Pros And Cons Of Composite Decks

Composite Wood For Decks

Composite decking doesn’t have the same splintering, rotting or molding problems, and does not have to be stained or sealed each year. If you’re ready to get started on a deck project that will transform your outdoor space, contact National Lumber today.

Have already recommended them to friends who were similarly happy with the service. Everyone was very professional, willing to listen and answer all of my questions. My deck faces south and west so chances of it getting really hot are 100%. I have to say my favorite part of my parents’ house is the deck. We’d often sit out there from early afternoon until late into the evening watching the sun go down over the lake. LazingBee / Getty ImagesLess durable woods, like Southern pine and Western fir, are treated with preservatives. This makes them more resistant to the elements, rot, and insects.

If you’re still not sure, talk to a decking professional who can guide you toward the best fit for your home. After all, the total project will add up to thousands of dollars. If you choose the right option, it could cost you far more in the long run if you need to replace or repair your deck.

Wood Decking

High-performance, low-maintenance composite decks combine unprecedented durability and beauty. The experts at Trex share some of the reasons why you should consider using composite materials for your next outdoor living project. 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.

Products & Services

As homeowners and consumers, each day it’s important for us to consider how we can spend more consciously and prioritize products that are better for the environment. Trex composite decking is a great alternative to wood decking for this purpose especially. On the other hand, Trex boards are created from 95% recycled materials.

Unlike real wood, you can’t simply change the color by picking from a large selection of stains. For some homeowners with a clear vision of how they want their deck to look, this could be a deal-breaker. For most homeowners, the key benefit of composite wood is its lack of maintenance.

Comparing Composite Vs Wood Decking

Unlike real wood, you won’t need to strip, sand, seal, or stain it. Once it’s installed, you can get a long life from it with little maintenance other than regular cleaning. Real wood has a less expensive initial cost than composite wood because the material itself is cheaper. It can also be easy on your budget because there are a wide number of options. Real wood decking has stood the test of time as a popular favorite.

• When you choose composite decking for your home, then you’re using a product that is primarily made of recycled products.
• That means you don’t need to cut down more trees just so that you can build a deck.
• The recycled plastic in the product takes waste away from the ocean or having it enter our food supply.
• You can simulate the look and feel of natural wood while preserving the environment and reducing your maintenance needs.
• The pros and cons of composite decking show that this material is useful in a variety of different situations.

However, the payoff you get over time in decreased maintenance costs and increased leisure time provides compelling value. According to Popular Mechanics, basic pressure-treated lumber goes for about 80 cents per linear foot, while redwood or cedar runs up to three times that amount.

Every 10 square feet of composite decking contains nearly 1,100 one-gallon milk jugs and 3,000 recycled plastic shopping bags. Affordability, durability, and easy maintenance are only a few reasons to consider composite decking over wood, and there are several more to keep in mind.

While composite decking is made to look like natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood. However, as durable as wood decking is, it’s still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort.

Composite decking often goes down the same way as wood, that is, with stainless steel decking screws. But some manufacturers offer products with clip or tongue-and-groove assembly. These easy building systems result in deck surfaces without unsightly rows of visible screw heads. Eco-Friendly — Composites are usually made from virgin plastic with less than half made of recycled content. Comparatively, Trex is made from 95% recycled material, including wood, sawdust and plastic film, which makes it one of the most eco-friendly building materials in the industry.

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. Sustainability – Because composite decking is made from recycled plastic and reclaimed wood, it does double duty to protect the environment.