Should You Get Wood Or 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?

“Often people fall into the hope that their deck is going to look like floorboards inside,” says Rod Aulburn, owner of Sydney company Get Decked Out. The deck pictured here was built using capped Fiberon boards in Ipe with the dining zone picked out in Tudor. Most timber decking alternatives are known as ‘composite’ decking, and are a wood-plastic hybrid. These include brand names such as ModWood, Trex , CleverDeck and Ekodeck. Other alternatives are fibre-cement decking boards, and timber that’s been chemically modified to resist weathering and decay.

• Finally, consider that composite decking is good for the environment, looks beautiful and best of all, you can enjoy your deck barefoot and worry free.
• Composite decks are made by mixing wooden materials with recycled plastic.
• And think of the ease of ownership that this relatively maintenance free product provides.
• The plastic acts as protection from insects and other types of threats.
• When real, long-term value is considered, composite decking materials are clearly a less expensive option.

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.

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.

TimberTech has engineered certain formulations of their composite decking products to minimize heat build-up, so they’re cooler under your feet. If you are building a deck that will be in direct sunlight all day you may want to choose a lighter composite finish so that it won’t absorb as much of the sun’s heat. I have been looking into upgrading to composite decking and feel like it might be the right choice for us. Our deck is made of wood and has not held up well over time. There are boards that are rotting and we will definitely have to replace it within the next year. Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed.

Of course if you choose to hire a professional to install the price rises. The advantages of vinyl are similar to anything else that is made with vinyl, including resistance to wear, durability, and water resistance. Additionally, the vinyl material is resistant to UV rays and sun damage. VersaDry is an alternative brand that boasts a cooler surface in the sun, comfort coating for shock absorption, and scratch and stain resistance. Adding additional options such as no-fade colorfast from manufacturers such as EZ Deck, Kroy, and Dream Deck.

Therefore, everyone always wears shoes and doesn't notice the limited splinters. Two things to remember, all composite decking is not the same, high and low qualities exist, do your homework FIRST. As far as prices for maintenance quoted in the article--they were really close to what a friend of mine has paid since I got my deck done and her deck is smaller than mine. It just depends on your area of the country and labor costs. Although I tend to recommend composite decks, you need to decide for yourself what fits best for your home and situation. The best way to do that is to talk with a knowledgeable deck building professional that can ask you the right questions and help you make the best decision. Just be honest with yourself from the start about whether you're going to do the maintenance yourself.

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.

Composite Fencing

After our list, we set out an extensive list of example products you can check out. Both wood and composite decks can be customized in color, but the amount of work required is vastly different between the two. At Keystone Custom Decks, we have seen composite decking live up to its hype. Unless they are abused or mistreated, composite materials do not scratch over time.