Composite Decking Vs Wood 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.

• The main reason people choose composite or manmade deck materials is for the low maintenance required.
• The main reason people choose wood is for the initial cost savings.
• 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 cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor.
• The question is really how much you're willing or able to spend upfront.

While I mentioned above that patios can crack over time, anyone careful with their stone will likely find concrete to be a solid solution for many years to come. Setting up cheap concrete paving slabs on your own could lead to you accidentally installing them the wrong way or ending up with a system that just doesn’t endure. Pressure-treated wood requires refinishing with a clear sealer or stain every other year, just half the maintenance of a natural wood deck. Both wood and composites are easy to cut and fasten using common tools most homeowners have.

The cost of installing a new patio depends on the material used to construct the patio and whether any leveling or groundwork is needed before installation. A patio measuring 16 feet by 20 feet will vary in cost from $2,500 to $9,500 depending on the materials used and the labor needed.

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.

When you’re in the midst of a big garden makeover, it’s tempting to ignore the fact that, in time, decking is likely going to need a fair amount of TLC. However, it all depends on the type of wood you choose, the size of your decking, and whether or not you treat it.As mentioned, pre-treatment isn’t always the best idea. However, there are a few choices out there which are likely to demand less time and money from you in the long run. One of the most popular choices for cheap decking online is to use pallets. Pallet decking is all about taking wooden pallets and using their slats to create new shapes and designs. Help is a good thing – of course – but when it comes to saving money on decking for your garden, don’t be too hasty to pay out for the extra support.

Unlike real wood, you won’t need to strip, sand, seal, or stain it. Once it’s installed, you can get a long life from it with little maintenance other than regular cleaning. Nova’s products are highly durable and sustainably sourced, so you can trust their products are strong, resilient and built to last while also coming from ethical sources. Now that you've learned the many benefits to hardwood decking, you may be wondering which provider to go with.

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.