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.

• Now, if you plan to do all the maintenance on your wooden deck yourself , a wooden deck may still be cheaper than composite decking material.
• Aluminium composite decking panels which contain wooden starch and plastic .
• This is due to the fact that the better part of the composite mixture (around 60 to 80%) is made of pieces of wood.
• This material is well-established in practice as it looks stylish – it’s not easy to distinguish between composite and natural wood at first sight.
• Gaining in popularity are composite decking materials, composed primarily of a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers.
• Further, advancements in this type of decking have made its look-and-feel downright attractive, by many accounts.

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.

Share your experiences in the Comments below, like this story, save your favourite images and join the conversation. Unlike the plastic-wood composites, fibre-cement decking does need to be sealed with either a good-quality water-based paving paint or a penetrating sealer. “Design-wise it’s really flexible, because you can paint it any colour you like or it can be stained to look like timber,” says Whymark. Finished with a clear sealer, it will look like polished concrete.

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.

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.

Whats In Composite Decking?

On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $15 to $25 per square foot including installation. A composite deck will cost $30 to $45 per square foot installed.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

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Consider materials and design before that site starting websites a deck project

MoistureShield® offers the only wood composite decking that can be installed in the ground, on the ground or underwater. Discover how our Solid Core has helped prevent structural field failures for more than 30 years and why that matters for your outdoor living space. Additionally, wood decks are known to splinter or warp due to the elements or normal wear and tear from use. However, on average, a well-cared for deck can last up to 20 years or more.

Composite Fencing

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.