The Pros And Cons Of Composite Vs Wood Decking

This provides protection from mildew, stains, fading from the sun, and scratching. The average labor cost to install composite decking is $7.52 per square foot. A 24’ x 12’ deck will take an average of 34.5 hours to build with a labor cost of around$2,165 for a deck to be installed on an existing substructure.

Composite Decking Materials & Deck Boards

joist spacing for proper support, bleach out to a silvery gray, and can all be cut and installed using conventional tools and fasteners. Before choosing a color for your composite decking, ask to see samples of weathered boards, if possible. The eco-benefits of composite extend beyond the recycled materials used in the decking’s manufacture. Because the components are virtually maintenance-free, gallons of stain and/or sealant are saved. More durable than wood, composite decking stays out of the landfill longer. Because of its plastic content, composite decking neither splinters nor rots, and it resists mold and mildew. Compared with wood, which requires cleaning and regular staining and/or sealing, composite boards make for a “build and chill” project.

Decking & Railing Duos

Composite decking is made by mixing these materials and pressing them into molds to create perfect boards that have a very even appearance. Because they are made with a considerable amount of plastic, composite boards will not rot or suffer from insect damage. Wood, both natural and pressure-treated, requires regular maintenance. Yearly painting, sealers, and regularly cleaning between boards is a normal part of having decks of these materials. Natural wood also needs regular treatment for mold and insects. For every twenty feet of decking, thirty pounds of sawdust, milk jugs, and plastic bags that would have ended up in landfills is put to good use.

Composite Wood Decking In Columbus, Ohio

In comparison, a pressure-treated wood deck costs $15 to $25 per square foot while a cedar wood deck starts at $30 per square foot. Composite decking prices range from $20 to $38 per square foot with most homeowners spending between $5,821 and $10,826 to install a 12’ x 24’ composite deck with railings. Fortunately, there are a few steps any homeowner can take to cut down on composite decking cost. Unlike other decking materials, composite decks can provide the look and feel of natural wood without the environmental impact of cutting down trees for timber. Although PVC decking is made using synthetic materials, Trex decking is made from 95% recycled content and involves the combination of wood scraps and polyethylene. Reclaimed sawdust, offcuts, and household plastic waste are combined and ground down under heat and pressure to come up with composite decking products.

Using a composite material can enable you to have the look of wood and still save help the environment. Ultimately, investing in composite decking is your decision. Durability and very low maintenance may not be a selling point for you. However, consider how much more time you can spend relaxing on your deck when you invest in composite. If you’re on the fence about which decking to choose and you don’t mind the initial cost, choose a composite deck. It will last for years—longer than a wood deck—and can be a bonus financially when it comes time to sell your home. You can replace your existing wood deck with composite decking for about $22 per square foot.

• These deck boards range from simple pressure treated lumber to exotic timber from South America.
• When looking at pure wooden decking, you’ll see many varieties of wood available.
• Opinions vary, but many people find the natural good looks of real wood to be far superior to the plastic, too-perfect look of composite decking.
• Composite boards are typically only available in a few colors, and the brown tones can come off as flat or fake looking.
• The biggest draw of wood decking when compared to composite and cellular PVC is the initial price.

Power washing, sanding, and resealing costs quickly add up year after year. Even with proper maintenance, wooden decking will eventually be vulnerable to mold, insects, and weathering which reduces your deck’s value. Most importantly, decks made of wood will need to be replaced much sooner than decks made of other materials. Ultimately, your choice of deck materials will come down to your personal tastes, your budget and how much time you want to spend maintaining your deck. If you value maintenance-free living, spring for the composite decking. If you love the look of wood and don’t mind some annual work, get cedar. If keeping costs down is your primary goal, pressure-treated lumber is for you.

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. Composite decking does tend to be a bit more expensive than traditional deck materials when it comes to upfront construction costs. However, homeowners who opt for composite decking over traditional wooden decking can also save money in a number of ways. Although several features determine an ideal deck design, the overall style of a deck is dictated by the actual deck materials. Composite decks have become popular over the past years as the price range of decking boards continue to rise over time. There are different composite products on the market and the availability of these products may vary depending on your location.

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A high-quality composite deck has a greater appeal for potential buyers as it requires low maintenance. This means that it will retain more of its transferable value for a longer period compared to other deck materials.