Choosing the right decking material is like picking the perfect outfit for your home—it just sets the standard for tone, style, and comfort for your outdoor space. Whether you’re dreaming of lazy summer afternoons or lively backyard barbecues, the decking material you choose will play a crucial role in the longevity and maintenance of your deck. Enter the contenders: Wood and composite decks.
Wood decks bring a timeless, natural beauty that many homeowners adore, while composite decks’ durability and low maintenance make them a popular modern choice.
Wood or Composite: What is the Difference?
When comparing wooden and composite decks, there are many similarities and differences. Composite decking boards come in mineral-based composites or a combination of wood and reused plastic co-extruded with polyethylene for performance and durability. Wooden decks are generally made with pressure-treated lumber, cedar, or redwood to enhance their longevity.
Although the materials that make up each type of decking board are different, their appearances are relatively similar. Composite decking looks like natural wood, so that both products will have a similar aesthetic.
Comparing Prices
When comparing the upfront costs, wooden decks are generally cheaper than composite decks. Pressure-treated wood is more affordable, while composite decking made of wood fibers and recycled plastics has a higher initial price. However, this cost can be offset by the long-term benefits.
Wooden decks require regular maintenance like staining and sealing to prevent weathering or wear-and-tear damage, which can be time-consuming and costly. Composite decking, on the other hand, is low-maintenance, needing only occasional cleaning and no staining or sealing.
In the long run, composite decking often proves to be more cost-effective. Despite a higher initial investment, composite decking’s reduced maintenance needs and a lifespan usually spanning more than 10 years longer than wood make it a wise choice for those seeking durability with low upkeep.
Pros and Cons of Wooden Decks
Pros:
- Natural Aesthetic: Wooden decks offer a classic, natural look that many homeowners love.
- Cost: Pressure-treated lumber is cheaper upfront compared to composite decking.
- Customizable: Homeowners or landscape architects and designers can easily stain or paint wood to match your preferred color scheme.
- Availability: Widely available and comes in various types of wood.
Cons:
- Maintenance: Wood decks require regular maintenance, such as staining, sealing, and sometimes sanding.
- Durability: Wood is prone to rot, insect damage, and weathering if not properly maintained.
- Lifespan: Wood typically has a shorter lifespan compared to composite decking.
- Environmental Impact: Harvesting wood can harm forests and ecosystems.
Pros and Cons of Composite Decks
Pros:
- Low Maintenance: Composite materials require minimal upkeep, with no need for staining, sealing, or sanding.
- Durability: Composite materials are resistant to rot, insect damage, and weathering, ensuring a longer lifespan.
- Eco-Friendly: Composite decking is often made from recycled materials like plastics and wood fibers.
- Consistent Appearance: Composite decking looks like natural wood without the imperfections and variations.
- Cost-Effective: Though initially more expensive, a composite deck can save you money in the long run due to lower maintenance costs.
Cons:
- Initial Cost: Composite decks will have a much higher upfront cost than wooden decking.
- Heat Retention: Composite boards can get hotter than wood in direct sunlight, making it uncomfortable or painful to be barefoot on the deck.
- Appearance: While designed to mimic wood, some homeowners feel composite decking lacks natural wood’s authentic look and feel.
Versatility and Customization
Wood and composite decks both offer versatility but with crucial differences. Wood decks provide excellent customization options. You can paint or stain the boards in any color, allowing you to refresh the look whenever you want. Wood also lends itself to creative designs, as it can be easily cut and shaped for features like built-in benches and planters.
Composite decks, on the other hand, come in a range of prefinished colors and textures that replicate the appearance of natural wood. While you can’t paint or stain them after installation, the variety of available finishes offers durable and attractive choices that require minimal maintenance. This makes composite decking a practical, long-lasting option for those seeking low upkeep.
Environmental Impact
Wood decks can be a sustainable choice, especially when using responsibly sourced or reclaimed wood. Natural wood is biodegradable, and harvesting can occur in ways that support forest regeneration. Reclaimed wood, repurposed from old structures, also reduces the demand for new lumber and minimizes waste.
Composite decking comes from recycled materials like plastics and wood fibers, which helps reduce landfill waste and the need for unrenewable resources. Both have benefits when weighing the environmental impact. It’s important to look at all factors when considering the materials’ environmental impact.
What’s Next?
Both wooden and composite decking offers unique benefits and considerations, from initial costs and maintenance to environmental impacts and customization options. Whether you prefer the natural charm and flexibility of wood or the durability and low maintenance of composite, there’s a perfect decking solution for every home.
Contact us today to explore Aspen Outdoor Designs’ range of decking options and find the perfect fit for your needs. Let’s create a beautiful deck for yourself, your friends, and your family to enjoy together!