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.

Timber Decking near pools does look great! We do get lots of enquiries for replacing rusted timber connectors in decking areas near pools (usually replacing with our Stainless Steel Timber Connectors), that's not to say don't do decking, just make sure its done right! You might be interested in this article... http://vuetrade.com/blog/timber-decking-around-your-pool-are-you-planning-a-saltwater-pool/ 

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.

If you can put doors on the whole back area and deck or pave out to a functional size for entertaining - be sure to have as close to same height as inside and the whole width of the house if possible. You could do the pergola which looks gorgeous and makes a cozy feel. On top of the pergola you may be able to do a weatherproof retractable awning if you do not want a permanent covered area. That would make a whole area for indoor outdoor entertaining in all types of weather. You can still have a step down area to grass and plants at the rear. Travetine is great and easy to hose down. You do not have to concrete them down use pavers on a good road base. You would have to speak to the experts about how to get the right height - also be sure to have a slight fall away from the house.