Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?

But if your composite deck does fade over time due to direct sunlight exposure, you can stain or paint it to make it look new again. Many people don’t realize that staining or painting composite is possible, but it’s doable and can enhance the beauty of your deck over time, keeping it looking like new. Composite decks are made of durable, long-lasting materials that are stain-resistant and will hold up well to harsh weather, as well as natural wear and tear for up to 50 years. Unlike a natural wood deck that can last years before needing repair, composite won’t splinter, rot or become susceptible to insect damage.

• The cost of timber decking boards depends on the type of wood – softwood decking is considerably cheaper than both hardwood decking and most composite decking options.
• We can’t say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose.
• Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks.
• If the deck needs to be replaced after several years of use, this will also be a considerable cost.
• On the other hand, most composite decking solutions are cheaper in comparison to decks made of ipe or redwood.
• In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

The pulp inside the bamboo has been harvested to make even pillows and quilt batting due to the incredibly soft nature, even more so than cotton. There are two distinct types of bamboo decking, woven fibers and non woven fibers. The natural beauty of bamboo is undeniable, and in many climates can provide a lasting deck if maintained properly. With any wood style deck, it is going to take work to keep it at its best. Bamboo is no exception, and will need sealed and stained or pigmented. It will fade over time, so slapping on a coat of sealant in its natural state is not recommended. Additionally, areas that see a lot of rain or flooding, puddling, or marshy lands will not benefit from bamboo.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

If you are looking to install new decking for your home and are stuck in the hardwood decking vs. composite decking debate, do not rule hardwood decking out. It is a highly durable, low maintenance option that comes in a wide array of species, meaning you can find one to fit any environment and overall backyard aesthetic.

The price differential also depends on the wood species chosen versus the brand of composite decking, and local market conditions. Many homeowners choose wood decking because it is familiar, readily available and affordable. At the same time, wood decking problems like splinters, rot and high maintenance cause many headaches. Although composite wood decking is easier to maintain, some homeowners worry that composites won’t look as nice as wood.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out ourDeck Material Comparison Chart. A key wood decking problem is that boards readily absorb water. Without the regular application of stains, sealers or paint, wood decking is susceptible to warping, splintering, cracking and rotting. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won’t fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time.

Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance

However within three months of installation a plastic piece broke. Trex will replace the $5 part but will do nothing about the $100 it will cost to remove the railing, post sleeve, and replace the broken part. I'm disappointed that they don't stand behind their materials. Although the installation price for a composite is definitely going to be more than wood, the actual cost over time is a good deal closer. It’s a viable option that many homeowners opt for these days for good reason.

Whats Better: Real Wood Or Composite Wood?

Here are the pros and cons of natural wood versus man-made composites for deck materials. Techwoodn is a leading innovator in wood plastic composite decking boards. Complete your yard with WPC decking, all to help you create a comfortable life. Not real wood - Some composite decking looks cheap and not at all like real wood (other composite looks great, though - brand matters).

Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished, but in general – you shouldn’t need to. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, it will last longer.

So before installing a new composite deck in your yard, take the time to understand what it’s actually made of—and why it’s ultimately better than wood. Another frequent problem with composite decking is that if it fades, you may not be able to refresh the color. With real wood, it’s easy to re-stain it when the color fades. In most cases, though, composite wood isn’t compatible with paint.

This makes DuraLife one of the best composite decking brands for hot weather regions. On the other hand, composite decking won’t need any maintenance beyond the seasonal cleaning. DuraLife’s composite decking is stain, fade, and mold-resistant, so there’s no need to refinish it every few years like there is with wood. While wear and tear might take a bigger toll on wood decking, composite decking can last for decades. With wood decking, there’s the chance it may fade in color, requiring another coat of paint, stain, or sealer, as often as every one to three years.