Compare the installation as well as the board
Both aluminium and WPC are part of our decking range. Start with the actual board system, the supporting work and the conditions of your space, then compare the appearance and written quotation.
On a small screen, scroll the table sideways to compare each option.
| What to compare | Aluminium decking | WPC decking |
|---|---|---|
| Board material | Aluminium board system | Wood-plastic composite board system |
| Appearance | Confirm the available finish with a sample | Confirm the available grain and colour with a sample |
| Exposure | Check the specified system, finish and warranty against the site | Check the specified boards and warranty against the site |
| Supporting work | Confirm the frame, fixings, edges and drainage | Confirm the frame, fixings, edges and drainage |
| Care | Follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for the supplied finish | Follow the cleaning and maintenance instructions for the supplied boards |
| Quotation | Compare the whole installed scope and written terms | Compare the whole installed scope and written terms |
| Explore | Aluminium decking in Singapore | WPC composite decking in Singapore |
The problem both are solving
Timber, WPC and aluminium are different board systems, and the surface treatment matters as well as the core material. Compare the finish you want with the care instructions for the product being supplied.
For either aluminium or WPC, identify the supplied board, finish, permitted cleaners and any required or prohibited treatments. Include the supporting frame and drainage in the comparison.
What wood-plastic composite gives you
WPC combines wood fibre and polymer, with finishes that can resemble timber. Compare the actual board's grain and colour with a physical sample, then compare complete quotations for the same scope.
A curved layout, such as a garden terrace that follows a planter line, is planned through the selected board, its edge cuts, the trim and the supporting frame. Do not assume the boards themselves bend; ask how the proposed system handles your shape before comparing quotations.
For an exposed area, compare the selected board's surface and colour with the site's sun exposure and intended use.
What aluminium gives you
An aluminium board is a different material system from WPC. The ALU-R Pro catalogue describes hollow aluminium construction with a co-extruded TPE surface. Confirm the selected profile, surface, support spacing and fixing arrangement for the supplied boards.
For an exposed terrace, discuss how the specified board and finish suit the sun and rain at that site. Drainage remains part of the installation for either material. Compare the system requirements, cleaning guidance and written warranty rather than treating a material label as a lifespan guarantee.
How to choose for a condo balcony
For a balcony, begin with the existing floor, door threshold and drain access, then compare the actual WPC and aluminium samples. Include the supporting frame and finished height in the assessment. If zip blinds are also planned, show the full opening and floor together so the two installation scopes can be considered.
A board-only price is not the complete balcony decking cost. Compare the named boards, frame, fixings, edge work, installation and written warranty, and identify any additional work separately. Our balcony decking cost and scope guide has a sheet for comparing two quotations line by line. Send photos and approximate dimensions for a quotation for your own balcony.
Ask how exposed the deck is and how you intend to use it. For a covered balcony or an exposed terrace, assess the actual boards, supporting frame, drainage and warranty conditions for that setting before choosing.
Ask whether the shape is straight or curved. A curve needs the selected board, edge cuts, trim and supporting frame planned together, whichever material you choose.
Ask what will be underfoot in direct sun. Compare the actual surface sample and relevant product data for the chosen colour and exposure, including any temperature or traction information available for that product.
And ask to stand on both. We keep samples at the Ubi showroom. The difference underfoot is obvious in ten seconds and describes itself better than any specification sheet.
One honest caveat on photographs
Aluminium decking is commonly sold with a wood-grain finish, which means a photograph of a finished deck often cannot tell you which material it is. Do not choose from a gallery, ours included.
The board material on your job is named in your written quotation. If a quotation does not name it, that is the thing to ask about.