Composite Decking
Composite decking is quickly becoming the largest timber deck alternative on the market
Composite decking the ideal way to expand your living space and create an outdoor area perfect for socialising, dining and relaxing. Enjoy the benefits and style of wooden decking without the time and cost of maintenance with engineered composite decking! Composite decking will appearance for years to come with little maintenance, even in the hot Australian Summer.
At Gowan Lea Timbers, we offer more than just composite decking. We offer quality service, expert staff and the best timber materials on the Sunshine Coast.
Our composite decking timber is specifically designed to endure Australia’s climate and coastal conditions without excessive care or maintenance that is associated with traditional wood products. Composite decking is ideal for swimming pool decks, walkways, wall cladding projects and a range of commercial applications.
No matter what type of project you have, our team of experts will work to ensure the smooth delivery of your project’s needed materials.
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a wood-plastic mix that is hard-wearing in a multitude of climates and environments. A mix of wood fibres, plastics and bonding agents are heated and formed into boards and planks. The result is a long-lasting and maintenance-free alternative to traditional wood.
Currently, there are 2 types of this decking: Capped and Uncapped.
Uncapped: These boards tend to be cheaper. They are durable and hard-wearing but don’t have the same protection against staining, fading and scratching. This results in a small amount of colour fade as residual wood oils and tannins are exposed to the environment.
Capped: These boards have an exterior plastic coating and are highly resistant to fading, staining and scratching. Capped composite decking is hassle-free and easy to clean.
Traditional vs Composite Decking
When it comes to decking material, consumers are spoilt for choice. Not only is there a wide range of timber species to choose from, but also have a variety of composite materials as well. Whether you’re looking to upgrade you tired-looking deck or planning on installing a new structure from scratch; deciding between different building materials can be tough.
Traditional timber has been a popular choice for construction projects for many years, however as the world moves towards eco-consciousness, the need for sustainable building materials have risen. Despite timber being the traditional option, it hasn’t always been the most practical and affordable one. With composite decking timber offering less maintenance and higher durability, it is easy to see why this question exists.
Traditional Timber
– Timber decking is cheaper to purchase.
– It is a versatile material with plenty of traditional and rustic appeal. This can be achieved through staining and luxurious paint jobs to create different colours, textures and styles.
– It’s an easy material to work with. Traditional timber can be cut, shaped, sanded back, stained or painted.
– Easy to Change – if the timber is damaged to you feel like something different, it’s easy to change in the future.
– Timber is naturally recurring and therefore a renewable source.
Is traditional timber the choice for you? Gowan Lea Timbers are the Sunshine Coast’s premium timber suppliers.
Composite Timber
– There are multiple types of composite decking timber, allowing you to choose the best product for your needs.
– Classic timber look, without the drawbacks and upkeep.
– Composite timber won’t age over time as they are resistant to fading and warping. This makes maintenance a breeze.
– No annual or semi-annual finishing, staining and painting to be done.
– Composite timber materials are durable and don’t require special tools to install.
Composite Decking: The Benefits?
Composite decking has a wide variety of benefits, that ensures that construction and design needs are met.
Low Maintenance: Traditional wood needs regular treatments and constant maintenance- which is labour and cost-intensive. Composite decking is virtually maintenance-free and does not need to be replaced as often as traditional wood decking.
Sustainable: Wood-Plastic mix composite decking uses recycled wood and plastic materials in the manufacturing process making this decking material eco Friendly.
Safe: This eco-friendly decking is less susceptible to the degradation of traditional wood undergoes- such as warping, splintering and fading. This long-lasting material is designed to remain vibrant, keep moisture out and remain structurally sound and durable and is ideal for outdoor spaces, such as patios and pool areas.
Gowan Lea Timbers
An independent timber yard in Queensland, Gowan Lea Timbers are hardwood timber suppliers on the Sunshine Coast and have been operating for over 25 years. In our yard on the Sunshine Coast, we have our own sawmill, non-CCA treatment plant, kilns, dressing shed, and can source custom oil on request.
Known for our hardwood timber, our range on the Sunshine Coast also includes Accoya timber and building product lines such as pine framing, plywood, engineered timber, and fibre cement products.
Our History
We began Gowan Lea Timbers over 25 years ago when we decided to open a small retail yard for timber needs on the rapidly growing Sunshine Coast of Queensland. We started with two staff members, a forklift, a flat-bed truck, and an office in a shipping container, and as we grew, we gained a solid reputation for boasting the best hardwood around.
It didn’t take us by surprise. Our mill—Gowan Lea Sawmilling Company—had been operating for over 40 years and was already a well-respected wholesaler of premium quality western QLD Spotted Gum and Ironbark products. However, when the Queensland State Government bought out and closed Gowan Lea Sawmilling Company through a Regional Forestry Agreement process in 2007, the retail timber yard was left without a supply of the premium hardwood that our business relied upon.
It was then we entered into a productive relationship with Mary Valley Timbers, a green hardwood sawmill near Gympie, who had a similar focus on quality and cut 95% Spotted Gum and Ironbark.
Our Timber Services
With a fully-integrated Planing Shed on-site, we can handle most of your timber dressing and profiling requirements. We can also pre-coat your timber with quality timber oil to save you time and mess on-site, plus dock your timber to length.
- Deliveries direct to site Australia-wide
- Wood Machining and Dressing
- Custom Laminating and Sanding
- Timber Oiling
What We Do
From building a boardwalk through a rainforest to interior flooring, fencing and composite decking, Gowan Lea Timbers provides all your timber needs on the Sunshine Coast.
If your job is out of the ordinary, or you’re just not sure what decking timber to use, whether you’re a tradesperson looking for the right timber for a new home or extension, an architect wanting to specify the correct finish or a commercial construction firm with a major build, Gowan Lea Timbers has the products, experience, and on-site timber services to help.
Our Products
Ask us first and save yourself time and wasted money later on. Trouble-shooting and specifying the best timber and building supplies are what we do best.
Our product range includes:
Get a free quote
No matter what type of project you have, we understand quality timber supplies and service are important. Our team of experts will work with you to ensure you get the most from the experience and ensure the smooth delivery of your project on the Sunshine Coast.