
The Basics of Composite and Wood Decking
While both materials serve the same purpose, they are each made differently and have varying properties. Composite is made from recycled wood or bamboo and plastic materials, ground and densely compacted into board shapes. The wood is often sawdust or chips from lumber mills, and the plastics are from recycling centers, making composite decking up to 95% recycled material. After machinery compresses it into planks, the material is sealed, or capped, with a polymer coating, which protects the boards from warping, fading, splintering, rotting and destructive insects. Generally, it is easy and fast to put together — meaning you can enjoy your deck sooner — and will last for years with little maintenance or hassle.
Benefits of Composite Decking

1. Resistance to Aging
Despite being partially made of wood, composite materials stand up to sun exposure, weather and destructive insects far better than regular wood planks. The protective polymer seal coating every inch of the boards prevents any fading, rotting, splintering, cracking or structural damage from bugs, all of which are issues with natural wood. Using composite is safer for you, children and pets, so you can feel free to walk barefoot anytime.2. Long Life With Low Maintenance
While many wood options require sanding, sealant and staining treatments on a yearly or bi-yearly basis, the most you’ll ever have to do for composite decking is to give it a good scrub with some cleaner and water to be sure mold doesn’t grow. If any accidental spills occur, all you have to do is wipe the spill up as you would on a kitchen floor. Spills won’t stain or sink in, and composite decking is resistant even to red wine. Otherwise, you can rest easy knowing your deck will live on without weather damage.3. Cost-effectiveness
The cost of composite decking may be higher than most wood alternatives, but the value of the product is better. You’ll spend far less money and time on maintenance and your deck will still outlive those made from lumber. It may be more costly up front, but the longevity and convenience will make that extra money more than worth it. In the long run, you may actually end up saving money in comparison to installing a wood deck.4. Sustainable Sourcing
Recycled from wood scraps and plastic, composite materials are sustainable and environmentally friendly. They prevent further deforestation and promote reclaiming and reusing materials, saving trees and keeping plastics and lumber out of landfills. Unlike wood, they also require no chemical treatment, keeping harmful toxins out of the environment.5. Visual Appeal
In its early days, composite lumber looked much more like plastic than wood. Now, with new technologies and better manufacturing processes, the material appears much more natural, including different color finishes similar to a variety of wood types and grain patterns that mimic real ones. Some manufacturers are also working on making the capped composite physically feel more like natural wood. As time passes, composites will only get closer to matching the beauty of a real wood deck. With so many positives, it’s easy to see why more and more people are choosing to build their new decks out of recycled composite decking. Between the quick installation time and little necessary maintenance, you’ll be able to spend less time worrying and more time enjoying your favorite new spot for reading, sipping coffee or relaxing.Benefits of Wood Decking

1. Affordability
Of every option for decking material, pressure-treated pine is easily the most affordable. Cedar and redwood planks may also be less costly than composite materials, depending on the availability in the area where you live. For example, in California, redwood is an abundant source, so it is much cheaper than for someone on the east coast.2. Customization
Wood requires stain and sealant protection, which can be a hassle, but also means you can customize the color of your deck each time it needs treatment. You have the freedom to try out different stain tints, or even paint it in bright, bold colors if you’d like. Additionally, you may also have more freedom of design and specialized sizing in the initial building process.3. Weather Resistance
With proper treatment and maintenance, wood decks can last a long while. You can finish them to deter mold and insects, be less absorbent and resist fading from the sun. Using the right processes and chemicals for the wood you choose is critical, but as long as you have the right finishes and stains and reapply them every year or so, you’ll get the most for your money.4. Natural Beauty

Cost Comparison of Wood and Composite Materials

1. Short Term Cost
At first glance, natural wood decks often win in cost comparisons. Generally, they are cheaper to install than composite decks. But, while composite material prices are relatively fixed, mostly dependent on the brand you buy from, the cost of a wood deck varies far more, depending on the type of wood you choose and where you live. If you simplify it to cost averages per square foot installed, a pressure-treated wood deck costs $15 to $25, cedar or redwood costs $30 or more, ipe costs well over $50 and composite decking material ranges from $30 to $45, typically. Based on those ranges, for a full 16-by-20-foot deck, pressure-treated pine would cost about $4,800 to $8,000, cedar or redwood from $8,000 to $9,600 or more and composite runs about $9,600 to $14,400. Ipe would be far more expensive and is typically out of most peoples’ price range. Adding in accents like benches and railings will put you on the higher end of these estimates, and the more features you need, the higher your budget should be.2. Long Term Value
While the estimates factor in the immediate costs, they don’t predict how those costs factor out over time. The life of a deck determines the overall value of the cost, meaning you may get more for your money by paying a higher price up front. Factoring in how long the materials last, without maintenance or repair, composite materials are known to last much longer than standard wood options — sometimes twice as long or more — without splintering or becoming an eyesore. Many brands come with a 20-year warranty. So, while you may pay up to twice as much for composite as you would for natural wood, the deck itself can easily outlast other alternatives, meaning you save money in the long run. And that’s not even considering maintenance costs.3. Maintenance and Repair Costs
While most people will make their decision based on initial cost and longevity, maintenance and repair costs are the third dimension any homeowner or business interested in building or replacing a deck should consider. Natural wood decks require sanding, treating and re-staining about every one to two years, depending on the climate. An annual treatment can cost about $400, potentially up to $1,000 for a quality stain. In addition to labor costs or the time and rental costs you’d have to spend doing it yourself, upkeep on a low-end wood deck may require you to budget carefully. On the other hand, a composite deck requires very little maintenance at all — at the most, a good scrubbing once a year with water and cleanser. You can do this by hand or with a low-pressure power washer, and it is a relatively easy procedure. Since the boards are sealed before installation, they need no treatment, only cleansing for the removal of any mold spores or debris. In terms of repairs, it is cheaper to make small to moderate repairs on wood decks, but composite materials are far less likely to need fixing as long as you clean them annually.Maintenance Comparison of Wood and Composite Decking

Appearance Comparison of Wood and Composite Decking
While durability and expense are more practical deciding factors, you deserve to have a good-looking deck. You’ll be the one spending time enjoying it, after all. Wood has always been the standard for appearance in decks, and man-made materials strive for that natural look. Redwood and cedar make a beautiful patio deck, and with the correct care and maintenance, you can enjoy it for longer. Unfortunately, natural wood may still deteriorate, especially when it isn’t cared for properly. It can split, warp and splinter, leaving your deck misshapen and dangerous for bare feet. Many types of wood will fade from their vibrant original color to an ashy grey, far different from what they begin looking like. If left for too long, an attractive focal point can become a terrible eyesore. Pressure-treated lumber is even more prone to the same warping and splintering issues, but it also begins with an odd tint. Without any stain or paint, the wood is typically a brownish green, which may be relatively unattractive to some. A quality stain will improve the original color, but the treatment and natural wood will both fade over time, requiring repeat staining. It’s the cheapest lumber, but expensive to keep looking nice.
Quality Comparison of Wood and Composite Materials

Get Started on Your Composite Deck Today

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