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How do you pick a composite decking brand in Australia?
Start with the constraints that rule options out, then compare what is left. We don’t give ratings, because we haven’t tested any board. What we can do is show who publishes what.
1. Bushfire rating
| Brand | Rated board | Rating stated |
|---|---|---|
| ModWood | Flame Shield | BAL-40 (AS 1530.8.1-2007); ModWood says only Flame Shield may be used in BAL-rated zones |
| Ekodeck | Flame Fighter; Designer and Summit per a site banner | BAL-29 |
| Futurewood | CleverDeck Co-Ex | BAL-29; CleverDeck Original BAL-low and sometimes BAL-12.5 or 19 |
| NewTechWood | Coastal | BAL-29 on its technical sheet |
| Millboard | none found |
2. Heat
All the makers that answer say dark colours run hotter. ModWood says a board in full sun runs 20 to 25 degrees above the air, Futurewood says dark boards can run 20 or more above, and Ekodeck says Classic is marginally hotter than timber. Pick a lighter colour; see does composite decking get hot.
3. Warranty
| Brand | Residential | Commercial |
|---|---|---|
| ModWood Xtreme Guard | 25 years | 10 years |
| NewTechWood | 25 years, plus 25 year stain warranty | 10 years |
| Ekodeck Classic | up to 15 years | up to 15 years |
| Futurewood | 10 years | 7 years |
Check the exclusions. NewTechWood doesn’t cover use of a high-pressure cleaner. Ekodeck limits mould and mildew defects to two years.
4. Coast and pools
ModWood says its boards are unaffected by salt air. Futurewood says Xtreme suits coastal areas and pool surrounds and tells you to wash corrosive pool chemicals off immediately. NewTechWood says chlorinated pool water won’t harm its boards but undiluted chlorine and pool salt shouldn’t be spilled on them.
5. Maintenance and frame
ModWood and NewTechWood both advise against high-pressure cleaners, while Ekodeck allows up to 2000 psi with a fan nozzle. Joist spacing is 450 mm for ModWood, Ekodeck Classic, Futurewood and Avenue, and 400 mm for Coastal. See the boards table.
What we can’t tell you
Prices. None of these makers publishes a dated AUD price, so the cheapest option is whoever quotes lowest for your deck. Enter the quotes in the cost calculator.
Questions
What is the best composite decking in Australia?
It depends on your site, and we don't pick a winner. If your block is bushfire-prone, only boards with a certificate for your BAL are options. On the coast, check salt and pool statements. If heat matters, colour matters more than brand.
What is the best composite decking for the coast?
ModWood says its boards are unaffected by salt air. Futurewood says CleverDeck Xtreme is highly suitable for coastal areas and around pools. Neither is a test report, so ask for the maker's documents and check the warranty exclusions.
Sources
- ModWood FAQs | Composite Decking Questions & Answers
- Futurewood FAQs
- Classic Composite Decking FAQs | Ekodeck
- Ekodeck Flame Fighter Decking | Tech Specs | Composite Decking
- BAL 29 Decking (Bush Fire Attack Level) - Futurewood
- Coastal Decking Technical Sheet v202510
- ModWood Product Warranty | Natural Grain & Xtreme Guard
- Futurewood 10 Year Domestic & 7 Year Commercial - Product Warranty
- Ekodeck Classic Decking | Warranty Information | Composite Decking
- 25-Year Limited Residential Warranty | NewTechWood
- Composite Timber Care and Maintenance Tips | NewTechWood