Composite Decking vs Porcelain Paving in Merseyside & Cheshire: Which Should You Choose?
- Joel Livesey
- Nov 18
- 9 min read
When planning a garden renovation in Merseyside or Cheshire, most homeowners end up comparing composite decking and porcelain paving. Both offer modern, long-lasting, low-maintenance finishes — but they behave very differently once installed in real UK gardens.
And here’s something most people don’t realise: the right choice for your project depends far more on your ground conditions, access, drainage, and lifestyle than on which product “looks nicer.”
As specialists in Millboard, NewTechWood, and Trex composite systems, and with years spent designing premium porcelain patio installations, we’ve seen first-hand what works well, what causes problems, and how to guide homeowners to the best long-term decision.
This article breaks everything down clearly so you can choose the right material for your garden transformation.
Aesthetics & Design Options
When choosing between composite decking and porcelain paving, aesthetics play a huge role. Both materials offer stunning visual options — but they achieve their beauty in completely different ways. Understanding these differences helps homeowners choose the material that best suits their style, garden layout, and the feeling they want the space to give.
Composite Decking
Composite decking has evolved massively over the last decade. Modern boards, especially premium ranges from brands like Millboard, are designed to look as close to natural timber as possible — without any of the drawbacks.
What you can expect:
Warm, natural-looking textures Many boards feature hand-moulded grain or deep embossing that mimics timber perfectly. Millboard, for example, takes impressions from real oak planks to achieve an incredibly realistic grain.
Realistic wood-grain patterns Unlike timber, composite boards are consistent and don’t have knots, cracks or defects — but still carry the visual appeal of natural wood.
Consistent, stable colouring Composite boards don’t bleach or turn grey over time. Once installed, the colour remains consistent across the entire deck for years.
A choice of profiles and edging options You can add picture-frame borders, curved steps, contrasting fascia boards, and shadow gaps to achieve a polished, bespoke look.
Integrated lighting options Decking lends itself beautifully to low-level LED spotlights, step lights, under-cap lighting and rail lighting — ideal for evening use.
Soft, inviting aesthetics Composite decking instantly creates a warm, relaxed atmosphere. It feels welcoming, comfortable, and “soft” compared to the hard geometry of paving.
Lighter, driftwood-style boards create a beachy, modern feel. Darker tones make the space feel rich and luxurious. Natural browns provide a timeless, garden-friendly aesthetic.
Composite decking is perfect if you want your outdoor area to feel like an extension of your living space — warm, comfortable, and great for barefoot lounging.
Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving delivers a completely different visual effect. Instead of softness and warmth, porcelain brings precision, uniformity, and a crisp, high-end architectural feel.
Key aesthetic qualities include:
Clean, modern lines Porcelain slabs come in perfectly cut, rectified edges, which create sharp joints and flawless lines — ideal for contemporary garden designs.
Subtle, high-end colour variation Porcelain can replicate natural stone, concrete, marble, or slate, but in a controlled and consistent way that avoids patchiness or random tones.
Beautiful surface textures External-rated slabs are slip-resistant, but still elegant. You can choose:
Textured stone-effect
Smooth contemporary concrete-effect
Wood-effect planks
Large-format minimalist slabs
Large slab formats for luxury layouts 800x800, 600x900 or even 1200x600 slabs create a wide, open feel that looks premium in any garden.
A timeless, sophisticated finish Porcelain pairs incredibly well with rendered walls, steel pergolas, outdoor kitchens, fire pits, uPVC/Aluminium sliding doors, and modern garden furniture.
Exceptional colour stability Porcelain will never fade or weather — the colour you choose is the colour you’ll have for decades.
Porcelain shines in structured, modern spaces where clean geometry is part of the design — think outdoor kitchens, contemporary extensions, and landscaped gardens with sharp edges and symmetry.
Installation Requirements
Composite Decking
Composite decking is extremely versatile when it comes to installation, particularly around modern extensions and patio doors. A professional deck installation includes:
A solid, ventilated subframe (treated timber, recycled plastic, or aluminium)
Correct joist spacing and adequate airflow beneath the boards
Efficient drainage with a slight fall
Hidden fixings or brand-approved screws
Strong perimeter framing for a polished, high-end appearance
At Duralive Decking, we install everything to — or above — manufacturer guidelines to ensure perfect stability, longevity, and visual quality.
Raising the Decking to Indoor Floor Level (Without Damp Issues)
One major advantage of composite decking is how simple it is to bring the outdoor finished floor level up to match the height of your indoor flooring, creating that desirable seamless indoor–outdoor flow.
Because decking sits on a raised, ventilated frame, it naturally provides a moisture break between the deck and the property and zero risk of bridging the damp proof course when installed correctly.
This means we can safely lift the deck to the height of your bi-folds, sliding doors, or French doors without creating damp problems or compromising the building’s DPC. For many homeowners, especially with new extensions or raised thresholds, this is a major benefit.
Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving requires a precise and fairly rigid installation method. A standard build-up includes:
An MOT Type 1 sub-base
A full mortar/slurry bed
Primed porcelain slabs
High-quality exterior grout
Accurate falls for drainage
It's a fantastic, long-lasting material — but it’s far less flexible than decking when it comes to altering heights or working around existing thresholds.
Raising Porcelain Paving to Indoor Floor Level
It is possible to bring porcelain paving up to match the height of your indoor floor, but it’s not as straightforward as with decking. To achieve a flush or near-flush level safely, you generally need specialist installation methods rather than the standard patio build-up.
These methods are designed to avoid bridging the property’s damp proof course, maintain drainage and airflow, and provide a fully supported surface at the raised height.
Most landscapers only install porcelain using the traditional dig-out-and-lay method, so it’s important to work with someone experienced if you specifically want a flush threshold.
Installation Logistics: Access, Excavation & Practical Challenges
This is an often-overlooked factor that can dramatically affect cost, timescales, and feasibility.
Many properties in Merseyside and Cheshire — especially extended semis and terraces — have limited rear access, meaning materials must be carried through the house.
Porcelain Paving: Heavy Work, Heavy Machinery
A proper porcelain patio requires major groundwork:
Excavation of 150–300mm of soil
Removal of tons of waste
Delivery of tons of MOT, sand, mortar, and grout
Use of diggers, whacker plates, and wheelbarrows
Extremely heavy pallets of porcelain (900–1,200kg each)
If garden access is tight or only available through the home, this can:
Increase labour costs significantly
Increase project duration
Require floor protection throughout the house
Make machinery access impossible
In some cases, it can render paving unviable without removing fences or garden walls.
Composite Decking: Much Easier for Restricted Access
Decking materials are long but lightweight and generally include:
Boards
Joists
Brackets and fixings
Individual bags of concrete
All can be carried by hand through a hallway, side passage, or utility room with minimal disruption. No heavy excavation. No plant machinery. No multi-tonne deliveries.
Ideal for Sloped or Uneven Gardens
Composite decking sits on a raised frame, meaning we can:
Create a perfectly level surface without digging
Build steps easily
Avoid disturbing existing ground
Work over pipes, drains, or uneven terrain
This often makes decking the more logical and cost-effective choice.
Slip Resistance & Safety
Composite Decking
High-quality systems perform extremely well in wet British weather:
Millboard offers market-leading slip resistance
NewTechWood/Trex use a capped, low-absorption surface that discourages algae
Perfect for families, shaded gardens, or poolside installations.
Porcelain Paving
Porcelain is naturally slip resistant when the correct external R-rated tiles are chosen. However:
Internal-rated porcelain is slippery and unsafe outdoors
Algae on grout lines can still reduce traction
Regular cleaning is required to maintain slip resistance
Maintenance Requirements
Many homeowners assume modern landscaping products are “zero-maintenance.” The reality is: no outdoor surface in the UK is ever truly maintenance-free. You can choose low maintenance, but not zero-maintenance.
Composite decking and porcelain paving are both excellent low-maintenance options — but each has different requirements.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is designed to be as care-free as possible. Premium deck boards require a regular maintenance routine which includes:
A wash with soapy water a few times a year
A gentle brush to remove leaves
An occasional low-pressure rinse (avoid close jet washing on Millboard)
For full details, see our guide: 👉 The Truth About Composite Decking Maintenance
Porcelain Paving
Porcelain is also extremely low-maintenance, especially compared to natural stone. However, you should expect to:
Jet wash grout lines
Treat algae in shaded or damp areas
Re-grout joints occasionally
Sweep away debris
The porcelain slabs themselves are virtually indestructible — it’s the grout that needs attention over time.
Durability & Longevity
Both composite decking and porcelain paving can last decades — but only when installed correctly. The number one factor in longevity is not the product… it’s the installation.
Composite Decking Durability
Premium composite systems such as Millboard, NewTechWood, and Trex are designed to deliver outstanding long-term performance when installed correctly. Because the boards are fully rot-proof, UV stable, and resistant to splitting or splintering, they maintain their appearance for decades without the issues associated with timber. When fitted onto a stable, properly ventilated subframe with the correct joist spacing and fixings, composite decking remains structurally sound and visually consistent for decades. Many manufacturers back this up with warranties of up to 50 years. However, as mentioned above, the longevity of any deck depends heavily on installation quality; poor airflow, weak subframes, or incorrect fixings can all shorten its lifespan dramatically, regardless of how good the boards themselves are.
Porcelain Paving Durability
Porcelain paving is one of the most durable landscaping materials available, offering exceptional resistance to frost, staining, fading, and surface wear. The slabs themselves are incredibly hard-wearing and, when supported correctly, can last 40 years or more without losing their appearance. However, as with decking, the long-term performance of porcelain depends heavily on the quality of the installation. Porcelain must be laid on a full, solid mortar or slurry bed with primed backs, supported by a well-compacted sub-base and finished with high-quality grout to prevent movement, cracking, or water ingress. If any part of this process is rushed or shortcuts are taken, issues such as loose slabs, failed grout lines, or frost damage can appear within just a few seasons. Installed properly, though, porcelain is a remarkably robust and long-lasting option for modern patios.
Drainage & Ground Conditions
Composite Decking
Composite decking performs exceptionally well in gardens where drainage or ground conditions might otherwise be a challenge. Because it sits on a raised, ventilated subframe, decking naturally allows air and water to move freely beneath the structure, making it an excellent choice for poorly draining gardens, clay-heavy soils, uneven or sloping ground, and areas where you want to cover an existing patio without major excavation.
The adjustable nature of the subframe also makes decking suitable for multi-level layouts and more complex garden designs where traditional paving would require significant groundwork or regrading to achieve a stable finish.
Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving, on the other hand, typically requires flat, stable ground with good natural drainage to perform at its best. Since paving relies on a solid sub-base and a full mortar bed, it is far better suited to gardens where deep excavation is possible and where water can be directed away from the property effectively.
Properties with good rear access also make installation far easier, as the volume of aggregates, mortar, and waste involved can be substantial. In gardens with poor drainage or heavy clay soil, additional groundwork—such as drainage channels, soakaways, or deeper dig-outs—may be required to ensure the patio remains stable and free from standing water.
Cost Comparison
Composite Decking (Supply & Install)
£250 – £300+ per m²
Depending on brand, design complexity, and subframe type.
Porcelain Paving (Supply & Install)
£200 – £250+ per m²
Costs increase when access is tight or excavation is extensive.
Decking can be more economical on sloped or difficult landscapes due to reduced groundwork.
Comfort & Usability
Composite Decking
Composite decking offers a noticeably warmer and more comfortable surface underfoot, making it ideal for spaces where you want to relax, lounge, or walk barefoot. The slightly softer feel of the boards creates a more inviting, “living room outdoors” atmosphere, which is perfect for family areas, seating zones, and social spaces where comfort is a priority. Many homeowners choose decking specifically because it creates a cosy, welcoming environment that feels great throughout spring, summer, and even the cooler autumn months.
Porcelain Paving
Porcelain paving provides a firmer, cooler surface that suits more structured outdoor spaces such as dining areas, garden kitchens, and modern patio layouts. While it doesn’t offer the same warmth underfoot as composite decking, its incredible durability makes it ideal for heavy-use areas and outdoor furniture. Porcelain’s stable, hard-wearing nature makes it the preferred choice for spaces where tables, BBQs, pergolas, or outdoor kitchen units will be installed, providing a solid and practical foundation.
Combining Composite Decking & Porcelain Paving for a Premium Finish
For many homeowners — especially with larger gardens — the most impressive results come from using both materials together.
When installed with intent, the contrast between warm composite and clean porcelain creates a truly high-end aesthetic.
Why It Works So Well
Clear zone separation (lounging vs dining)
Contrasting textures and colours
Visually richer and more dynamic
Each material used where it performs best
Achieves a magazine-worthy designer finish
Popular Mixed-Material Layouts We Build
Raised composite deck from the house, stepping down onto a porcelain dining terrace
Porcelain around an outdoor kitchen with composite for the lounge area
Composite walkways linking porcelain patio zones
Split-level gardens with composite platforms and porcelain pathways
This approach elevates even a simple garden into something special.
So… Which Should You Choose?
If you want warmth, versatility, and low-stress upkeep — composite decking is usually the best option.
If you love architectural lines, hard-wearing paving, and a modern aesthetic — porcelain paving is a superb choice.
For the most premium, high-impact garden design? A thoughtful combination of both materials often delivers the best result.
Thinking About Composite Decking in Merseyside or Cheshire?
At Duralive Decking, we design and build stunning, long-lasting outdoor spaces using the highest-quality materials and workmanship.
Whether you’re considering decking, paving, or a mix of the two, we’ll guide you to the best solution for your garden.
📞 Contact Duralive Decking today to request your free consultation. Let’s create a space you’ll enjoy for decades.