Tips for Choosing Composite Decking vs. Wood

While classic wood has been a decking standard for decades, it is far from your only option. If you haven’t looked into newer engineered materials, you’re missing out on low-maintenance and high-performance advantages that wood simply cannot provide.

One of the first steps in building a deck is determining what material to use. It’s a huge decision for your house and budget, so we’re evaluating all the advantages and disadvantages of composite decking vs. wood so you can make an informed decision. 

Composite decking materials

Composite decking is made from a combination of reclaimed organic wood fiber and recycled plastic, making it a sustainable option for environmentally conscious homeowners. 

There are two types of composite decking:

• Capped composite: This type of composite has a protective polymer capping that improves durability and weather resistance.
• Uncapped composite: a composite manufactured from the same core ingredients as capped composite but without the protective cap.

Many homeowners appreciate composite decking because of its low maintenance requirements and robustness. Composite boards are less prone to fading and water damage than real wood, and you may save time, and money, and work on annual sealer and waterproofing.

Composite decking is also available in a variety of colors and natural grain textures, allowing for imaginative and one-of-a-kind deck designs. While it does not appear exactly like genuine wood, composite is closing the gap and providing a natural look that is as appealing.

For many homeowners, the cost is a detriment. Composite decking is frequently slightly more expensive to acquire than wood decking, making it difficult to accommodate into an initial project budget. Composite decks, on the other hand, can save you hundreds of dollars in annual upkeep, not to mention the time it takes. Its greater durability translates into a more durable deck. 

Real wood deck

Because many people still identify decks with lumber, it’s a natural choice for homeowners. Within these fundamental categories, however, there are various wood types to choose from:

• Hardwoods: improved durability at a higher cost, Including Ipe, garapa, teak
• Softwoods: easier to work with at a moderate cost, Includes cedar, redwood
• Pressure-treated softwoods: improved weather resistance when properly maintained with the lowest cost

When properly maintained, pressure-treated softwoods provide increased weather resistance at the lowest cost.

The indisputable advantage of timber is that it looks and feels like wood – because it is. However, if you appreciate the beauty and texture of original wood and can afford regular maintenance, real wood is your best bet. 

Real wood can also be fairly long-lasting, particularly if you invest in hardwood decking. It is, however, only as powerful as your dedication to maintenance. Every year or so, wood needs a fresh coat of sealant or paint to withstand water and UV exposure, which can cause fading, splinters, and decay. Before applying a new coat, you must first remove any previous paint or sealant.

Although pressure-treated lumber has been treated to minimize its weather vulnerability, it is still significantly less efficient than constructed decking. It’s one of the most cost-effective deck materials, but it’s crucial to realize how long-term maintenance costs pile up. 

The least amount of upkeep 

If you want to expand your living space rather than your home maintenance tasks, composite decking is the way to go. Year after year, traditional wood, whether exotic hardwood or simple pressure-treated lumber, necessitates difficult, costly, plain time-consuming upkeep.

Composite decking materials do not require annual sanding and sealing for protection. An annual deep clean and inspection, on the other hand, will keep your deck healthy and lovely. Cleaning a composite deck necessitates the use of a specific brush and cleaner, but other than that, it’s as simple as cleaning, scrubbing, and rinsing the deck as needed.

Best for Moisture

Composite decking, for example, does not absorb moisture and is significantly more weather-resistant than wood. Wood decks can be sealed to increase water resistance, but they must be treated on a regular basis and will continue to collect moisture and deteriorate over time. 

If you live near the shore or are considering waterfront decking, PVC may be the finest choice. Because PVC does not include any biological elements, it is less prone to water damage. However, you must still inspect the lumber substructure of your deck for damage. 

Natural Wood Appearance

Modern decking technology has greatly polished the appearance of composite materials to closely imitate wood qualities. However, if you want a real-wood look, it’s difficult to top the realism of wood’s color and grain.

If you want the low-maintenance benefits of manufactured decking with an appearance as close to natural as possible, COOWIN’s Advanced WPC material may be for you. Order free decking samples to examine material options at home if you’re undecided.

Most Enduring Looks 

You can obtain the rich, warm look of real wood with modern composite decking, so deciding which looks better may appear to be a tie. However, there is a significant difference between these two material styles when it comes to performance. 

Because composite decking is more durable than wood, it resists UV and water damage, which may cause lumber to fade, split, and splinter. Composite decking frequently lasts longer and retains its beauty over time, allowing you to build a deck you’ll love for years to come. 

If the appearance of your deck is important to you, composite decking maintains its color without staining. Furthermore, decking board colors can be mixed and matched to create unique decking patterns or color schemes. 

Most Affordable Upfront

When comparing composite decking costs to lumber expenses, some homeowners may be hesitant to pick composite because produced materials are often more expensive upfront. The real cost of materials and installation for equivalent manufactured and wood goods tends to favor wood, but price is influenced by a variety of factors.

Even within the wider composite decking vs. wood category, material costs vary. For example, high-quality Ipe lumber is significantly more expensive than most manufactured decking materials, although pressure-treated pine is one of the most cost-effective possibilities. 

It’s also crucial to examine your deck’s lifetime maintenance costs and life expectancy. However, if you are only concerned with the initial project costs, budget species such as pressure-treated pine are frequently more economical. 

concluding remarks

Choosing the right decking material is based on your own reality and preferences. Both wood decking and composite decking can be good for decorating your house and bring you a better outdoor life.