Wood Vs Composite Decking

Should You Get Wood Or Composite Decking?

Composite decking, on the other hand, is designed to repel liquids, mold, and other materials that leave stains. Also, if something spills on the deck, it can usually be wiped up quickly. You should also be prepared to replace your deck sooner when using wood decking, and this fact alone often makes the initial savings not worth it in the long term. Before choosing to go with lumber just because the initial cost is cheaper, be prepared to put in the additional maintenance and work on your deck. When comparing decking, pricing is one of the few areas where wood decking has an advantage.

Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?

What's The Right Choice For Your Deck?

Of course, it has its pros and cons to consider before you commit. Another key benefit of choosing hardwood over composite decking is the potential to increase the value of your home. By having a deck, especially one made with beautiful, durable hardwood, you are providing more living space, which is something many people would pay more for. Wood can be much more cost effective since it offers natural durability and doesn't require special manufacturing. Even with treated lumber, there is a much lower cost for natural hardwood decking. Even composite decks still require annual maintenance in order to prevent algae and fungus growth and to remove the occasional seedling that takes up root between boards. The Janka Hardness Scale is used to rank the hardness or resistance to scratching of various species of wood.

• So, when it comes down to it, for the most beautiful and natural looking decking, the best option is to go with real, naturally durable hardwood.
• 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.

Composite decking is fade resistant, but it may fade over time in strong sunlight. Composite decking will get lighter in color tone as it fades. An average high-range composite deck cost an average of $39,339 to build, increased the average home sales price by $22,171, but the cost vs. value ratio fell to 56.6%.

TimberTech has engineered certain formulations of their composite decking products to minimize heat build-up, so they’re cooler under your feet. If you are building a deck that will be in direct sunlight all day you may want to choose a lighter composite finish so that it won’t absorb as much of the sun’s heat. I have been looking into upgrading to composite decking and feel like it might be the right choice for us. Our deck is made of wood and has not held up well over time. There are boards that are rotting and we will definitely have to replace it within the next year. Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed.

What Is The Most Durable Decking Material?

Of course if you choose to hire a professional to install the price rises. The advantages of vinyl are similar to anything else that is made with vinyl, including resistance to wear, durability, and water resistance. Additionally, the vinyl material is resistant to UV rays and sun damage. VersaDry is an alternative brand that boasts a cooler surface in the sun, comfort coating for shock absorption, and scratch and stain resistance. Adding additional options such as no-fade colorfast from manufacturers such as EZ Deck, Kroy, and Dream Deck.

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.

Even if factoring in professional labor to do the work for you it would be a fraction of the absurd price. One quick point of clarification- most, but not all, decks use lumber for the substructure of a deck. Trex provides another option called "Elevations", a steel deck framing for your composite deck. I have a 20-year old+ pressure-treated wooden deck and all I've ever done to it is power wash it biannually and apply Thompson's WaterSeal Clear Wood Protector. Yes, there are some splinters in the decking, but there are no major cracks or splits. It's a wood and where I grew up we were told to expect splinters when working with outdoor wood of any type.

After our list, we set out an extensive list of example products you can check out. Both wood and composite decks can be customized in color, but the amount of work required is vastly different between the two. At Keystone Custom Decks, we have seen composite decking live up to its hype. Unless they are abused or mistreated, composite materials do not scratch over time.