The best composite decking boards combine a solid core with full 360-degree capping, realistic finishes, and strong slip ratings. Abbey Timber's Modern Deck boards deliver these features through co-extrusion technology, producing a composite board that resists fading, mould, and termites.

Available in a range of colours and grain patterns, these composite decking boards offer flexibility in design. Installers benefit from reliable performance and fewer call-backs, while homeowners gain long-lasting decks that maintain their appearance with minimal maintenance.

Composite decking is designed for consistent strength and stability. Unlike timber, which can warp, crack, rot and twist depending on the species and location of the deck, composite boards for decking resists these issues.

While dense hardwoods may have higher compressive strength, composite decking boards are more reliable overall. They are solid, termite resistant, and weather resistant, giving installers confidence during construction and homeowners peace of mind about long-term performance.

Timber decking usually has a lower upfront price than composite boards, particularly treated pine and some hardwoods. The trade-off is ongoing costs — timber requires regular oiling, painting, and repairs to prevent splitting or decay.

Composite decking can cost more initially, but it doesn’t need that maintenance. It comes with a long warranty, resists warping and termites, and reduces installer call-backs. Over the full lifespan, composite decking boards often work out more cost-effective than timber.

Not all composite decking boards are the same. Lower-quality hollow profiles can be lighter than timber, but they often lack strength and can flex under load.

Abbey Timber’s Modern Deck Classic boards have a solid core and are fully capped for durability. These solid-core boards are heavier than equivalent timber, but that extra density delivers rigidity, resistance to warping, and long-term reliability. Installers benefit from straighter, more consistent boards, while homeowners gain a stronger deck designed to last decades.

Abbey Timber supplies Modern Deck composite decking direct to installers and landscapers. Boards, fixings, fascia, and nosing are all available in one system.

Trade customers benefit from competitive pricing, free stainless steel clips and screws, and site delivery options. Modern Deck is available in a range of colours and profiles, ensuring installers can match homeowner preferences while relying on consistent, durable materials for professional deck builds.

Composite decking boards are built with fade-resistant polymer capping. Unlike timber, which weathers quickly, composite decking is engineered to retain its colour for decades.

Modern Deck boards use co-extrusion technology, ensuring superior fade resistance that reduces homeowner concerns and installer call-backs about appearance changes.

Like all outdoor surfaces, composite decking boards will heat up under direct sun exposure. Darker colours absorb more heat, while lighter colours stay cooler. The new technology of composite decking with a Polmer shell does not heat up as much as non-capped decking boards.

Installers can recommend lighter tones in exposed areas or shaded layouts to minimise heat build-up. Good airflow under the deck also helps reduce heat retention. For homeowners, this means comfort can be managed through colour choice and site design, while installers can provide practical advice for best results.

Composite decking is designed for longevity. Modern Deck offers a 25-year residential warranty and a 15-year commercial warranty.

Unlike timber, composite decking boards do not splinter, rot, or warp, meaning their service life is extended without ongoing upkeep. For installers, this ensures a reliable product that performs consistently. For homeowners, it means a deck that continues to look good and function well for decades with minimal effort.

Composite decking expands and contracts lengthwise with changes in temperature. Movement is typically around 1–1.5% of the board length.

For a 5.4m board, this equates to up to 8mm in extreme heat or cold. Installers should always leave correct spacing at walls and posts and use a breaker board on longer decks. By using a breaker board, you will not notice the expansion on long decks. Following these guidelines ensures composite decking boards perform consistently without buckling or uneven joins.

Yes. Composite decking boards are resistant to termites, insects, and fungal decay. The combination of recycled wood fibres and high-density plastic prevents damage common with natural timber.

For installers, this means fewer issues in termite-prone areas, while homeowners enjoy peace of mind knowing their deck is not vulnerable to infestations. Composite boards for decking also avoids the need for chemical treatments, reducing environmental impact.

Composite decking is designed to withstand Australia’s tough climate. Boards resist moisture, mould, UV exposure, and temperature extremes.

Modern Deck products are fully capped, making them weather resistant and suitable for coastal, suburban, and rural projects. For installers, this ensures a product that performs well across sites, while homeowners benefit from a deck that maintains its look and structure despite heat, rain, or humidity.

Yes. Modern Deck composite decking is slip tested under AS 4586 and rated P4 / R11.

This means the boards are safe for both residential and commercial applications, including around pools and spas. The embossed 3D grain provides grip even when surfaces are wet. Installers can specify the product confidently for high-traffic or outdoor entertainment areas, while homeowners gain a safer deck surface that reduces slip hazards.

Composite decking cost per m² depends on board size, finish, and supplier pricing. Modern Deck is sold in 5.4m lengths with accessories included.

While the upfront cost is higher than treated pine, similar price to hardwood while ongoing costs are lower. Installers benefit from faster installs with hidden fixings, and homeowners save long term as there is no need for painting, staining, or ongoing maintenance.

Composite decking boards are installed on timber, steel, or WPC joists using stainless steel hidden fasteners. Starter clips secure the first board, while breaker boards are recommended for decks longer than 5.4m.

Boards must acclimatise on-site for 48 hours before fixing to allow for expansion. Standard carpentry tools are suitable, and pre-drilling is only required when face-fixing fascia or nosing boards.

Composite decking can be installed on treated timber, steel frames, or WPC battens. In fact no different to installing a timber deck.

Minimum clearance must be maintained — 50 mm above concrete with drainage or 300 mm above soil for airflow. These clearances help prevent moisture build-up under the deck and ensure long-term performance.

Always leave 5 mm side-to-side between deck boards composite, and 10 mm against walls.

Butt joints require expansion gaps based on board length and temperature. For example, a 5.4m board at 20°C requires a 6.5 mm gap. Correct spacing prevents buckling and ensures the deck performs well across temperature changes.

Ensure good ventilation and water drainage under all composite decking installations.

Maintain at least 50 mm clearance over concrete and 300 mm over soil to allow airflow. Proper under-deck spacing prevents trapped moisture, reduces heat build-up, and ensure the composite decking boards remain stable for years.

Modern Deck supplies stainless steel hidden fasteners with every order. These clips lock boards securely in place and create uniform spacing. No need to use spacers.

Starter clips are used for the 1st board while a colour matched face screw is to be used to face fix the outside edge of the last board and all fascia boards. Hidden fasteners and clips for all other boards give installers a professional finish without visible screws, improving aesthetics for homeowners.

Composite decking is no different to timber decking, so standard carpentry tools is all that is required.

For best results, use carbide-tipped saw blades with 60 or more teeth for smooth cuts. Pre-drilling is required only when face-fixing.

Composite decking should not be fixed directly to concrete.

A sub-frame must be built over the concrete, with at least 50 mm clearance for ventilation and water run-off. This prevents moisture build-up and ensures deck boards composite perform reliably over time.

For Modern decks solid Classic boards residential installations require joists spaced 400–450 mm apart, while commercial decks should be spaced 300–350 mm.

For boards installed at an angle, reduce spacing by 100 mm. Proper joist spacing prevents movement or sagging and ensures long-term structural integrity of composite decking.

Hidden stainless steel clips and fasteners are designed for screw-free surfaces.

Clips fit between each board, securing deck boards composite in place while maintaining even gaps. This provides a clean finish and reduces the risk of water ingress through surface fixings. You only need to face fix the outside edge of the last board.

Pre-drilling is not needed when using hidden fasteners.

However, when face-fixing fascia or perimeter boards, always pre-drill 25 mm in from the edge to prevent splitting. This ensures professional results and long-lasting performance.

You need to calculate how many boards you will need which is different for every job depending on the design. Modern Deck Classic boards come in 3.6m and 5.4m lengths.

Planning ahead ensures installers have enough deck boards on hand to complete the job without delays.

Yes. Solid-core composite decking is highly durable and slip-resistant, making it suitable for public walkways, restaurants, and landscaping projects.

With a commercial warranty of 15 years and a P4 slip rating, deck boards composite provides reliable performance in high-traffic environments.

Yes. Composite decking is resistant to moisture, mould, and fading, making it ideal for poolside areas.

Its P4 slip rating ensures safety even when wet. Installers can recommend it with confidence, while homeowners gain a safe, attractive, and low-maintenance deck solution for pool or spa surrounds.

Modern Deck composite decking is virtually maintenance free. Unlike timber, it never needs oiling, painting, or sealing. We recommend cleaning boards a few times a year with hot soapy water and a soft bristle brush to remove dirt and tannins. Pressure washing is safe at up to 1800 psi with a fan attachment. Spills like BBQ grease or sunscreen should be cleaned quickly to avoid staining, and protective pads under furniture help prevent scratches.

Modern Deck composite decking is engineered with a solid core and a fully capped polymer shell that provides excellent scratch and dent resistance. Everyday use from furniture, pets, or foot traffic is far less likely to leave marks compared to softwood or hardwood.

The capped surface also resists mould, mildew, and algae growth. Occasional cleaning with hot soapy water and a soft brush is usually all that’s required to keep boards looking new, making composite decking a great long-lasting choice.

Modern Deck composite decking is backed by a 25-year residential warranty and a 15-year commercial warranty. The coverage includes protection against breakage, fungal decay, insect damage, rotting, and splintering.

To keep the warranty valid, boards must be installed according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, with correct spacing and fixings. Damage caused by incorrect installation, misuse, or not following maintenance recommendations is not covered.