The common decking materials on the market are composite material and traditional wood, and the key choice you face is what deck to use. They are both popular choices for building outdoor spaces, and each material has unique benefits and features.
Regardless of what material the deck is made of, it usually uses treated lumber for the structural framing. Therefore the selection process only involves the material on the deck’s surface. We will compare the composite deck and wood deck in detail. By exploring their composition, durability, maintenance needs, and cost factors. Homeowners can make an informed choice when selecting a material.
Composite decking contrasting wood decking
From cost to maintenance, durability to appearance. When deciding whether to use composite material or wood for your next project, think hard first.
Composition
Composite material is a mixture of wood fibers, recycled plastics, and adhesives that combine to form a new type of decking material. It mimics the look of wood while providing greater durability and resistance. Superior performance and perfect style make it an attractive choice.
Traditional wood decking, on the other hand, is made from natural wood, usually softwood or hardwood. It has a more natural grain and finish, making it popular with many homeowners as well. While wood decking has a more natural-looking appearance. However, it requires frequent maintenance and upkeep for appearance and performance.
Durability
Composite decking is known for its superior durability. It protects against moisture, rot, pests, and damage, and won’t crack, warp, or warp easily. The excellent performance makes it suitable for all kinds of environments and weather. Especially in high-traffic areas.
While wood decking also has good durability, it requires regular maintenance and sealing. Regular maintenance is what prevents it from weathering, cracking, and rotting. If traditional wood decking is left alone, it can easily deteriorate and become damaged over time.
Maintenance requirements
Another major advantage of the composite deck is its low maintenance. Instead of tedious sanding, staining, and sealing, you only need to clean it regularly with warm soapy water. Simple cleaning is enough to ensure the performance and appearance of composite decking boards. Composite decking retains its appearance for a long time and will not fade with use.
In comparison, wood decking requires more frequent maintenance. Although it has a classic look and style, it is very susceptible to fading and damage. So you’ll need to sand, seal, and stain it regularly to ensure the look and overall structural integrity. This means that choosing a wood deck takes more time and costs more for subsequent maintenance.
Appearance
In terms of appearance and aesthetics, both composite decks and wood decks have a unique visual appeal. composite wood decks come in a wide range of colors, looks, and finishes to choose from. Homeowners are free to mix and match different styles to create endless possibilities. With most manufacturers supporting customization. Homeowners can create more attractive outdoor spaces based on their needs.
Wood decks, on the other hand, create a natural and warm atmosphere with their unique textured finishes and classic natural look. Many homeowners prefer wood decks. Because of their traditional appeal and ability to bring more natural beauty to their outdoor space. So homeowners need to consider their preferred style when choosing between the two. composite decks can bring a sleeker style, while traditional decks offer more of a traditional appeal.
Environmentally friendly
Composite material is more environmentally friendly because it uses a lot of recycled materials. The recycling of plastics and wood fibers helps to reduce the amount of wood that is cut down and wasted. Making it more environmentally friendly. In addition, composite decking does not require chemical treatments that can pollute the environment. And it does not require the use of chemical products for maintenance.
Wood decking, on the other hand, requires a large amount of wood to produce, which can result in the cutting down of trees and waste. If you are environmentally conscious, composite decking is a good choice.
Cost
The main factor that homeowners usually consider during the selection process is the cost of the deck. Typically, wood decking has a cheaper cost, especially when it comes to the initial purchase. Although it has a lower initial cost, wood decking will cost more than the budget when considering maintenance and long-term costs.
In comparison, composite decking costs more to purchase but will pay for itself over time. Because you don’t need to spend a lot of time and money on the deck’s maintenance and upkeep, composite decks don’t break down easily. The price difference between the two, however, also depends on the brand of composite decks and the type of wood.
Longevity
Composite decking boards have excellent performance and durability. The result is a longer service life. Typically, composite decks can last 15-25 years. For some quality composite materials and reliable manufacturers, it can even last more than 30 years.
Wood decks also have a good lifespan, but not nearly as long as composite decks. wood decks usually last about 15 years, but require frequent maintenance to ensure longevity.