The Advantages and Disadvantages of Composite vs. Wood Decking

Incorporating one or more decks onto a property is one of the most popular home improvement projects among property owners.

Additionally, by increasing the amount of space available, the property’s value is increased. While most decks built a few decades ago were made of wood, several firms are now selling composite decks, which are made of a combination of wood and plastic and are available at a cheap cost.

A property owner who has been requested by his deck-builder to pick the material for his deck would like to compare composite deck vs wood deck, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each material, before making a final choice on which material to choose.

Composite decks

Pros

In order to achieve a wood-like look, the composite decks are developed after intensive study and blend plastic with lumber. Most importantly, composite material is extremely robust and may endure for up to fifty years with proper maintenance.

Also included in this treatment is a UV inhibitor, which ensures that the material will not fade or break when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) light. After being exposed to water for an extended amount of time, the material is waterproof and will not degrade.

Termites and other insects will not attack it, so it is more durable and does not require pest control.

Cons

The most significant drawback of having a composite deck is the expense of the decking material.

Considering that the material blends wood and plastic, its production costs are greater, and as a result, the material is often priced between $30 and $45 per square foot on average. Despite the fact that it is available in tones that are comparable to genuine wood, it is not the same color as natural wood.

The fact that the sheet composite material is extruded means that the sheets are only available in a limited number of sizes. As opposed to wood, it is far more difficult to cut into varied sizes. Mold may also develop on the deck if it is not cleaned on a regular basis.

Wood decks

Pros

Because wood is a naturally occurring material, the cost of a hardwood deck is far lower than the cost of a composite deck of comparable size. This makes it an excellent choice for property owners who have a restricted budget or who intend to modify the style of their deck after a few years of ownership.

Pressure-treated pine or other types of wood are the most affordable materials for wooden decks, with prices starting at $15 per square foot.

Redwood and other hardwoods are more expensive than composite decking, with prices averaging $25 per square foot. However, they are less expensive than composite decking. The deck is given a natural and sumptuous appearance by the use of wood. It is possible to have a deck that has been carved or constructed specifically for you.

Cons

In addition to being less robust, wood decks have a shorter lifespan than other types of decking, lasting fewer than 10 years if they are not properly maintained. If the wood is submerged in water for an extended period of time, it may decay. The hardwood decking material may also grow dusty, develop cracks, or become twisted over time if not properly maintained.

As a result, sanding, staining, painting, and sealing will be necessary every few years to keep the deck in good condition, which will be time-consuming and expensive. Additionally, termites and other related pests may damage the wooden deck, causing it to rot and become unusable.