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 second decking type discussed in this article is composite decking.
• It still needs occasional scrubbing but it doesn’t require sealing and repairing.
• According to HomeAdvisor, a wood deck could take up to three or four weeks to build, but with composite decking technology, you could be sitting pretty that much sooner.
• 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.
• If you’re looking for easy maintenance, you should go with composite decking.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

When looking at the composite decking versus wood cost, you will find that you actually pay more for composite decking, between the initial order and the installation costs. There is a wide range of wood species that exist, and each has its own benefits. When it comes to hardwood decking vs. composite decking, hardwood decking is an incredible, naturally durable option. Wood is almost always going to be cheaper than composite decking. Many people buy wood for their deck because they like the lower cost. But as soon as you start to look at all the maintenance wood requires, it gets much more expensive.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

This removes the threat of staining and makes cleaning and maintenance easy. If you’re not sold on the appearance of composite decking boards, but remain hesitant about the ongoing demands of timber, acetylated wood might be the product for you. There are plenty of great reasons to consider composite wood for your deck. While real wood requires chopping down trees, composite wood can be made from recycled materials. Not all composites are recycled, though, so look for this feature if that’s a priority for you. For most wooden decks, you’ll need to seal and stain them every two to three years.

5 Great Deck Materials - Popular Mechanics

The Materials for Making a Modern readmy review here Deck

Don’t expect any cheap options when it comes to hardwood decking. Most of those come from South America and South-East Asia with their own specific traits, colour and grain differences. Wood decking made from natural and high-quality materials can be considered an investment. It ranges from 20 to 40 years depending on how well you maintain it. Maintenance is mandatory if you want your wood deck to last. While composite decks can help resist rotting and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

In view of the purchase cost of decks, wood flooring is usually cheaper than composite decking. It should be noted that outdoor decking is a long-term investment. In the long run, wooden decking needs to be sanded, dyed, and oiled every year, which will occur maintenance costs. In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking. If the deck needs to be replaced after several years of use, this will also be a considerable cost. 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.

Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance

You’ll also have to keep an eye out for mold, fungus, and mildew with wood decking. All of this upkeep can add up and cause pressure treated wood decks to cost more than composite decks in the long run. To put it simply, composite decking is created from a mix of wood fiber and plastic.

Natural wood decks are the most demanding, requiring annual refinishing, which sometimes means sanding, removal of last year's finish, and application of a new finish. If you love the look of natural wood and you're up for the upkeep, it's definitely worth it. To cut through the numerous choices, it is helpful to figure out which wood decking you like best then compare that to your favorite composite.

Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?

Wood decking may stay cooler in the heat of the sun than composite decking, but it can still get hot. However, composite decking can withstand higher temperatures with less expansion and contraction. One contractor even tested it out and found that DuraLife’s composite decking is one of the coolest deck boards on the market. It doesn’t get as hot as other composite decking materials because it has a polypropylene plastic cap, which doesn’t heat up as much as other plastics, like polyethylene or PVC.

How Are Composite & Wood Decking Different?

The fact is, no one’s quite sure on whether wood treatment is actually worth it. If you can’t find a cheaper option than decking in wood that appeals to you, don’t worry.

It can also be easy on your budget because there are a wide number of options. There are plenty of reasons people choose real wood for their decks. Many homeowners enjoy using natural materials rather than synthetic ones. That authenticity comes with practical benefits as well, though.