What Composite Decking Is Really Made Of And Why Its Better Than Wood

The main reason people choose composite or manmade deck materials is for the low maintenance required. For most homeowners, they need to consider the cost of replacing outdoor decks. 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.

• The cost of timber decking boards depends on the type of wood – softwood decking is considerably cheaper than both hardwood decking and most composite decking options.
• We can’t say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose.
• Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks.
• If the deck needs to be replaced after several years of use, this will also be a considerable cost.
• On the other hand, most composite decking solutions are cheaper in comparison to decks made of ipe or redwood.
• In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

When looking at the composite decking versus wood cost, you will find that you actually pay more for composite decking, between the initial order and the installation costs. There is a wide range of wood species that exist, and each has its own benefits. When it comes to hardwood decking vs. composite decking, hardwood decking is an incredible, naturally durable option. Wood is almost always going to be cheaper than composite decking. Many people buy wood for their deck because they like the lower cost. But as soon as you start to look at all the maintenance wood requires, it gets much more expensive.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

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. If you’re looking for easy maintenance, you should go with composite decking. It still needs occasional scrubbing but it doesn’t require sealing and repairing. Some people enjoy taking care of their wooden decks, even though it can be quite a hassle to do so. The second decking type discussed in this article is composite decking.

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. The cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor. If your budget for installing a deck is limited, you may choose to stick with wood. But keep in mind that composite requires less maintenance over time so that, depending on the size of your deck, at some point, you could break even. The question is really how much you're willing or able to spend upfront. The main reason people choose wood is for the initial cost savings.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily. On top of this, we also donate 10% of all profits to the Rainforest Trust UK to help become a carbon negative business. Finally, there’s the hidden cost of the environmental damage that wooden decks cause to our planet. Adding a deck to your home is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. But not all decking material is created equal, and you may be torn between natural wood or composite, a material designed to mimic the look of wood.

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).

Ultrashield natural outdoor composite deck tiles are outfitted by exotic composite finish to give it a trendy look. The tiles are easy and quick to fix which enables it to be fixed without much time wastage. The tiles are made using high quality density recycled composite plastic material. They therefore offer the perfect solution for decks and roof top patios. The deck tiles can easily snap together and allows rain to easily floor through.