Table of Contents Show
Take your pick in materials from the deck-ware of the gods. All Around Fence & Decks, being your trusted deck builder serving Anne Arundel County, has accompanied many homeowners in making this final decision. The choice between composite and wood decking, we believe, is more than just a style preference; it’s how your deck will bear your local weather, how time-constrained you’ll be for maintenance, and how well it fits your budget and lifestyle.
The Basics: Wood Vs. Composite
Wood decking, the traditional option, has been a means for a century and more. There really is something special about natural wood: the textures of grain, organic feel underfoot, and that vintage appeal that seems to be complementing every building style. Pressure-treated pine, cedar, and tropical hardwoods such as ipe are the common options.
On the other hand, composites are very much the new kid on the block. These are wood fibers in combination with recycled plastics, manufactured boards that try to impart the beauty of wood without the maintenance problems. Technology has gone a long way from its early days-today’s composites are good imitators of wood grain and stand tall on the durability front.
Why Many Still Choose Wood
Let’s be real. There’s a reason why wood decking is still so popular despite newer alternatives. Nothing quite rivals the genuine warmth and character that real wood offers. It is generally cheaper upfront if one goes for pressure-treated lumber. The beauty of wood is also that it is easier to repair just replace a few boards here and there. Wood can be sanded and re-stained many times to give it a fresh new look.
The wood also gains cooler temperature underfoot on blazing-hot summer days, a freebie while you’re stepping down barefoot from the pool to the grill area. And a lot of homeowners value the fact that wood is a renewable resource, especially if sourced responsibly.
The Drawbacks of Wood You Should Know About!
The greatest drawback of using wood? It is maintenance, maintenance, and more maintenance. Matching your environment, it will overflow with cleaning and staining and sealing-every 1 to 3 years. Avoid it, and you will soon feel the pain: warping, cracking, splintering, and color fading.
Wood gets affected by moisture too, and this can lead to rotting in areas with frequent rain or high humidity. It is also an easy target for insect assault, well, if you put any treatments on it. Initially, wood is cheaper; the maintenance is going to be a killer!
Related reading: 8 Benefits of Timber Decking
Composite Considerations
Many homeowners’ main drawback would be the high initial cost – composite materials can run 50 to 100 percent more than the same amount of pressure-treated wood. Composite decking gets hot in direct sunlight, a consideration if your deck receives full sun exposure in the summer months.
Today’s composites look much more realistic than in earlier generations, and yet some homeowners prefer the real look of natural wood. And while they are relatively low-maintenance, they are not maintenance-free-they need regular cleaning to prevent molds and mildew from developing, especially in shady, damp areas.
Climate Matters: Making the Right Choice
Your local climate should weigh heavily in the decision-making process for your deck. The composite’s moisture resistance gives it significant advantages in humid settings, places with constant rain, or very close to any water. Wood in these environments needs strict maintenance to combat rot and warping.
In areas with considerable temperature fluctuations, composite decking’s stability prevents wood from expanding and contracting, which can be detrimental to wood decks over time. But very hot climates would tip the balance in favor of wood, since it naturally remains cooler.
Both composites and woods hold their own when standing up against severe weather for homes: high-quality composites do not tolerate water other than that allowed by manufacturing consent; some hardwoods just do very well against all other weather-related insults.
Related reading: The Ultimate Guide to Composite Decking and Exterior Timber Cladding: a Perfect Pair
The Bottom Line: What is Most Suitable to You?
As with every decking material, the most suitable one eventually comes down to your priorities.
- Composite is probably the most suitable of the decking materials for your priority of low maintenance and long-term durability.
- Wood might go better with you if the initial cost and those wonderful looks from nature are more important to you.
- For those who take the environment into consideration, look at either sustainably harvested wood or a composite with significantly recycled content.
Whichever you choose work with experts like All Around Fence & Decks to make your deck as permanent as possible with the right materials for you and for where you live.
Your deck is more than just a structure; it’s where the summer barbecues will happen. It’s where quiet morning coffee is enjoyed, and it’s where memories are made. Choosing the right material is the first step towards creating that perfect outdoor space where your family can be for years to come.
FAQs
Composite decking is created from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, therefore it is more resistant to pests, fading, and weather. Natural wood makes up conventional wood decking, therefore it could need more upkeep and be vulnerable to decay and pests.
Composite decking is sometimes seen to be more ecologically friendly since it is constructed from recycled materials. On the other hand, unless sourced sustainably, conventional wood decking might help to cause deforestation. But there is also an environmentally friendly choice in sustainably harvested wood.
Usually, more expensive up front than wood decking is composite decking. Less upkeep and a longer lifespan, though, help to make it more financially efficient over time. Although initially less costly, wood decking can necessitate more upkeep and replacement expenses.
Usually only periodic cleaning with soap and water, composite decking calls very little upkeep. Conversely, wood decking demands consistent sealing, staining, and maybe fixes to avoid insect infestations and weather damage.
Composite decking provides a range of hues and finishes that can simulate wood. Some people, nevertheless, like the organic beauty of genuine wood. The ultimate decision rests on individual taste and the intended appearance for your outdoor area.
