Deck building is the dream of many homeowners and they must be wondering which material to use to build it. There are two options, one is traditional wood decking which has been widely known and well used. Another one is composite wood decking which has also gained its popularity over the last several years. Both come with their unique benefits and drawbacks, challenging deck-builders to seriously trade-off between them.
Overview of Decking Materials
Decking adds a fabulous and functional touch to any outdoor space. Here are the two types of Decking available to consider.
Traditional Decking Materials (wood Decking)
Traditional decking material, also known as wood decking, is a popular choice that includes redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated wood. Many more options like Cumaru present a great choice with its robust resistance to decay at a large scale. This also offers a reddish-brown hue, turning it as an effective and attractive choice. However, to ensure it does not lose its warm tone and beauty, they must be maintained properly.
As decking material is made from solid timber, their durability and appearance can be upgraded or altered by applying woodcare finishes. In addition to that, some types of Decking can also be treated during manufacturing, such as ThermoWood, pine that is thermally modified to improve its durability and appearance.
Composite Decking Materials
Composite Decking is made up of organic wood fiber and recycled plastic, which provides low maintenance and sustainability. It comes in two forms - capped and uncapped composite.
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Capped composite - It features a protective polymer for durability and water resistance.
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Uncapped composite - It is made of the same core materials as capped composite without the protective cap.
It's impossible to note the balance of initial investment vs long-term savings when considering the pricing of composite Decking. Some composite decking materials, such as wood plastic composite (WPC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) Decking, provide the benefits of increased strength and durability. However, it has some disadvantages, such as low weather resistance and lower environmental friendliness, as compared to other non-wood decking materials.
Cost Analysis of Traditional and Composite Decking
Cost plays an essential role when deciding between composite and wood decking materials. While wood decking offers long-term savings, composite Decking, on the other hand, initially costs more. Wood decking might be cheaper, but it requires long-term maintenance.
Initial Cost
Composite Decking needs more manufacturing time, making it expensive than wood decking. Wood decking costs from $4 to $30 per square foot while composite decking cost ranges between $15 and $60 per square foot.
Make sure to consider the necessary tools for installation while calculating the cost, as they can increase the overall expenditure.
Long-Term cost
Long-term maintenance cost of wood decking can lead up to extra expenses despite the lower initial cost. Considering the durability of 100 years, the annual maintenance cost of wood decking varies between $5,620 and $12,500.
On the other hand, composite Decking needs less maintenance and cleaning. This can lead to the reduction of maintenance cost. This will help in cost saving, prioritizing long-term value.
Pros and Cons
Here are some of the reasons that composite and wood Decking are beneficial, but there are also some drawbacks.
Composite Decking
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Composite Decking requires less maintenance and offers great outdoor durability. However, it lacks the natural appearance of wood and is less likely to be strong.
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They are less slippery compared to wooden decks, decreasing the risk of accidents all year round. However, they offer limited choices and freedom regarding color and appearance.
Wood Decking
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Wood offers an unmatched visual appeal with its golden-brown hues. However, they are at risk of external threats like wood decaying, fungus, moisture, and rot.
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They provide various options, from store-bought softwoods to quality hardwoods for timeless hues and colors. However, it requires frequent cleaning and re-treating to maintain its beauty.
Final Words
Understanding the features, pros, and cons of wood decking and composite Decking is essential for homeowners to choose the best decking material. Consider the budget and analyze the cost of both decking materials to conclude the best-suited option and make the right decision.
