Comparing Composite Vs Wood Decking

Traditional wood hasdifferent hardness rankingsand responds to its environment differently based on the species of lumber used. That means that you may have to sacrifice the look you want to account for the softness and/or variability of the material.

The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider. The problem that you have with nails or screws when building a deck is that they create a place of weakness for the board. You can experience cracking, corrosion, and premature rotting depending on the quality of the construction. At the very least, you end up with a product that requires precision fastener placement to create the clean look you want. If you choose composite decking instead, then you can use hidden fasteners under the decking to secure the product. This advantage adds a little more to the final cost of your installation, but it also creates a 100% clean look that reduces the risk that comes with those added weak points.

In fact, you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting—just do a simple soap and water cleaning twice a year. Trex® is a high-performance composite material that’s specifically designed for use in the construction of outdoor decks. In today’s post, decking and roofing contractor ABM Services & Renovations shares an overview of the benefits of this exceptional decking material. Over 50 different companies manufacture composite decking, and each one has a research and development division constantly working on solving any problems with the product. However, many people don’t like the grey look, but find it difficult to constantly maintain the deck with staining.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• Coast to coast, more and more homeowners are recognizing the benefits of composite decking over traditional wood.
• Without this step, the natural wood fibers will still begin to disintegrate, which can leave uncomfortable plastic fibers sticking out of your deck over time, creating a walking hazard.
• Some outdoor living enthusiasts are drawn to the low maintenance and high value of composite decking; for others, the enduring beauty of the color-rich boards wins them over.
• Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process.

You can also choose capped composite decking to have a product that resists fading and discoloration over time. This man-made product includes about a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. These materials make the product almost impervious to rot, which means there are fewer needs to sand, stain, and seal the boards to preserve their lifespan. You’ll pay a little more to use this material, but the initial expense is made up over the lifetime of the deck. If you’re on a budget and the price tag of a composite deck is just too much, then a wooden deck is a great alternative. The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $15 versus $30 installation, respectively.

Environmentally Friendly Product

Costs Over 10 Years

For the environmentally conscious, composite decking is a smart investment. Since composite deck boards are made with wood fiber, and recycled plastics, they are one of the many innovative products that make use of products that might otherwise end up in landfill.

Popular Mechanics notes that this type of decking generally costs between $2.50 and $3.50 per linear foot. In contrast, Decks.com notes treated lumber decks cost on average $0.75–$1.25 per linear foot. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber. Our protective polymer capping and innovative materials science combine to keep colors vibrant, moisture out, and structural integrity intact. It’s important to wash, stain and seal wood decks—a process that can take several days and may require the use of heavy equipment like a power washer. High-performance composites retain their beauty for decades with minimal upkeep, meaning you’ll spend more time enjoying—rather than maintaining—your deck for years to come.

Advantages Of Composite Decks

If the rays have a focus point through a window, then there is a chance that a hot day could melt it as well. If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction. If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually. You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain.

Advantages Of Composite Decking

While a few composites are made with a blend of plastics, hardwood pieces and different materials, the rest contain vinyl and plastics. While composite decks won’t rot and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage. Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished.

Put in a composite deck at my mom’s and hated it – first it fades, not that much but the decking faded faster than the railing, and the rail end caps even less. Dog nails leave scratches, as will clumsy adults and kids, not to mention unremovable stains and sneaky mold. Oh, and if you want to replace a stained/scratched/damaged deck board it won’t match cause the others faded, remember? Upgraded that vacation home and had to replace the old deck due to code problems and didn’t think twice, wood it was! Used CedarTone Premium treated #1 southern yellow pine and won’t even have to stain it for a couple years, looks great with a custom sunburst rail pattern. If spending a little less money and doing some regular maintenance sounds okay to you, stick with the old-fashioned wood decking. Go for the composite deck if you don’t mind spending a bit more money for a deck that requires far less maintenance and is eco-friendly.

No need to worry about splintering, rotting, or cracking, thanks to tough composite materials used. Additionally, traditional wood decks can fall victim to insect damage from termites. Trex decking is termite-proof, so your deck stays safe and beautiful. It’s easy to see why so many homeowners are choosing Trex decking in Maryland.

The long-term cost savings is another one of the benefits of composite decking. Traditional wood decksneed to be maintained at least every three years and replaced every 10 to 15 years — a labor-intensive process. You will need to power-wash and stain a traditional wood deck as well. When it comes to durability,wood just doesn’t compare to composite decking.

Two of the most common options are wood and wood-plastic composites. Whether you plan to do the job yourself or hire a contractor, this article discusses factors to consider when comparing wood vs. composite decking. MoistureShield® offers the only wood composite decking that can be installed in the ground, on the ground or underwater. Discover how our Solid Core has helped prevent structural field failures for more than 30 years and why that matters for your outdoor living space.

TimberTech deck boards never need sanding, staining, or sealing to maintain their gorgeous color. For the removal of dirt, dust, or pollen, these fuss-free product lines need only spot treatment or a light washing withTimberTech® DeckCleaner™. High-performance composite decking provides the look and feel of real wood, but without the environmental impact of deforestation. You’ve decided it's time to replace your outdoor deck and you’re ready to take it on as a DIY project, or you’ve decided to work with a licensed and bondedcontractor for the heavy lifting. Long lasting and low maintenance, composite decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood construction. Compared to wooden decks, the composite deck has a long life.

Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking. They do, however, require semiannual cleaning, which consists of a soapy water mixture and a low power washer or soft bristle brush. Not only can it add value to your outdoor lifestyle, it also adds value to your home. Homeowners who add a composite deck to their home can recoup much of the cost of their investment when they go to sell their home. In fact, some homeowners can see as high as a 62.8 percent return on investment for their composite decking addition. Composite decks are made from slip-resistant and splinter-free materials.