1. Yellow Balau

If you want excellent durability without paying premium hardwood prices, Yellow Balau is hard to beat. It’s one of the most popular hardwood decking options in the UK thanks to its strength, stability and long-term performance. Its naturally oily composition makes it resistant to moisture, helping it cope well with the British climate.

Why Yellow Balau Stands Out:

• Extremely durable and hardwearing
• Naturally oily, meaning better resistance to moisture
• Around one-third the price of premium hardwood Ipe
• Tight grain patterns and consistent appearance
• Long lifespan and excellent structural performance

Yellow Balau sits in the perfect middle ground: very durable and stable, but far more affordable than top-tier hardwoods. Because of its strength and visual consistency, it performs exceptionally well in high-traffic areas, garden decks, and spaces where long-term resilience matters.

Who it’s for:

Anyone who wants a substantial upgrade in durability and appearance without jumping to premium pricing. If you can stretch your budget slightly, Yellow Balau offers outstanding long-term value and is one of the smartest choices for most domestic decking projects.

2. Thermowood Pine

If price is your number one priority, Thermowood Pine is the most budget-friendly decking we offer. The timber is thermally modified to increase stability, reduce movement, and improve its resistance to moisture compared to standard softwood. It delivers a stylish finish at the lowest price point and is ideal for lighter-use domestic settings.

Key Benefits:

• Lowest-cost decking option at Southgate Timber
• Comes in a hidden-fix profile, giving you a clean, contemporary finish
• Thermally modified for improved stability and reduced warping
• Lighter colour for modern garden designs

Things to Consider:

• Softer timber compared to hardwoods
• Contains more knots and natural character
• Not as long-lasting as premium hardwood options

Best for:

Budget-conscious projects, lighter-use gardens, and DIY builds where keeping costs low matters most.

Which One Should You Choose?

If budget is the priority, Thermowood Pine is the most affordable way to achieve a clean, modern decking look, especially with the hidden-fix option. If you want the best long-term value, choose Yellow Balau. For a modest increase in price, you gain dramatically improved durability, hardness, and lifespan, making it the smarter investment for most gardens. If your budget is flexible at all, Yellow Balau is absolutely worth the extra spend.

Need Help Deciding?

Our team at Southgate Timber is always happy to guide you through your options, show you samples, and help you choose the decking that fits your project, style and budget best.