Composite Decking Vs Wood Decking

Should You Get Wood Or Composite Decking?

The price of the decking heavily depends on the different manufacturer, as well as the material, shape and complexity. Anywhere between £180 and £240 – it will include the installation fee, too. The budget you need for a woodwork deck project varies from softwood to hardwood. Choose the best softwood timber according to affordability, colour and installation method. No pre-drilling is necessary, neither any kind of budget-soaring hidden fastening installations.

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.

• Rust and rot free, Aluminum provides a lasting deck that needs little maintenance and upkeep.
• Generally speaking, the average price of a wood decking suitable for outdoor use is US$15-25 per square foot, while that of wood plastic composite decking is USD$30-45 per square foot.
• For most homeowners, they need to consider the cost of replacing outdoor decks.
• If you compare the installation costs of patios vs. decks, it is quite clear that patios are generally cheaper, but that’s just half the story.
• The cost of materials for Aluminum comes in at an average of around $10 per square foot, and depending upon the results that you are looking for aluminum may be the choice.
• Depending on the materials used, it is still possible for patios to cost more to install than decks.

Especially when you calculate the cost of yearly maintenance and repair. While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won't splinter.

If you live in an area with humid and rainy weather, having a wooden deck isn’t the best idea. Of course, you can still find quality wooden boards that can withstand the harsh conditions, but going composite is simply more rewarding. So, now when we have a general idea about what wood and composite decking is, we can start the comparison. Just as the name suggests, wood decking is all about natural wood. You can choose between many different wood types, and it’s generally a great decking solution. Of course, the wood is treated with chemicals during the manufacturing process so it can withstand and resist all kinds of external damages. Finally, composite wood tends to have fewer options on the cosmetic side.

No matter whether you choose composite or wood, the quality of materials should be your primary concern. A timber deck requires yearly sanding, staining and oiling, maintenance which costs between $450 and $850 per year to maintain. Compare that to the $5 to $15 it costs per year to wash your composite deck. Over the life of the deck, you will be saving every single year that you own your composite deck. NexGEN maintenance free composite and aluminium decking with up to a 50 year stain and fade warranty.

One area where composites come out ahead is they can more easily be bent to form curved deck sections. To extend the life of a wood deck, homeowners must regularly paint, stain or seal the decking to defend against moisture. Composites, on the other hand, only require sweeping or washing to keep the boards looking good. We installed composite decking but first sign of rain and there is water stain Mark’s all over it.Could you tell me why this is?. The staining seems to be coming though the paint from the wood below but it can’t be mould as it’s too new, any idea what it is & how to treat it please?

Whats In Composite Decking?

Therefore, everyone always wears shoes and doesn't notice the limited splinters. Two things to remember, all composite decking is not the same, high and low qualities exist, do your homework FIRST. As far as prices for maintenance quoted in the article--they were really close to what a friend of mine has paid since I got my deck done and her deck is smaller than mine. It just depends on your area of the country and labor costs. Although I tend to recommend composite decks, you need to decide for yourself what fits best for your home and situation. The best way to do that is to talk with a knowledgeable deck building professional that can ask you the right questions and help you make the best decision. Just be honest with yourself from the start about whether you're going to do the maintenance yourself.

Simply dry sweep the deck with a bristled broom to rid the surface of any debris and to keep the space between deck boards clear. And if you accidentally spill something like ketchup during a barbecue on the deck, just use warm water and non-bleach dish soap and a sponge to remove it. Because wood is more porous, it’s susceptible to stains, and that could make cleaning it more difficult, and may require more frequent care. In fact, DuraLife was the first composite decking manufacturer to use polypropylene instead of polyethylene, and also the first to introduce a capped composite decking product. Polypropylene makes it stronger, stiffer, and harder than other composites, so it can span longer distances and withstand higher temperatures with less expansion and contraction. When it comes to the “wood vs composite” debate, there are no correct answers. Wooden decks are natural, come in at lower prices, and they’re generally better for when you’re living in areas with a lot of sunny days.

Composite Fencing

There are many more benefits to using composite materials for your deck. It provides customization when it comes to the color, style, and texture of the decking materials. Once you have an answer to all of these questions, you’ll know what to choose. Of course, make sure to do your research and look for reliable suppliers.