My favourite is the Curved edges - Carpenter Street. It creates a sense of wonder, almost cocoon-like. I can't wait to get in there and experience it for myself. I also like Beach canopy - Cozy Outdoor Living Room - yes, the view, but also the way it makes me feel. How hot does the Summer Classics - Club Woven aluminium decking get? Looks great and low-maintenance.

I've been doing a lot of research on composite decking. Have narrowed down to TimberTech and Trex composite decking. Both are US products. For people who have installed either of these products in Australia, I'm seeking your opinion and advice. Also, do you know any builder who is qualified to install either TimberTech or Trex composite decking in Sydney?

Composite decking gets very very hot in the summer sun, so I would definitely steer away from that- I know it looks good, but there are a number of beautiful Aussie hardwoods and gums that would look amazing and could 'float' over top of the coping with that modern serviceable decking look. Some well thought out tiling could also look good- but the heat will still be a big consideration. Remember metals in natural stones and plastics heat up in radiant sun, whereas timber tends to just warm slightly and not get 'burny' hot.

Hi Kylie Decking is beautiful and there are pros and cons for composite v hardwood. We install both timber and composite for our clients and we like both. However, whichever you choose, its a lifestyle choice. One requires maintenance consistantly and the other is very low maintenance. We're based in WA so we don't recommend clients install BlackButt or Spotted Gum if exposed to any weather (a pergola is not rain proof) as those boards don't suilt the hot dry climate. In our experience of installing Spotted Gum and Blackbutt decks exposed to the weather in Perth and installed by other companies, is that these Eastern States timbers can split and warp if not very regularly re-oiled. However, if you're in the Eastern States, your climate may be better suited. We mainly install Merbau decking and sometimes WA Jarrah (for undercover areas). Merbau is a quality hardwood that doesn't tend to cup or split, although it still requires oiling regularly. There are many composite brands on the market and the main thing to remember is - you get what you pay for. There are very good brands, good brands and economical brands. We've installed most brands however we do tend to lean towards Trex, NewTechWood, Millboard, EvaLast and NexGen. These are all good brands with good warranties. We're not given commission by these brands if we recommend one over the other however, we install what we know is going to provide our clients with quality, longevity and create solutions over problems. Timber v a good quality composite: * Timber requires ongoing maintenance costing time and money. Composite might need a wash down once a year * Timber does not come with a product warranty depending on the supplier. A good composite brand will come with a 20+ year warranty * Most timbers are screwed or coil nailed (not advised) to the joists. Composite boards are secret nailed so you wont see nails or screws through the board * Timber is a 100% natural product and suits all styles of home. Composite has an element of plastic (a good brand may be 70% recycled timber + 30% recycled plastics) * Both timber and composite can scratch. Scratched timber may be sanded back (which takes a lot of work) to remove the scratch. A composite board, once stratched deeply, cannot be fixed. * Timber boards can cup, shrink, swell and crack. Composite boards to expand and contract length ways however a good brand should not shrink, cup or crack. * Composite can get hot on a 40 degree day. But, so can timber. Any surface will be hot on a hot day * Composite boards are smooth to walk on and come with slip ratings. Timber is lovely to walk on too however can become splintery if not maintained * Composite decking is more of a cost investment initially however if a 10L good tin of oil costs $250.00 perhaps twice a year as an ongoing cost plus your time to move your furniture, oil the deck and avoid deck use for 24 hours while the deck drys up to 4 times a year, the investments are almost the same. I hope this helps you make a decision. Best wishes! Regards, Castlegate Home Improvements