Timber all the way!!! The look and feel of real timber under your feet cannot be matched. Depending on the size of the deck, paying a professional every few years to refinish the deck is not that costly and worth it in my opinion. I recently had to refinish a hardwood deck for a client and it was a huge area. It only cost $1200 for labour and materials and took only one day to do. the benefit of timber is that if you like the idea of changing the colour at some point, you can! This is not possible with composites. Just make sure you do your research as to the best type of timber for your needs.

For me...I'd keep the deck the colour it is, may give it a refresh if necessary and go hunting for outside bentwood firniture, you know that curly bamboo kind, it never dates and is elegant and above all comfortable...where many outdoor settings may look good but are not inviting. If the space were mine...and if it had shelter from the elements, or if you didn't mind some of those outdoor firniture protector covers for inclement weather ( when you may as well bring the furniture in...whatever it is..) .I'd also condsider going on the hunt for some lovely old colonial-looking wicker items painted brilliant white, it always makes a statement, always looks classy and is always gentle on the posterior! If you can find the genuine article often you will discover that the seats are made of entwined dried grasses and palm leaves. I'd also go looking at some of those plant/cafe' places...that sell plants, fountains, as well as up-market snacks and are often furnished with wicker...no harm in asking where they bought it...they may even sell it. Its a cosy little space...I'd just have come large comfy outdoor chairs and maybe little side tables. Think of fancy English ladies sitting out of doors watching a cricket match on the manor lawn and sipping drinks...that's the scenario I see there. Maybe even one of thos old tall plant stands with a large green specimen plant....Most of all....have fun.

there are so many on the market. I have used a few of them. Where will you be using it? This might be the determining factor. For example Ekodeck is very good in a high moisture area. ( I used this for an internal courtyard with no direct sun and water issues) and it is performing well. Colour and the texture of board will be a factor to consider. Dont be scared to get a few samples and lay them in the area that the deck will be built to see how it looks at different times of the day. Are you looking for top fixing ( where you can see the screws) or concealed fixing? ( boards are layed on a clip track or have a small clip that screws down between the boards and locks into a groove in the edge of the board. Something to remember that all composite decking will need specific gaps to allow for movement. Failing to provide these could void any warranty. The good thing about composite decking is the will usually come in 5.4m lengths meaning you can sometimes get away with no joins which looks fantastic. Another way to avoid joins is by using a breaker board. Can you let me know a little bit more of what you are looking for and where it will be used and I would be happy to let you know my thoughts. Also the cost can vary quite a bit depending on the supplier. I can let you know where to get better prices.

Like Dr Retro, I’m not aware of such a paint product, which is not surprising given you are making 2 big asks for the paint: Firstly, for external flooring which would be subject to abuse/harsh conditions from foot traffic, furniture (eg chair scrapes) and weather. Secondly, to the surface you want to apply to as this is a much harder for the paint to latch onto. If you do find a possible paint solution I would love to hear about it. If there isn’t such a product at least in the lounging/dining areas of your deck you could put a large outdoor rug to detract and shift focus away from the decking colour. All the best, Louise, Decoro Custom Interiors - Window Treatment Specialist, Sydney.