decades—far less than timber's severe greying.

"Can it handle hot weather?"

Yes. Solid plastic remains stable up to +60°C. While it can feel warm underfoot in direct summer sun (like any dark surface), it doesn't soften or warp.

"What about scratches?"

Solid plastic is harder than timber and resists scratching from furniture. Any scratches that do occur are superficial and don't affect performance.

"Can I install it myself?"

Yes, if you're competent with basic DIY. Installation is similar to timber decking. Most homeowners with woodworking experience can install it successfully.

"Does it look like plastic?"

Modern solid plastic boards have a textured, wood-grain surface that closely mimics timber. From a distance, most people cannot tell it's plastic until they touch it.

Maintenance Guide

Daily/Weekly

Sweep off leaves and debris
No other action needed

Monthly

Hose down with water (removes surface dirt)

Annually

Pressure wash (low setting) with water or mild detergent
Check fixings (rare—usually no issues)

Never Required

❌ Staining
❌ Oiling
❌ Sealing
❌ Sanding
❌ Splinter removal
❌ Rot treatment

That's it. Decades of use with almost zero maintenance.

How to Order

Step 1: Calculate Area

Measure deck area in m²
Add 5-10% for cutting waste

Step 2: Choose Board Size

35×120mm for standard residential
35×140mm for wider board aesthetic
40×150mm for commercial/heavy-duty

Step 3: Select Colour

Brown (most popular—hides dirt well)
Grey (modern look)
Black (contemporary)

Step 4: Subframe

Recycled plastic joists (recommended—fully maintenance-free)
Pressure-treated timber (budget option)
Steel frame (commercial applications)

Step 5: Fixings

Stainless steel screws (marine grade for coastal areas)
Hidden clip system (optional—cleaner look)

Get a Quote

Contact Ezotrade for:

Technical advice on quantities and specifications
Volume discounts for larger projects
Delivery options (nationwide UK)
Installation services (optional)

Conclusion: Future-Proof Your Outdoor Space

Solid plastic decking boards represent a fundamental upgrade from timber and hollow composite options. They eliminate the chronic problems of rot, maintenance, and structural weakness while providing a safer, cleaner, and longer-lasting solution.

For homeowners and businesses, the benefits are undeniable:

✅ 50+ year lifespan vs. 5-10 years for timber
✅ Zero maintenance costs—no staining, sealing, or treatments
✅ Rot-proof & waterproof—performs flawlessly in all weather
✅ Non-slip surface—safe for families
✅ Lower total cost—cheaper than timber over lifetime
✅ Environmentally responsible—100% recycled plastic

Build a deck that lasts a lifetime, not just a few years.

Ready to upgrade your decking? Request a quote or contact our technical team for advice and pricing.