Timber Vs Composite Decking Around Fibreglass Pools: What Works Best?
When it comes to decking around fibreglass pools, timber and composite are two of the most popular options. Timber offers natural beauty but needs regular upkeep, while composite decking is low-maintenance and built to last. The best choice depends on your lifestyle, budget, and backyard style.
Why Decking Matters Around a Fibreglass Pool
Choosing the right decking for your pool area goes beyond good looks. It impacts safety, comfort, functionality, and the long-term enjoyment of your outdoor space. If you’re planning to install a fibreglass pool—whether in Perth, or anywhere across Australia—your choice of decking plays a crucial role in the final result.
Decking creates the transition between your pool and the rest of your backyard. It needs to handle sun, water, foot traffic, and pool chemicals, while also tying the whole space together visually. So which option performs better: timber or composite?
Timber Decking Around Pools
Timber decking is a timeless favourite. It’s been used around Australian pools for decades and suits a wide range of home styles, from classic Queenslanders to modern suburban builds.
Benefits of Timber Decking
Another plus is its versatility. Timber can be cut and shaped to suit any design, whether you’re working with curves, levels, or steps around your pool.
Drawbacks of Timber Decking
Timber can also be slippery when wet unless it’s properly treated or textured. And even treated timber is vulnerable to pests and decay if water gets trapped underneath.
Cost and Long-Term Value
Timber decking generally has a lower initial cost. But once you factor in the cost of oiling, repairs, and potential replacement boards, it can be more expensive over time.
Composite decking costs more to purchase and install but requires almost no ongoing maintenance. For many homeowners, the long-term savings on time and upkeep make it worthwhile.
Environmental Considerations
For those concerned with sustainability, both materials have pros and cons.
Timber is renewable if sourced from responsibly managed forests. Look for FSC-certified timber to ensure it’s been harvested sustainably.
Composite decking is often made from recycled materials, which reduces waste. However, it’s not biodegradable and can be harder to recycle at the end of its life.
Aesthetics and Backyard Style
If you love the natural grain and warm tones of real wood, timber may be the better fit. It pairs well with gardens, tropical landscaping, and homes with a traditional or earthy design.
Composite decking, on the other hand, suits more contemporary looks. It comes in a wide range of colours and finishes—from cool greys to warm browns—so you can match it with your pool colour and outdoor design scheme.
If you’re considering a shimmer colour finish for your fibreglass pool, a well-chosen composite deck can highlight the sparkle and clean edges beautifully.
Safety Around Pools
Safety is essential when designing your pool surrounds. In Australia, all pool areas need to meet strict standards.
Make sure your chosen decking is slip-resistant and allows water to drain easily. Both timber and composite can be installed to meet these requirements, but composite often has the edge thanks to built-in textures and low absorption rates.
Also, consider how the material handles chlorine and salt. Composite decking is generally more resistant to pool chemicals and won’t degrade as quickly.
Maintenance Summary
Timber needs regular oiling, sanding, and checking for splinters or rot. Composite decking avoids most of that—just a rinse and occasional scrub with a soft brush is enough to keep it looking good.
If your weekends are better spent enjoying your pool rather than maintaining the deck around it, composite decking is a smart investment.
What Works Best Around Fibreglass Pools?
The best material depends on your needs.
Timber decking is great for homeowners who love the feel of real wood and don’t mind putting in a bit of upkeep to keep it looking its best.
Composite decking is the better choice for low-maintenance living. It’s strong, consistent, and requires far less work—especially important if you live in areas with extreme weather or near the coast.
Whichever way you go, both materials can work beautifully with fibreglass pools when installed properly and maintained correctly.
Need Help Choosing?
At Factory Pools Perth, we’ve worked with thousands of homeowners to create functional and beautiful pool areas that suit their lifestyle and budget. From the pool shell to the decking and landscaping, we help bring the whole project together.
Explore our full fibreglass pool range online or get in touch with our friendly team to find out which decking option works best for your space and vision. Whether you’re after a natural look or a modern finish, we’ve got the experience to guide you through.
Ready to build your dream pool area? Get your free quote from our team today!
