Wood Vs Composite Decking

Should You Get Wood Or Composite Decking?

This is especially important for walking on the deck barefoot, and for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive. Many different wood species are available for use as decking and railing. Common options at U.S. lumberyards includecedar, redwood and pressure-treated pine lumber. For homeowners interested in exotic wood species, tropical hardwood decking options include tiger wood, ipe (pronounced “EE-pay) and mahogany.

Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?

What's The Right Choice For Your Deck?

You can save significantly on costs if you build the deck yourself. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1.75 to $5.50 per linear foot for the decking materials needed and between $4 and $8 per square foot for posts and joists materials. UltraShield Outdoor Composite Deck Tiles by NewTechWood are an easy and quick fix for covering up unsightly or cracked balcony or concrete patio. These deck tiles snap together and allow rain water to run through.

• Now, if you plan to do all the maintenance on your wooden deck yourself , a wooden deck may still be cheaper than composite decking material.
• Aluminium composite decking panels which contain wooden starch and plastic .
• Gaining in popularity are composite decking materials, composed primarily of a mix of recycled plastic and wood fibers.
• Further, advancements in this type of decking have made its look-and-feel downright attractive, by many accounts.

Especially when you calculate the cost of yearly maintenance and repair. While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won't splinter.

Still not as long as composite, but an admirable amount of time, if properly treated. Let us know in the comments below along with any tips and recommendations. Another comfortable benefit is this material doesn’t require periodical grinding or painting of the surface. That in itself can be a downside, because you have no way of removing scratches.

No matter whether you choose composite or wood, the quality of materials should be your primary concern. A timber deck requires yearly sanding, staining and oiling, maintenance which costs between $450 and $850 per year to maintain. Compare that to the $5 to $15 it costs per year to wash your composite deck. Over the life of the deck, you will be saving every single year that you own your composite deck. NexGEN maintenance free composite and aluminium decking with up to a 50 year stain and fade warranty.

The higher the wood ranks on the scale, the more resistant to scratches and dents. We’ve briefly touched on this already, but because it’s such an important part of wooden decks, it deserves another mention.

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.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

So the decision process usually involves only the materials that will make up the decking surface and railings. UV resistance - Composite decks will not fade or lighten over time like natural wood. Composite is a manmade decking product that has gained popularity over the last decade. It is manufactured using a combination of wood fiber and plastic. The planks are designed to look like wood, although most people can tell the difference between natural wood and composite. Even with a composite deck, the load-bearing supports are made of natural wood because it is sturdier.

Composite Fencing

There are many more benefits to using composite materials for your deck. It provides customization when it comes to the color, style, and texture of the decking materials. Once you have an answer to all of these questions, you’ll know what to choose. Of course, make sure to do your research and look for reliable suppliers.