Which decking material suits your terrace? At Houthandel Jan Sok, we compare hardwood, Douglas fir, composite and bamboo by service life, maintenance, appearance and total cost - so you do not decide on price per linear metre alone.
Short answer: hardwood (cumaru/okan) for maximum service life and a premium look; Douglas fir for the best value in real timber; composite for low maintenance; bamboo as a sustainable, hard alternative.
Comparison overview
| Material | Service life | Maintenance | Appearance | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hardwood (cumaru, okan) | 25+ years | Oil optional | Warm, premium | Luxury terrace |
| Douglas fir | 15–20 years | Stain/oil recommended | Reddish-brown, natural | Best value |
| Composite | 25+ years | Minimal | Timber look, colourfast | Low maintenance |
| Bamboo | 15–20 years | Periodic oil | Sleek, modern | Sustainable alternative |
Hardwood decking boards
Tropical hardwood is wear-resistant, heavy and suitable for intensive use. It weathers naturally to grey or retains a warmer colour with oil. Ideal for pool decks and terraces built to last for years. Also compare okan versus tali.
Douglas decking boards
Douglas fir is the most popular timber choice when you want real grain without the hardwood price. Plan for maintenance: untreated Douglas weathers to grey. Read maintaining Douglas fir.
Composite decking boards
Composite (including NewTechWood) is splinter-free and colourfast with minimal annual care. Allow for expansion, use the correct subframe spacing and follow brand-specific fitting instructions.
Bamboo decking boards
Strand-woven bamboo is very hard and dimensionally stable. It has strong sustainability credentials but still needs periodic oil to retain its colour.
Do not forget the subframe
In addition to the boards, allow for hardwood or aluminium joists, stainless steel fixings and ventilation. Rule of thumb: 6–7 boards per m² at a width of approx. 145 mm, plus cutting waste. Use the m² calculator on product pages or our configurator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best decking board?
That depends on your budget and maintenance preference. Hardwood wins on service life, composite on ease of maintenance and Douglas fir on value.
How much does a deck cost per m²?
Material costs vary greatly by type. See current webshop prices and our timber prices 2026 guide.
Can I mix materials?
Yes - for example, hardwood edges with a Douglas fir centre - provided you allow for movement and colour differences. Ask for advice in Meppel.
Browse all decking boards or request a quote.