How long does decking last?

Question

We had timber decking installed about seven years ago and some of the boards are starting to show their age. What's the typical lifespan? And is there a point where it makes sense to replace rather than repair?

Sary · Answer

How long decking lasts depends on the type of decking. 
If we're talking about timber decking, hardwoods will last longer than softwoods for example. 
Maintenance and treatment with decking oil will increase the life span..
If the subframe is built properly with proper drainage it can last twenty years. 
It is also possible to build a composite subframe so that it will never need replacing. Just the boards would need changing every fifteen years or so

Audrey · Answer

Timber decking typically lasts 10–25 years depending on the wood and how well it’s been maintained. Softwood is at the lower end, hardwood much longer.
Seven years in with some wear isn’t unusual. The key thing is to get the joists and subframe checked- the boards on top don’t always tell the full story underneath.
As a rule of thumb, if more than a third of the boards need replacing or the subframe is soft, full replacement usually makes more sense than ongoing repairs.

How long does decking last?

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