Composite Decking Vs Wood Decking

Should You Get Wood Or Composite Decking?

Maintenance - Most decks need to be sanded, thoroughly cleaned and stained or sealed about every two to five years . Pressure-treated pine sells for about half the price, while premium woods like cedar and redwood cost slightly less than composite.

Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?

What's The Right Choice For Your Deck?

You can save significantly on costs if you build the deck yourself. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1.75 to $5.50 per linear foot for the decking materials needed and between $4 and $8 per square foot for posts and joists materials. UltraShield Outdoor Composite Deck Tiles by NewTechWood are an easy and quick fix for covering up unsightly or cracked balcony or concrete patio. These deck tiles snap together and allow rain water to run through.

• Wood decks have much higher maintenance requirements and don’t last as long as composite decking materials.
• Everyone wants beautiful, natural-looking decking and nothing accomplishes that more than real hardwood decking.
• The largest hurdle is the upfront cost, because composite materials cost more than real wood.
• There’s no such thing as a perfect decking material, and that includes composite decking.

Prices are between $13 and $22 per square foot, and this does not include substructure. Wow, there are actually quite a few alternatives to wood decking available. We also showcase some interesting decking options that you probably haven't considered. Here at Keystone Custom Decks, we encourage all of our customers to get capped composite decking for their decks and porches. Wooden decks long-term durability depends on water-proof sealant or stain being regularly applied, often every several years.

If you live in an area with humid and rainy weather, having a wooden deck isn’t the best idea. Of course, you can still find quality wooden boards that can withstand the harsh conditions, but going composite is simply more rewarding. So, now when we have a general idea about what wood and composite decking is, we can start the comparison. Just as the name suggests, wood decking is all about natural wood. You can choose between many different wood types, and it’s generally a great decking solution. Of course, the wood is treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process so it can withstand and resist all kinds of external damages. Finally, composite wood tends to have fewer options on the cosmetic side.

Tigerwood tiles are a beautiful option and widely available. If you are starting with a concrete slab or patio, wood tiles are a viable option to update that existing pad with a new and fresh design. Available in Hardwood and basic wood styles, these tiles are specifically designed to work with an existing slab. Durable, rot and mold resistant, as well as pest-resistant wood tiles create an appealing finished design that differs from standard plank installation. Set in a contrasting pattern, this type of deck offers a unique design without a complete deck install. Just like your inexpensive kitchen vinyl tiles or planks, there are vinyl deck materials available for outdoor use. Econodek offers a membrane that can cover simple plywood decks to offer a waterproof finish, and complete DIY kit for a 12′ x 12′ deck will run you around $1500.

The higher the wood ranks on the scale, the more resistant to scratches and dents. We’ve briefly touched on this already, but because it’s such an important part of wooden decks, it deserves another mention.

Therefore, everyone always wears shoes and doesn't notice the limited splinters. Two things to remember, all composite decking is not the same, high and low qualities exist, do your homework FIRST. As far as prices for maintenance quoted in the article--they were really close to what a friend of mine has paid since I got my deck done and her deck is smaller than mine. It just depends on your area of the country and labor costs. Although I tend to recommend composite decks, you need to decide for yourself what fits best for your home and situation. The best way to do that is to talk with a knowledgeable deck building professional that can ask you the right questions and help you make the best decision. Just be honest with yourself from the start about whether you're going to do the maintenance yourself.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

Simply dry sweep the deck with a bristled broom to rid the surface of any debris and to keep the space between deck boards clear. And if you accidentally spill something like ketchup during a barbecue on the deck, just use warm water and non-bleach dish soap and a sponge to remove it. Because wood is more porous, it’s susceptible to stains, and that could make cleaning it more difficult, and may require more frequent care. In fact, DuraLife was the first composite decking manufacturer to use polypropylene instead of polyethylene, and also the first to introduce a capped composite decking product. Polypropylene makes it stronger, stiffer, and harder than other composites, so it can span longer distances and withstand higher temperatures with less expansion and contraction. When it comes to the “wood vs composite” debate, there are no correct answers. Wooden decks are natural, come in at lower prices, and they’re generally better for when you’re living in areas with a lot of sunny days.

Composite Fencing

The vast majority of decks are made with Southern yellow pine, a cheaper wood that is pressure treated to prevent weather damage, rotting and insect damage. Higher-quality woods such as cedar and redwood don’t require any type of pre-treatment because they contain natural preservatives.