What Composite Decking Is Really Made Of And Why Its Better Than Wood
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TimberTech offers warranties up to 50 years depending on which style you choose. The most popular plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride , although there are also versions made from polyethylene. Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop. Unlike a natural wood deck that can last years before needing repair, composite won't splinter, rot or become susceptible to insect damage. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won't fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time. And while it's true that composite decks cost more to build than a pressure treated deck, the price gap between the two options long term is much closer than you might expect.
- It still needs occasional scrubbing but it doesn’t require sealing and repairing.
- According to HomeAdvisor, a wood deck could take up to three or four weeks to build, but with composite decking technology, you could be sitting pretty that much sooner.
- For example, DuraLife’s Step-Clip fastener technology can help cut installation time by up to 50%—making your dream deck a reality that much sooner.
- Some people enjoy taking care of their wooden decks, even though it can be quite a hassle to do so.
- If you’re looking for easy maintenance, you should go with composite decking.
Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks
While composite decking is made to look like natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood. However, as durable as wood decking is, it’s still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort. Most decks require a full on retreatment consisting of sanding, cleaning, staining or painting and sealing every two to five years. The primary drawback to composite decking is arguably the higher price tag. At $30-$45 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $15-$25 for natural wood.
Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:
Woven types of bamboo is much more resistant to this problem, but still not waterproof. In standard moist areas and hot climates bamboo will serve you well. However, it is in fact a thing, and many homeowners find this type of decking best suits their needs. It also is easy to install, which makes it a great candidate for DIY projects.
5 Great Deck Materials - Popular Mechanics
The Materials for Making a Modern Deck
The price differential also depends on the wood species chosen versus the brand of composite decking, and local market conditions. Many homeowners choose wood decking because it is familiar, readily available and affordable. At the same time, wood decking problems like splinters, rot and high maintenance cause many headaches. Although composite wood decking is easier to maintain, some homeowners worry that composites won’t look as nice as wood.
Pressure-Treated Lumber Supplies
Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?
Most decks have pressure treated wooden frames, so the only material you have to worry about is the surface and railings. And that choice usually comes down to either traditional wood or composite decking. Ipe can cost up to four times the price of the cedar/redwood option because it is imported from South America. Among wood decking’s pros and cons, affordability is a decided benefit. Typically, wood decking is lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance.
Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance
Had a pressure treated wood deck for many years at my previous home. Current home has composite decking and we will NEVER go back to wood. I am in no way associated with marketing or sales of decking material.
Whats Better: Real Wood Or Composite Wood?
Here are the pros and cons of natural wood versus man-made composites for deck materials. Techwoodn is a leading innovator in wood plastic composite decking boards. Complete your yard with WPC decking, all to help you create a comfortable life. Not real wood - Some composite decking looks cheap and not at all like real wood (other composite looks great, though - brand matters).
Now using a high estimate of $139 a square metre for composite decking materials, the same deck costs $2,780. A significant factor in hardwood vs. composite decking is the cost of each product.
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How to get the deck of your dreams, whether Discover More you use a pro or DIY
Over the last decade or so, the popularity of composite decking has waged a new question for future deck owners everywhere – wood or composite decking? While each have its own share of pros and cons, including cost, durability, maintenance/labor and lifespan, the checkmarks in the pro-composite decking column seem to be stacking up. However, there are many dedicated wood users who advocate for the material, and thus the composite decking vs wood debate is still in full force. The battle between wood and composite decking materials has been going on for decades with mixed results. While wood decks were clearly winning the bids until some ten years ago, the composite decking materials improved immensely in terms of structure, durability and safety.
It can also be easy on your budget because there are a wide number of options. There are plenty of reasons people choose real wood for their decks. Many homeowners enjoy using natural materials rather than synthetic ones. That authenticity comes with practical benefits as well, though.