Yellow Balau vs Composite Decking: A Complete Comparison

When planning a new deck – whether for your home or a client project – one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is the material. Among the most popular choices in the UK are Yellow Balau, a tropical hardwood, and composite decking, a low-maintenance alternative made from recycled materials.

But how do they compare? In this guide, we explore the pros and cons of each option to help you decide which material is best suited to your project.

What is Yellow Balau?

Yellow Balau is a dense, tropical hardwood sourced from Southeast Asia. It’s favoured for its natural durability, strength, and beautiful colour – a warm golden to reddish-brown tone that weathers to a soft silver-grey over time.

Key characteristics:

• Dense and heavy hardwood

• Naturally resistant to moisture, rot and insects

• Rich grain and colour variation

• Requires oiling to maintain colour and prevent cracking

To learn more about this timber, visit our Yellow Balau Decking product page or read our blog: Why Yellow Balau? The Benefits of Yellow Balau Decking.

What is Composite Decking?

Photo credit: JSB Co. via Unsplash

Composite decking is a man-made material, typically made from a combination of recycled wood fibres and plastic. Designed to mimic the look of real timber, composite boards are engineered for long-term outdoor use with minimal upkeep.

Key characteristics:

• Made from a mix of recycled wood and plastic

• Uniform appearance in a variety of colours and finishes

• Resistant to rot, moisture, and insect damage

• Requires minimal maintenance – no staining or oiling needed

You can explore our timber and composite options on our decking page.

Yellow Balau vs Composite: Which Is Best for You?

Appearance and aesthetic

Yellow Balau offers the rich warmth and grain variation only natural timber can provide. Over time, it weathers gracefully – or, with regular oiling, can retain its golden tones for years.

Composite decking provides a consistent, uniform finish and is available in a range of colours. It’s a great choice for modern designs where a clean, predictable aesthetic is preferred.

Maintenance requirements

Yellow Balau does require some maintenance – typically annual oiling – to maintain its colour and surface integrity. Without treatment, it will fade naturally but still perform structurally.

Composite decking is low-maintenance and easy to clean. Occasional washing with soap and water is typically all that’s required, making it ideal for those seeking a ‘fit and forget’ solution.

Durability and lifespan

Both options are long-lasting when installed correctly.

Yellow Balau can last 25+ years with proper care, making it ideal for high-traffic areas or where heavy garden furniture is used.

Composite decking also offers excellent longevity and is often backed by warranties of 10–25 years. However, some lower-grade boards may be prone to fading or warping over time, particularly in harsh sunlight.

Environmental impact

Yellow Balau is a renewable, biodegradable product – but sourcing matters. Always look for FSC-certified timber to ensure sustainable forest practices.

Composite decking is often made from recycled materials, which helps reduce waste, but the manufacturing process can be energy-intensive and the end product is not biodegradable.

Installation and cost

Yellow Balau is competitively priced – currently at £8.59 (inc VAT) per linear metre, with a minimum order of 70LM (approx. 10 sq m). It may require a bit more labour during installation (including pre-drilling), but offers excellent long-term value.

Composite decking usually comes at a higher upfront cost, but may save time on installation and maintenance in the long run. Most boards are designed for simple clip systems, making them easier to fit.

Should you choose Yellow Balau or Composite Decking? 

Photo credit: JSB Co. via Unsplash

The decision between Yellow Balau and composite decking ultimately comes down to your priorities:

• Choose Yellow Balau if you love the look and feel of real timber, and are happy to carry out occasional maintenance for a naturally beautiful result.

• Choose composite decking if low maintenance, uniform appearance, and long-term convenience are top of your list.

With its unbeatable strength, natural beauty, and excellent value for money, our FSC-certified Yellow Balau decking is a perfect choice - especially for those who want a long-lasting, authentic timber look. 

Looking for more reasons to choose this tropical hardwood? Read our in-depth guide: Why Yellow Balau? The Benefits of Yellow Balau Decking. 

Priced at just £8.59 per linear metre (inc VAT) with a minimum order of 70 linear metres (approx. 10 sq m), it’s a premium hardwood solution that’s ideal for UK gardens, patios, and poolside spaces. 

Order online today or contact our Sales Team for trade pricing and larger projects. Delivery costs are calculated at checkout based on your location.

Got questions about installation, maintenance, or performance? We’ve answered the most common ones in our Yellow Balau Decking FAQs.