Best Hardwood Decking Boards & Tiles: 2025 Expert Review
DR Joinery
Expert Joiner & Timber Specialist
Choosing the right timber for your garden can be tricky. You want the warm, premium look of hardwood, but you also need something that handles the wet UK climate without rotting within a few years. In York, where many of us have Victorian terraces with concrete yards or damp gardens, drainage and durability are paramount.
True hardwood decking boards (like Ipe or Balau) are beautiful but require significant structural work to install. For many homeowners, the modern solution lies in hardwood 'decking tiles' for easy overlay, or high-quality treated softwood boards as a budget-friendly structural alternative.
In this review, I've selected three distinct options available right now: a solid structural board for those building from scratch, a bulk pack of hardwood tiles for large transformations, and a specialist finish tile for those tricky low-clearance areas.
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Specs vs. The Real World
The Spec: "Maintenance Free Claims"
"Many hardwood products claim to be maintenance-free due to natural oils."
In the UK, UV light and rain will turn any timber silvery-grey within 12 months. Unless you oil it annually, it will fade. 'Maintenance free' usually just means it won't rot, not that it will stay brown.
The Spec: "Anti-Slip Surfaces"
"Grooved boards or tiles provide better grip."
Deep grooves can actually trap dirt and algae, which becomes slippery when wet. A smooth board that is regularly swept and cleaned is often safer than a dirty grooved one in a damp corner.
My Top 3 Recommendations
Three options to cover different needs and budgets
Treated Timber Decking Board 2.4m x 120mm x 25mm | Kiln-Dried Softwood
Generic
Whilst many search for 'hardwood', the reality is that a high-quality treated softwood board is the backbone of most British gardens due to cost. Priced at £18.75 per board, this is the practical choice if you need to build a structural deck frame raised off the ground rather than just covering a patio.
The Good
- Structural capability - can be used to build raised decks over uneven ground
- Pressure treated for resistance against UK damp and rot
- Significantly cheaper than solid hardwood boards
The Bad
- Requires annual maintenance to preventing warping
- Not a hardwood product (will not have the same longevity or density)
- Sold as single boards, so calculating quantity takes care
Installer Tip:
Always treat end-cuts. When you saw this board to length, you exposed untreated timber. You must dab a bit of end-grain preservative on the cut before fixing it, otherwise, rot will start from the ends within a few years.
Priced at £18.75 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonCLICK-DECK Hardwood Decking Tiles | 108 Tile Bulk Pack
CLICK-DECK
If you have a tired concrete yard or balcony—common in York's city centre apartments—these Acacia hardwood tiles are a superb solution. This bulk pack covers a significant area and uses real hardwood, meaning it handles foot traffic far better than plastic alternatives.
The Good
- Real Acacia hardwood is naturally durable and dense
- Plastic base allows for excellent drainage underneath (vital for preventing rot)
- Massive bulk pack offers better value per square metre
The Bad
- High upfront cost
- Requires a solid, flat surface (cannot be laid on grass or uneven mud)
Installer Tip:
Acacia is a hardwood, but it still needs oil. Once installed, give the whole deck a coat of UV-protection oil immediately. This seals the colour and stops the British rain from washing out the natural tannins.
Priced at £387.07 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonInterbuild Acacia Hardwood Decking Tiles | Golden Teak Finish
INTERBUILD REAL WOOD
One common problem I see with decking overlays is the height—often the tiles block the back door from opening. At just 1.5cm (5/8 inch) high, these tiles are ideal for tight thresholds. The 'Golden Teak' finish is also factory-applied using hardwax oil, giving them a premium furniture-grade look right out of the box.
The Good
- Low profile fits under most terrace doors
- Factory oiled means they are ready to use immediately
- Smaller pack size is great for small balconies or finishing touches
The Bad
- Price per square metre is higher for small quantities
- The filigree 20-slat design can trap smaller debris
Installer Tip:
Because these have a lot of slats (20 per tile), they look fantastic but can be harder to sand down later if you neglect them. Keep them clean and re-oil them before winter usage to ensure the intricate timber doesn't split.
Priced at £24.99 at the time of writing
Check Price on AmazonFrequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hardwood and softwood decking?
Can I lay decking tiles directly on soil?
How often should I treat my hardwood decking?
Why do my hardwood tiles lose their colour?
Do I need a professional joiner to install decking?
Are these decking products expensive?
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