Choosing new decking often starts with a simple search for cheap decking boards. It’s natural to look for a bargain, but the price you see on the shelf (or screen) is only part of the story. Over the lifetime of your deck, “cheap” can add up to unexpected bills, wasted weekends, and a lot of frustration (like anything else). Below, we’ll explain the hidden costs of going budget-first, compare true lifetime value, and show you how to spot decking that saves money in the long run. Let’s put it this way – you get what you pay for.
Cheap Decking Boards: The Temptation and the Trade-Off
For most of us, a garden project already stretches the budget. Seeing deck boards cheap in the DIY aisle feels like a win. The trade-off? Lower-grade timber or thin composite that can’t cope with Britain’s damp winters and sunny summers. Cracks, warping, and slippery surfaces soon follow, often within a couple of years (sometimes less).
What Makes Deck Boards Cheap?
A deck board’s price is driven by three things: materials, manufacturing quality, and after-sales support.
Materials
• Softwood or low-grade composite: Soaks up moisture and expands.
• Minimal UV protection: Leads to fading and surface cracks.
Manufacturing shortcuts
• Thinner profiles: Flex underfoot, squeak, or snap over time.
• Poor fixings: Cheap screws rust quickly, staining the boards.
After-sale support
• Limited warranties: A one-year guarantee sounds fine – until you hit year two.
One cheap component might be fine, but combine all three and the deck struggles to last a single British winter.
Hidden Costs You Don’t See on the Price Tag
Extra maintenance
Cheap deck boards demand annual sanding, sealing, or staining. Factor in your own time, plus the cost of finishes, and the “saving” disappears fast.
Frequent repairs
Warped or splintered boards need replacing. Even if the planks are inexpensive, you’ll pay for tools, new fixings, and possibly a tradesperson to install them safely.
Safety risks
Rotten timbers become slippery when wet and can harbour mould. Trips, falls, and splinters aren’t just painful – they could also leave you liable if someone else is injured.
Total Cost of Ownership: Cheap vs Quality Decking
Think of decking like a car. The sticker price isn’t the whole budget; fuel, servicing, and depreciation matter too. A similar rule applies here:
Cheap timber boards
Figures are illustrative but based on real customer feedback*
- Initial Outlay: £800
- Yearly Upkeep: £150
- Average Lifespan: 5 – 7 years
- 10-Year Cost: £2,300
Quality uPVC Boards
- Initial Outlay: £1,800
- Yearly Upkeep: £150
- Average Lifespan: 20+ years
- 10-Year Cost: £2,000
Upkeep included cleaning products, stains, and minor repairs.
The “cheap” deck overtakes the premium option in less than a decade, without counting stress or lost leisure time.
Why Quality uPVC Decking Offers Better Value
uPVC isn’t just plastic. Modern boards feature reinforced profiles, colour-fast pigments, and anti-slip surfaces baked in at factory level.
- Low maintenance: A quick wash with mild soap keeps it looking fresh.
- Weather and stain resistant: No rot, rust, or algae growth.
- Long warranty: Often 10–15 years, reflecting confidence in the product.
- Eco-conscious: Many boards are fully recyclable at the end of life.
Mayfield Decking has over 30 years’ experience designing uPVC decks that cope brilliantly with UK weather and holiday-park life. Our Hampton and Millboard ranges are proof that investing up-front saves both money and hassle later.
How to Evaluate Decking Value When You’re on a Budget
- Check the warranty length: Anything under five years is a red flag.
- Look for independent reviews: Real photos reveal how boards age.
- Calculate upkeep costs: Add paint, stain, and DIY hours to the price.
- Ask about recyclability: Greener boards often use higher-quality materials.
- Compare total cost over 10 years: A simple spreadsheet can be an eye-opener.
Invest Now, Enjoy Your Deck for Years
A garden deck should be a place to relax, not a project on repeat. While cheap decking boards seem appealing today, their hidden costs soon mount up. Spending a little more on durable, low-maintenance materials – such as Mayfield’s British-made uPVC boards – means fewer repairs, safer footing, and a deck that still looks smart in a decade.
Ready to swap short-term savings for long-term value? Talk to Mayfield Decking about a bespoke uPVC deck that saves you money and stress for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it ever worth buying cheap decking boards?
If you need a short-term solution – for example, staging a property for sale – cheap boards can work. Just be prepared for extra upkeep and earlier replacement.
Do uPVC decks get slippery in the rain?
Quality uPVC boards include textured, anti-slip surfaces, performing better than many timber alternatives even when wet.
Can I make cheap deck boards last longer?
Regular sealing and prompt repairs help, but you can’t fully overcome lower-grade materials. Eventually the boards will need replacing.
