For most Americans, the outdoor living space represents a tranquil portion of the house that you can go to relax, refresh, and reflect. Nothing feels more like home than the comfort of a well-designed patio and veranda. No matter how well you design the deck, the beauty and functionality of the outdoor spaces boil down to the decking material.
Before kick-starting your deck replacement project, it is essential to understand that decking options have grown over the last few decades. There are now more composite, plastic, and wood products to choose from.
The debate between wood vs composite decking materials has been on for decades with mixed results. A 2016 CBS news report shows that wood materials still hold the largest market share at 75%. Composites are slowly growing in popularity, accounting for 16% of the $7 billion per year deck market.
There are several factors that you need to keep in mind when comparing wood vs composite decking materials. Here is a more in-depth look.
Wood Decking
Wood decking materials utilizes natural wood and other high-quality materials. Most lumberyards will offer cedar, redwood, or pressure-treated pine lumber. The inexpensive Southern Yellow Pine boards are chemically treated to resist rotting, insect, and mold damage. Cedar and redwood naturally have the properties gained through treating pine lumber. You can also opt for exotic wood species such as IPE and mahogany.
Composite Decking
The alternative option in the wood verse composite decking debate involves the use of wood fibers encased in plastic. The composite boards are manufactured by mixing wood and recycled plastic and pressing them into boards that resemble natural wood panels. Due to the considerable amount of plastic present, the boards are not susceptible to rotting or insect damage.
Comparison of Wood Versus Composite Decking Materials
1. Durability
With durability, composite decking has some advantages. Composite boards are water and insect resistant, problems that can plague wood decking. Moisture and bugs can cause the wooden boards to crack, warp, or splinter. However, some homeowners complain that composites in high-traffic areas can wear out much faster than the wood counterparts.
2. Maintenance
Wood decking may require regular maintenance tasks such as sanding and re-staining the panels to keep the deck looking fresh. Manufacturers brand composite decking materials as ‘zero-maintenance’ due to the low maintenance cost incurred. You only have to schedule an annual power washing to wash out the pollen, dirt, or mold that has accumulated over time.
3. Costs
The wood vs composite decking materials debate cannot end without a look at the expenses involved. Experts point out that wood decking is cheaper, averaging $15 to $25 per square foot. However, the costs may be higher in hardwood products. Composite materials may set you back $30 to $45 per square foot.
4. Appearance
While technology advancements in the engineered wood space have immensely improved the looks of composite products, nothing beats the all-natural look and finish provided by wood materials. Composite boards may try to mimic wood, but the final product may come off flat or fake-looking.
Bottom Line
When designing your new deck, you may be torn between wood vs. composite decking materials. Ultimately, your choice will come down to personal taste, preferences, and budget. If you do not mind some annual maintenance work, Alexander Lumber can supply you with wood decking materials to complete your outdoor project.
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