Author name: KeaganH@eva-last.com

Choosing a deck is exciting. It’s the part of a renovation where you can finally picture yourself with a coffee in hand, looking out over a space that actually works for how you live. But a deck is also one of those projects where the gap between “looks great in the showroom” and “still looks great in five years” comes down to a handful of details most people never think to ask about.

Yes. Like most outdoor surfaces, composite decking can become hot when exposed to prolonged direct sunlight, particularly in South Africa’s hot summer sun. Darker colours generally absorb more heat, so colour, shade and ventilation are all typical factors that affect the surface temperature of decking.

Yes, composite decking can be used around a pool. It is often a popular alternative to timber because of its low maintenance requirements, and splinter-free and moisture resistant surface. Eva-Last’s composite decking, with its longer product lifespan and lower maintenance requirements, also means it is more cost-effective compared to timber, over its lifetime.

There’s just something about wood. When you walk into a room finished in warm oak, dark walnut, or rich ipe, you feel it before you fully understand what exactly you’re sensing. Frank Lloyd Wright called it “the most humanly intimate of all materials,” and honestly, he wasn’t exaggerating. Oak brings a honeyed, easy warmth. Walnut goes deep and moody. Ipe feels exotic and dense. And hardwoods like kiaat and blackwood carry a character that’s unmistakably South African. Every species has its own personality and its own story to tell in a space.

Capped composite decking, like Eva-Last’s Apex PLUS and Infinity ranges, are designed with a protective surface capping to provide exceptional resistance to scratches. Uncapped composite decking, like Eva-Last’s Eva-tech range, can experience surface scratching, but these surface scratches tend to fade with sun exposure.

Decking in South Africa can cost between R1,000 and R4,400+ per square metre, depending on the type of materials and products used, the location, installation, and substructure requirements, fixings and fasteners, and labour costs. When comparing decking with other outdoor flooring options such as paving or tiles, the upfront costs can start from as little as R500 per square metre for materials, adhesives, trims and labour.

The best composite decking in South Africa depends on application, level of performance needed and budget. There are various brands available each with their own material composition, profile design, and advertised warranty. When comparing brands, there are several factors to consider, including the materials and technology used, profile design of the boards, product lifespan and warranties, overall quality and reputation, pricing, regional availability, and whether the company manufactures the product themselves or simply imports.