When you consider all of the advantages of composite decking, building a wood deck feels like taking on a second job. Composite decking provides superior durability, and attractiveness, and requires very little maintenance, as opposed to wood decks with all of their maintenance requirements. The first thing you might consider is the cost comparison between composite decking and wood decking. But there are other factors that influence the choice of decking material. Let’s go over why composites outperform wood.
Is wood or composite more durable?
The majority of wood decks are made of pressure-treated pine, cedar, redwood, or a few exotic species like ipe. A well-maintained wood deck can last up to 20 years, depending on the wood used.
However, many wood decks do not last that long because they require substantial maintenance to maintain and protect them, and those maintenance difficulties become too much for some homeowners to handle. Wood loses its luster, absorbs water, warps, rots, and splinters when left untreated and uncared for.
As a result, to extend the life of the deck, homeowners must apply stains, sealers, or paint on a regular basis to preserve it from the elements, which takes a significant amount of time and money.
Composite decking, on the other hand, is ready when you are. You’ll never have to sand, stain, or paint again. A simple soap-and-water washing is all that is required to keep the excellent stability and beauty for decades. Composite decking‘s high-performance, weather-resistant shell resists fading, staining, and UV, rain, and insect damage. Not just for the first year, but for the next 25.
Composite decking vs wood cost
The initial expenditure required to build a new deck is determined by the size and configuration of the deck, as well as the cost of materials and installation. Labor is approximately one-third of the total project cost.
Because deck installation and labor costs vary by region, let’s compare material prices. A pressure-treated pine deck is often the least expensive option, with material costs ranging from $2.50 to $4.50 per square foot.
Cedar, redwood, and other exotic hardwoods are more expensive. Composite deck boards range in price from $4.60 to $13.60 per square foot, making them more expensive than pressure-treated lumber but less expensive than higher-priced wood options.
Keep in mind that the addition of railings, lighting, seating, and other deck elements raises material expenses.
But don’t forget about the long-term costs. While a pressure-treated wood deck takes less initial investment than a composite deck, a composite deck saves you money in the long term since it lasts longer and requires less maintenance. Regular sanding, staining, and sealing of a wood deck add significantly to the final cost.
A 12’x16′ deck, for example, costs roughly $1,757 in pressure-treated lumber. When you factor in maintenance fees for painting, staining, and sealing over a 25-year period, the long-term cost is around $4,557.
A 12’x16′ deck made of composite decking costs only $3,097 in the long run. Composite decking will look vibrant for decades and perform as well in year 25 as it did when it was placed. Since it never needs sanding, staining, or sealing and just requires a simple soap and water cleanup.
Composite Decking vs. Wood Decking Appearance
Composite decking looks and feels more natural than ever before, thanks to high-definition wood grain designs and rich, vivid hues. Colors range from deep earth tones to fashionable neutrals, as well as tropically inspired boards with the characteristic streaked look of hardwoods in designs that would fool even Mother Nature.
Years of exposure to the outdoors cause wood decking that has not been routinely maintained to lose its warm, earthy tones and develop a dreary grey.
You don’t have to settle with the standard rectangular composite deck, either. Composite boards are ideal for custom designs such as curves and inlays.
Environmentally Friendly Decking
Building using wood directly contributes to deforestation by removing trees that local species rely on for food and shelter. Composite decking, on the other hand, has the look and feel of real wood but without the environmental impact.
The composite decking portfolio is made with 95% recycled content, including reclaimed industrial wood scraps and plastic film from everyday objects like mailer bags, shopping bags, newspaper sleeves, and shrink wrap.
