FreshDeck has established itself as a prominent wholesale direct supplier of composite decking materials across Australia since 2017. The company operates with a direct-to-consumer model that eliminates traditional retail markups, offering commercial-grade composite decking boards to both residential customers and professional installers. With distribution centers serving Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Darwin, and Canberra, FreshDeck provides nationwide coverage with competitive pricing structures and comprehensive product warranties.
The composite decking industry in Australia has matured considerably, with consumers increasingly seeking low-maintenance alternatives to traditional timber. FreshDeck addresses this demand by supplying solid-core, fully capped composite boards that combine durability with aesthetic appeal. Their product range includes multiple color profiles designed to replicate natural timber finishes while delivering superior performance characteristics including termite resistance, UV stability, and weather durability.
Introduction
Understanding the composite decking market requires examining both product specifications and supplier reliability. FreshDeck positions itself as a value-focused provider, offering boards at approximately $15.38 per linear meter or $80 per board plus GST, translating to $109.89 per square meter. This pricing structure includes complimentary stainless steel clips and screws powder-coated in black, representing a complete installation package rather than boards alone.
The company's wholesale direct approach means customers order through online platforms or phone consultation, with products delivered directly from distribution points. This model suits both owner-builders managing DIY projects and licensed contractors requiring bulk materials for commercial installations. FreshDeck maintains physical display locations, including a showroom at Home Base Design and Build Centre in Subiaco, Western Australia, where customers can examine samples and receive technical guidance.
Product Specifications and Technical Features
FreshDeck composite boards measure 140mm width by 22mm thickness by 5200mm length, providing substantial coverage per board. The solid-core construction distinguishes these products from hollow-profile alternatives, with the company offering a 25-year warranty on solid boards compared to 15 years for hollow variants. This warranty differentiation reflects the enhanced structural integrity and longevity expectations of solid composite construction.
Material Composition and Manufacturing
Composite decking combines wood fiber or recycled wood particles with polymer resins, creating a hybrid material that resists moisture penetration and biological degradation. FreshDeck boards feature full capping, meaning all four sides receive a protective polymer shell that shields the core material from environmental exposure. This capping technology prevents moisture absorption, color fading, and surface deterioration that can affect uncapped or partially capped composite products.
The manufacturing process involves extruding the wood-polymer composite mixture through precision dies, creating consistent board profiles with integrated surface texturing. FreshDeck offers multiple texture patterns and color formulations, including Silver Grey, Ivory White, Spotted Gum, True Jarrah, Ultra Charcoal Black, Light Grey, Aged Wood, Ultra Aged Wood, Platinum Grey, Teak, and Ultra Spotted Gum. These color options replicate natural timber species while maintaining uniform appearance without the grain variation inherent in natural wood.
Performance Characteristics
Commercial slip rating certification ensures FreshDeck boards meet safety standards for pedestrian traffic in both residential and commercial applications. The UV-rated formulation incorporates stabilizers that prevent polymer degradation and color shift under prolonged sun exposure, critical for Australian installations where intense UV radiation accelerates material aging in unprotected products.
Termite resistance represents a significant advantage over natural timber, particularly in regions where subterranean termites pose ongoing threats to wooden structures. The polymer content and chemical composition of composite boards provide no nutritional value to termites, effectively eliminating infestation risk without requiring chemical treatments or regular inspections. Water resistance prevents the swelling, warping, and cupping common in timber decking, maintaining dimensional stability across seasonal moisture fluctuations.
Installation Systems and Accessories
FreshDeck supplies stainless steel hidden fastening clips and screws as standard inclusions with decking orders. The hidden clip system attaches to joist structures and engages the board edges, creating a fastener-free walking surface without visible screw heads. This installation method produces clean sightlines while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction of composite materials.
Fastening Components
The powder-coated black finish on stainless steel clips and screws provides corrosion resistance while maintaining visual consistency with darker decking profiles. Stainless steel construction prevents rust staining that can occur with standard steel fasteners in moisture-exposed applications. The company differentiates between starter clips for perimeter boards and finishing clips for field installation, with both types included in material packages.
Proper fastening density follows manufacturer specifications, typically requiring clips at each joist intersection along board lengths. The 5200mm board length necessitates adequate joist spacing, commonly 450mm centers for residential applications, though specific requirements depend on load expectations and local building codes. FreshDeck provides installation guidance through online resources and phone consultation, though professional installation remains recommended for complex projects or customers lacking carpentry experience.
Complementary Products and Finishing Elements
Beyond standard decking boards, FreshDeck supplies fascia boards, bullnose step edges, and solid edge boards that coordinate with decking profiles. Fascia boards measure 140mm by 10mm by 2200mm, priced at $12.71 per linear meter or $27.98 per board plus GST. These finishing pieces conceal joist ends and provide a polished appearance to deck perimeters.
Bullnose step edges measure 60mm by 50mm by 22mm by 2900mm, priced at $18 per linear meter or $52.20 per board plus GST. These specialized profiles create rounded nosing for stair treads, improving safety and aesthetics on multi-level deck structures. Solid edge boards matching standard decking dimensions retail at $22.88 per linear meter or $119 per board plus GST, providing options for perimeter boards where hidden fastening may not be practical.
Substructure Considerations
While FreshDeck focuses primarily on decking boards and accessories, proper substructure remains critical for installation success. The company offers FreshJoist products through their distribution network, providing composite or treated timber joists suitable for supporting composite decking. Joist material selection impacts long-term performance, with composite joists offering dimensional stability and moisture resistance comparable to decking boards themselves.
Adequate ventilation beneath composite decking prevents moisture accumulation and promotes air circulation that extends material lifespan. Building codes typically require minimum clearances between ground level and deck underside, with specific requirements varying by jurisdiction. FreshDeck's technical support can address substructure questions, though customers should verify compliance with local building regulations and obtain necessary permits before construction.
Ordering Process and Delivery Logistics
FreshDeck operates through multiple ordering channels including online purchase, phone orders at 1300 944 778, and email inquiries. The website features a calculator tool allowing customers to estimate material requirements based on deck dimensions, simplifying the quotation process. Instant quotes provide pricing transparency before purchase commitment, with wholesale pricing available for bulk orders.
Delivery Coverage and Conditions
Free delivery applies to many locations across major Australian cities, though specific eligibility depends on order size and destination. The company advertises next business day delivery for select colors and locations, indicating substantial inventory levels and efficient logistics networks. Customers in regional areas should confirm delivery availability and potential freight charges during the quotation process.
Sample requests allow customers to evaluate color, texture, and quality before committing to full orders. Free sample programs reduce purchase uncertainty, particularly important when selecting from multiple color options where online images may not accurately represent physical appearance. The Subiaco showroom provides another evaluation option for Western Australian customers, displaying full product range in a physical setting.
Pricing Structure and Financial Options
FreshDeck's pricing model emphasizes value through wholesale direct distribution. At $109.89 per square meter plus GST, the company positions below many retail composite decking suppliers while maintaining commercial-grade specifications. The inclusion of fastening hardware in base pricing provides additional value, as separate fastener purchases can add significant cost to decking projects.
Interest-Free Payment Plans
The company offers 12-month interest-free payment plans for qualifying purchases, reducing upfront capital requirements for larger projects. These financing arrangements make premium composite decking accessible to customers who prefer distributed payment schedules. Specific terms and eligibility criteria should be confirmed during the ordering process, as financing availability may depend on order value and credit assessment.
Bulk wholesale pricing provides further discounts for large-volume orders, appealing to builders, developers, and contractors managing multiple projects. The wholesale price list requires separate inquiry, suggesting tiered pricing structures based on order quantity. This approach accommodates both single residential projects and commercial developments requiring extensive decking coverage.
Maintenance Requirements and Long-Term Performance
Composite decking's primary appeal lies in reduced maintenance compared to natural timber. FreshDeck boards require no staining, sealing, or painting, eliminating the recurring costs and labor associated with timber deck preservation. Routine cleaning with soap and water removes surface dirt and organic debris, maintaining appearance without specialized products or equipment.
Scratch resistance derives from the hardened polymer capping layer, though composite materials remain susceptible to damage from sharp objects or abrasive contact. The hard-to-scratch surface designation indicates enhanced durability rather than complete immunity to marking. Furniture pads and careful handling during installation prevent unnecessary surface damage that could compromise aesthetic quality.
Warranty Coverage and Limitations
The 25-year warranty on solid boards covers manufacturing defects and material degradation under normal use conditions. Warranty terms typically exclude damage from improper installation, excessive loading, chemical exposure, or failure to follow maintenance guidelines. Customers should review complete warranty documentation to understand coverage scope and claim procedures before installation.
Color fading represents a common concern with composite decking, as UV exposure gradually lightens pigmentation in all outdoor materials. FreshDeck's UV-rated formulation minimizes fading, though some color shift remains inevitable over extended timeframes. The warranty may specify acceptable fading parameters, distinguishing between normal weathering and defective material performance.
Comparison with Alternative Decking Materials
Composite decking competes primarily with treated timber, hardwood timber, and PVC decking in the Australian market. Treated pine offers lower initial cost but requires regular maintenance and has shorter lifespan expectations. Hardwood species like spotted gum and jarrah provide natural beauty and durability but demand ongoing oiling and command premium pricing.
PVC decking eliminates wood content entirely, offering maximum moisture resistance and minimal maintenance. However, PVC products typically cost more than wood-polymer composites and may exhibit greater thermal expansion, requiring careful installation planning. FreshDeck's composite formulation balances performance, aesthetics, and cost, positioning in the mid-to-upper market segment.
Conclusion
FreshDeck Australia delivers commercial-grade composite decking through a wholesale direct model that provides value-focused pricing without compromising product quality. The company's nationwide distribution network, comprehensive product range, and included installation hardware create a complete decking solution for residential and commercial applications. With 25-year warranties, UV resistance, and termite-proof construction, FreshDeck boards address the primary performance requirements for Australian outdoor environments.
The combination of free delivery, interest-free financing options, and accessible customer service supports both DIY enthusiasts and professional installers. While composite decking represents a higher initial investment than basic treated timber, the elimination of ongoing maintenance costs and extended lifespan provide long-term value. Customers should evaluate samples, confirm delivery availability, and verify installation requirements before purchase to ensure product suitability for specific project needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the actual cost per square meter for FreshDeck composite decking including all components?
FreshDeck composite decking costs $109.89 per square meter plus GST for the boards themselves. This price includes free stainless steel clips and screws powder-coated in black, which are essential for installation. Free delivery applies to many locations across major Australian cities, though customers should confirm eligibility based on their specific address and order size.
How does the 25-year warranty on FreshDeck boards compare to timber decking warranties?
FreshDeck offers a 25-year warranty on solid composite boards, covering manufacturing defects and material degradation under normal use. Natural timber decking typically carries no manufacturer warranty, as timber is a natural product subject to environmental factors beyond supplier control. The composite warranty provides significantly greater protection, though customers should review specific terms regarding coverage limitations and claim procedures.
Can FreshDeck composite boards be installed directly by homeowners without professional help?
FreshDeck composite boards can be installed by competent DIY homeowners with carpentry skills and appropriate tools. The hidden clip fastening system simplifies installation compared to face-screwing methods. However, proper substructure construction, joist spacing, and allowance for thermal expansion require technical knowledge. FreshDeck provides installation guidance and can recommend professional installers for customers preferring expert installation.
What maintenance is required to keep FreshDeck composite decking in good condition?
FreshDeck composite decking requires minimal maintenance compared to timber alternatives. Regular cleaning with soap and water removes dirt and organic debris. No staining, sealing, or painting is necessary. Furniture pads prevent scratching, and prompt cleanup of spills prevents staining. The boards resist termites, rot, and moisture damage without chemical treatments or protective coatings.
Are FreshDeck boards suitable for commercial applications or only residential use?
FreshDeck boards carry commercial slip rating certification and UV rating, making them suitable for both residential and commercial applications. The solid-core construction and 25-year warranty support commercial use expectations. Businesses should verify that specific color selections and board specifications meet their project requirements and local building codes for commercial installations.
How do FreshDeck color options compare to natural timber appearance?
FreshDeck offers multiple color profiles designed to replicate natural timber species including Spotted Gum, True Jarrah, Teak, and Aged Wood variations. While composite boards provide consistent coloring without natural grain variation, the surface texturing and color formulations create timber-like aesthetics. Customers should request samples or visit the Subiaco showroom to evaluate appearance before ordering, as individual preferences vary regarding composite versus natural timber aesthetics.
What is the lead time for FreshDeck orders and how is delivery coordinated?
FreshDeck advertises next business day delivery for select colors and locations, indicating strong inventory availability. Lead times may vary based on color selection, order size, and delivery destination. Customers should confirm expected delivery timeframes during the quotation process. Delivery coordination typically involves phone contact to schedule arrival, with freight companies requiring site access for unloading.
Does FreshDeck provide installation services or only supply materials?
FreshDeck primarily operates as a materials supplier offering wholesale direct composite decking products. The company can recommend preferred installers for customers requiring professional installation services. This model allows customers to choose between DIY installation for cost savings or professional installation for quality assurance, depending on their skills and project complexity.