Compare How Much A Wood Vs Composite Deck Costs In 2020

Order samples of DuraLife composite decking to see all these benefits and more for yourself, and then get ready to build the perfect deck for your home. For example, DuraLife’s Step-Clip fastener technology can help cut installation time by up to 50%—making your dream deck a reality that much sooner.

• 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.
• In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

Keep in mind that the less your wood costs, the more maintenance it tends to require. While real wood has advantages for the initial installation, the downsides emerge over time. Wood requires more maintenance than composite wood, so it takes more time and more money over the years. The most basic maintenance that hardwood decking requires is keeping it free from debris and washing it every so often. However, if you want your hardwood decking to maintain its beautiful, natural coloring and not become weathered, it is also vital to apply an oil-based deck stain on an annual basis.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

Woven types of bamboo is much more resistant to this problem, but still not waterproof. In standard moist areas and hot climates bamboo will serve you well. However, it is in fact a thing, and many homeowners find this type of decking best suits their needs. It also is easy to install, which makes it a great candidate for DIY projects.

5 Great Deck Materials - Popular Mechanics

The Materials for Making a Modern Deck

Wood may be a natural material that is known for staying cooler during even the warmest weather, but composite decking is truly a contractor’s and homeowner’s dream. It’s easy to install, low maintenance, and can last for years. Composite decking is also eco-friendly, with its makeup often made from recycled wood and plastic.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

Most decks have pressure treated wooden frames, so the only material you have to worry about is the surface and railings. And that choice usually comes down to either traditional wood or composite decking. Ipe can cost up to four times the price of the cedar/redwood option because it is imported from South America. Among wood decking’s pros and cons, affordability is a decided benefit. Typically, wood decking is lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance.

I’ve put together a quick guide to look at how you can reduce the cost of your garden makeover. Both wood and composite materials come in low and high quality, so cost or quality is not the only factor. It's commonly known that composite materials require less maintenance, hence, their cost is usually higher. But they do require some maintenance, and other factors come into play as well. Let's look at some of the issues involved in choosing the right deck material for your deck.

Wood decks have much higher maintenance requirements and don’t last as long as composite decking materials. There’s no such thing as a perfect decking material, and that includes composite decking. The largest hurdle is the upfront cost, because composite materials cost more than real wood. Everyone wants beautiful, natural-looking decking and nothing accomplishes that more than real hardwood decking.

Depending on your budget and the needs of your project there are lots of options available. What to Look for in Quality Waterproof Composite Decking Materials. Composite decking is a blend of synthetic and natural materials. Although non-permeable plastic was a large part of the mix, these weren't waterproof boards.

How Are Composite & Wood Decking Different?

This will protect the color and longevity of the wood by protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Composite decking contains a blend of real wood and plastic polymers, but this material still looks exactly like real wood . This type of decking material is an environmentally friendly option, and it doesn’t come with any of the downsides wood has. Wood is the most traditional material used for porches and decks, and some studies conclude it’s still the most popular option today.

The rest in the list, while an option, aren’t terribly popular. Because it is wrapped in the vinyl sheathing, composite decking is easily cleaned with soap and water, and it won’t grow mold or mildew.