Hollow VS Solid Composite Decking – The Differences Explained

When choosing NeoTimber® decking, many customers find themselves asking us one particular question – “what’s the difference between hollow and solid composite boards?” We don’t blame you! To the untrained eye, one has holes in and one doesn’t. But to experts and installers, knowing the difference can completely change the function of your deck.

When it comes down to it, the difference mainly lies with the strength and weight of the boards. You need to be sure of exactly what you want to do with your deck before ordering your composite boards, and we’re here to walk you through making the right decision. These are the key elements to consider when choosing between NeoTimber’s hollow and solid composite boards. Hollow VS Solid composite – which one will you choose?

To nobody’s surprise, solid composite deck boards outclass our hollow boards in strength and resilience. This makes them perfect for commercial clients and homeowners looking to create a swanky space for their hot tub. Either way, solid composite decking is a great choice for those who prioritise safety and reliability above all else.

Meanwhile, hollow decking boards are the best pick for your typical garden deck or balcony project. Basically, it’s important to figure out how much strain you’re intending to put on your deck. If you think you need a stronger solution, solid composite decking is the choice for you.

In an ideal world, we’d be able to get exactly what we need when we need it. However, the fact of the matter is that solid composite decking boards are more costly than their hollow siblings. More material means more money, so hollow will certainly be better suited to your budget. Hollow boards are a fantastic option that take full advantage of our unique design process, giving you the best value for money when compared to other products on the market. No matter your choice, you’ll be treated to composite decking boards that won’t ever let you down.

More material means more weight. Our solid, densely packed Classic and Deluxe boards are naturally heavier (approximately 5kg heavier per length) than their hollow alternatives. With a hollow design comes a product that is lighter and, in turn, easier to install. This is what makes our Essential and Advanced deck boards the ideal solution for many one-man decking installation projects.

Did you know: NeoTimber® removes only 40% of the material from our hollow composite boards, and does so in circular increments. While many brands on the market have settled on rectangular holes, our unique approach keeps the boards strong and sturdy.

When developing these boards, we didn’t want to compromise on the finish or the strength. So, despite removing the core, we made sure to do so in a way that would preserve the best bits of the board. This makes it an excellent alternative to other composite decking brands’ hollow boards; they’re an affordable and sturdy choice for the everyday homeowner looking to inject some style into their outdoor space.

Tightly packed composite material that offers exceptional strength, our solid composite deck boards are the strongest, most durable products in our range. So, if you are looking for peace of mind, our solid boards go hand-in-hand with high footfall areas. Known for their superior performance, these boards will do everything you need and more.

A problem frequently seen with low-quality composite materials or timber decking is that they can flex, bow, and warp over time. Opting for our Classic and Deluxe ranges helps solve these issues; they’ve been specifically engineered to avoid all of the problems present on the current market. NeoTimber® has found the perfect balance of strength and structural integrity, and we’re delighted that we get to share it with you.

We often find samples are an excellent way to see the true difference in weight, feel, and quality between our composite deck boards, and we urge all customers to request free samples before placing an order.

Simply order 3 FREE samples that should be with you in a matter of days and take you one step closer to enjoying the ideal deck for your space.