Wood Vs Composite 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?

Regionally, decks recouped more of their costs in regions where outdoor lifestyles are more popular. Wood is more likely to have smooth spots created by wear; such spots may be slippery when wet. Most brands of composite decking have textured finishes to make them slip-resistant. Water and ice accumulation from rain and snow may create slippery conditions on any deck surface.

• Though composite decking is the more expensive choice initially, over time, it can pay for itself and save you a world of maintenance.
• The maintenance needed to maintain a traditional timber decking varies on the type of wood it is made from.
• The lifetime cost of composite decking is undoubtedly lower.
• But if you don't like the look of composite, wood may be a better choice despite the maintenance involved.
• And no matter which material you choose, be sure to get your share of quotes so you're able to compare your options and snag a great deal.

While I mentioned above that patios can crack over time, anyone careful with their stone will likely find concrete to be a solid solution for many years to come. Setting up cheap concrete paving slabs on your own could lead to you accidentally installing them the wrong way or ending up with a system that just doesn’t endure. Pressure-treated wood requires refinishing with a clear sealer or stain every other year, just half the maintenance of a natural wood deck. Both wood and composites are easy to cut and fasten using common tools most homeowners have.

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%.

Wood is a relatively common and economical choice at present. But people want outdoor spaces to be more beautiful and practical. As more and more builders and homeowners learn about this high-performance composite decking, it has become a new choice for many people. You can build a deck on land that is not level, which makes it a great option for sloping landscapes or uneven yards. Waterproofing materials might be required in some cases to avoid compromising your home’s foundation. Overall, a concrete patio will generally be cheaper to install compared to a deck. Of course, there’s no rule that prevents you from having both a deck and a patio.

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.

You can put this material in direct sunlight or shade and not experience any warping or rotting. Wood has a lower starting cost, but in the long run, it’ll cost a lot more money than composite decking.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

Unlike real wood, you won’t need to strip, sand, seal, or stain it. Once it’s installed, you can get a long life from it with little maintenance other than regular cleaning. Nova’s products are highly durable and sustainably sourced, so you can trust their products are strong, resilient and built to last while also coming from ethical sources. Now that you've learned the many benefits to hardwood decking, you may be wondering which provider to go with.

Composite Fencing

If you decide to get a wooden deck, you must be prepared to sand the whole thing down, re-stain it, and reseal it at least once a year. Not carrying out proper maintenance will make your deck deteriorate much faster than it should. However, even dark composite materials do tend to fade in the sunlight. But most colors will keep their natural hue for the deck’s entire lifetime. Sun or shade don’t make much of a difference when it comes to composite decking.