Wood Vs Composite Decking

Should You Get Wood Or Composite Decking?

Composite decking - technically called ‘capped composite decking’ - is a precise blend of wood and plastic polymers. This polymer core is then wrapped in vinyl sheathing to provide protection and long-term durability. Composite decking may require a little sweat equity every few months, but it’s easy to clean and care for.

Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?

What's The Right Choice For Your Deck?

Composite decking does not typically get hotter than pressure treated wood. On a hot summer day with the sun beating down, nearly any surface will get hot however composite decking is more UV resistant and helps resist fading from the sun’s rays. Unlike traditional lumber decking, using composite decking around pools can provide a smooth, clean surface for many years with little to no maintenance. You may be wondering whether composite decking is right for your project and if it’s worth the added cost. Trex decking does not typically get hotter than pressure-treated wood, although on a hot day with a blazing sun, nearly any surface will get uncomfortably hot. Lighter colored boards tend to be slightly cooler than darker composite boards.

• Though composite decking is the more expensive choice initially, over time, it can pay for itself and save you a world of maintenance.
• The maintenance needed to maintain a traditional timber decking varies on the type of wood it is made from.
• The lifetime cost of composite decking is undoubtedly lower.
• But if you don't like the look of composite, wood may be a better choice despite the maintenance involved.
• 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.
• Think about what works best for your taste and budget, and hopefully you'll land on the right decision.

What’s more, patio slabs are prone to cracking outright, which means a complete replacement. Vinyl might also be a good choice for low maintenance decking, as again, it’s not going to need the treatments and coatings that you’d expect to give a few planks of wood. For example, vinyl is at risk of getting pretty hot in the sun, can get scorching underfoot, and it’s at real risk of cracking and splintering apart.

Composite decks, on the other hand, require less maintenance, are mold-proof and insect-proof, and are completely customizable. Of course, you have to consider the costs of maintenance too.

The primary alternative to real wood is composite wood for your deck. Composite wood is made from a combination of wood particles and select types of plastic like polyethylene. Real wood decking has stood the test of time as a popular favorite.

Therefore, it’s probably going to be cheaper and safer for you to look around at what’s on the market rather than diving straight into pre-treatment. For composite-material decks, no refinishing is required, but the materials can become hosts for mold if they are not cleaned at least every three or four years. If you want the natural route, go with a weather-resistant wood such as cedar or redwood. These types of decks have a beautiful look-and-feel and resist warping, cracking or other weather damage. Redwood is usually more expensive than cedar and in general, these types of decks come in at about three times the price of treated lumber. A deck can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years if made from untreated wood and can last as long as 50 years for treated wood or composite materials.

Whats In Composite Decking?

I don’t want to re-paint until I know what’s causing it otherwise it’s just covering up the problem. Most composite decks have special textures which make them slip resistant when wet. Wood decks on the other hand lack this feature and can get quite slippery especially if there’s a thin layer of mold growing on them.

In fact, over the past several years, composite decking has turned into the fastest-growing decking material for residential homes. Keep reading to learn the differences between wood and composite lumber and find out what the best decking material is for your home. as above, i know composite is more expensive, but are there any pros/cons of it? We were considering 2 levels of patio but ive laid decking previously so this would save loads on labour costs. If you have your heart set on decking and upgrading your garden, then there are plenty of ways to look for a cheaper option than decking in treated wood. It might mean that you need to compromise on a few factors, however, think carefully about what great value means to you. While it may be a cheaper option than decking, it’s likely to offer more of a slip risk, and plenty of people will agree that a decking just looks nicer by design.

They are a perfect solution for a deck or roof top patio since they are made from high density recycled plastic composite material. They are made from NewTechWood proven UltraShield technology that covers the core material with multi-chromatic poly shell hence protecting it. Available in several finishes, the tiles are strong and resilient, resistant to weather and compliments any landscape. A lot of old concrete slabs begin to chip, crack, or just look worn, sometimes having an old ugly coat of paint. Adding wood tiles gives the appearance of a brand new deck, with a much easier application process. They range in price depending upon material, and can cost upwards of $18 per square foot.