Comparing Composite Vs Wood Decking

Composite decking materials, on the other hand, sell for $2.50 or $3.50 per linear foot. Even so, when you account for the costs associated with maintaining a wood deck , composite decking emerges as the value choice. Sustainability – Because composite decking is made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, it does double duty to protect the environment.

The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider. The problem that you have with nails or screws when building a deck is that they create a place of weakness for the board. You can experience cracking, corrosion, and premature rotting depending on the quality of the construction. At the very least, you end up with a product that requires precision fastener placement to create the clean look you want. If you choose composite decking instead, then you can use hidden fasteners under the decking to secure the product. This advantage adds a little more to the final cost of your installation, but it also creates a 100% clean look that reduces the risk that comes with those added weak points.

Over the last decade or so, the popularity of composite decking has waged a new question for future deck owners everywhere – wood or composite decking? While each have its own share of pros and cons, including cost, durability, maintenance/labor and lifespan, the checkmarks in the pro-composite decking column seem to be stacking up. However, there are many dedicated wood users who advocate for the material, and thus the composite decking vs wood debate is still in full force.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• On the other hand, Trex boards are created from 95% recycled materials.
• When it comes to composite decking, it’s difficult to find a product that offers the style and substance of Trex while prioritizing environmental consciousness.
• Because of this, Trex saves over 400 million pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year.
• Trex composite decking is a great alternative to wood decking for this purpose especially.
• As homeowners and consumers, each day it’s important for us to consider how we can spend more consciously and prioritize products that are better for the environment.

You can also choose capped composite decking to have a product that resists fading and discoloration over time. This man-made product includes about a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. These materials make the product almost impervious to rot, which means there are fewer needs to sand, stain, and seal the boards to preserve their lifespan. You’ll pay a little more to use this material, but the initial expense is made up over the lifetime of the deck. If you’re on a budget and the price tag of a composite deck is just too much, then a wooden deck is a great alternative. The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $15 versus $30 installation, respectively.

Environmentally Friendly Product

Costs Over 10 Years

Your only option is to shell out a few bucks to replace the damaged plank completely. Our capped polymer and capped composite decking lines combine recycled material with all the beauty of traditional wood. For many homeowners, one of the primary benefits of composite decking is the security provided by the protective caps. Our leading competitor only caps part of the deck board, leaving the composite core open to invasion by mold and mildew. Our TimberTech PRO® decking line is capped on all four sides to offer superior protection against moisture, and even boastsMold Guard™ Technologyto keep mold and moisture damage out.

This decking offers better products than ever before, because the industry has had to address the demands of consumers. Composite decking is not treated with these, and thus, does not share the same risks. This diverts hundreds of thousands of tons of wood and plastics from ending up in landfills.

If you’ve always wanted wood for your deck, here’s an option that looks the same, but without causing harm to the environment. Trex decking is also made to resist fading, straining, and scratching. Chances are it’ll look the same as you first installed it even after several years of use. If you lie in a climate that sees a hot summer season most years, then you’ll want to select composite decking boards that have a lighter color to them.

Advantages Of Composite Decking

Just like installing tiles, composite decks are easy to install. So long as you have professionals doing the job, the installation will be complete in a few hours.

Unlike wood, composite decks naturally resist the tendency to split, scratch, and absorb water, so your deck looks new for decades. Even though composite decking isn’t actual wood, today’s vast options provide the natural look of wood.

Since the boards are manufactured from a batch of mixed material, each board has the same look as the next. Composite decking is a relatively new product to the decking industry. It's many benefits make composite decking a truly viable option to wood decking. Another frequent problem with composite decking is that if it fades, you may not be able to refresh the color.

At TimberTech, we believe you should­­ spend your time enjoying your deck, not maintaining it. Lengthy warranties on composites guarantee enduring good looks and offer additional peace of mind. In fact, Trex decking is backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, which is unprecedented in the industry—resulting in the ultimate assurance of lasting beauty. When planning an outdoor living space, an important consideration for homeowners is cost. Initially, composite decking and railing does cost more, board for board, than wood decking and railing.

So when your looking at the pros and cons of composite decking, take the time to make the decision is the right for you. The fact is, there are many products on the market depending on your location. As for materials, most composite products are manufactured from wood by-products, such as sawdust, wood chips or recycled plastics. Often, combining synthetic and organic materials seems to capture the best of both worlds , and creates a durable product that looks and feels similar to wood decking. When the first composite decking materials were introduced in the 1990s, it was eyed as being the next evolution of the deck-building industry.

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TimberTech deck boards never need sanding, staining, or sealing to maintain their gorgeous color. For the removal of dirt, dust, or pollen, these fuss-free product lines need only spot treatment or a light washing withTimberTech® DeckCleaner™. High-performance composite decking provides the look and feel of real wood, but without the environmental impact of deforestation. You’ve decided it's time to replace your outdoor deck and you’re ready to take it on as a DIY project, or you’ve decided to work with a licensed and bondedcontractor for the heavy lifting. Long lasting and low maintenance, composite decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood construction. Compared to wooden decks, the composite deck has a long life.

Matching gates, stair systems storage systems, and so much more can be customized to give you just the look you want. Did you know that a decking installation in MA offers nearly a 73% return on your investment? You can’t say the same for wood decks, which require board replacements, and of course, that tedious, time-consuming task of annual staining and sealing. Contact Franca Services today for a free decking installation consultation. Another one of the benefits of composite decking is that it requiresno hands-and-knees scrubbing, staining, or regular replacement.