When you are planning an outdoor deck, you have two major material options: composite and wood. Each has pros and cons, ranging from aesthetics to cost. Conventional wisdom suggests that wood is the preferred material for those seeking the authentic deck experience, characterized by a beautiful, warm wood surface beneath their feet. On the other hand, if you want an eco-friendly, long-lasting, and relatively maintenance-free deck, then composites are the material of choice. But how do these two materials truly compare?
Why Choose Composite Decking?
Composite decking consists of a mixture of wood fibers and recycled plastic, which forms an extremely strong and durable material. As a result, composite decking has a solid reputation for being very long-lasting. You might hear the term “low-maintenance” tossed about when talking about composite decking, but there’s more to the story than that.
1. Unmatched Durability
Classic wood decking is susceptible to harm from insects, moisture, and the elements, which can lead to distortion, splitting, or decay. Nevertheless, composite decking is constructed to withstand these problems and to offer a lifespan that far exceeds wood. Decks made from this material resist rot, mold, and bug damage, with the result that your deck will remain looking attractive and standing strong for years with minimum care. Furthermore, most composite decking products come with long-term warranties, making sure you won’t have to worry about this structure for a long time.
2. Minimal Upkeep
Composite decking offers the nearly maintenance-free experience that homeowners want. Every year or several years, homeowners must reapply a range of products to protect wood from water damage and rotting. Wood decks can be a consuming project. However, with composite decking, you can install it and forget about it, requiring only occasional cleaning with soap and water.
3. Aesthetic Flexibility
Composite decking comes in a nearly infinite number of colours, stains, and finishes. You can create the exact look you envision for your deck. If your preferences change, you can easily paint or stain most composites without significant surface preparation, unlike many wood products.
4. Sustainable Composite Decking
For those who hold sustainability as a core value, composite decking represents a wonderful alternative to natural wood boards. Reclaimed wood and reclaimed plastics comprise much of the material used to make composite decking. Thus, choosing composite decking over natural wood uses fewer trees and is better because all composites made today are much more durable than wood decking.
Grasping the price of composite decking
Composite decking may carry a higher initial price tag than classic wood decking, but it pays off over time. The factors leading to the decking’s long life and low maintenance—goodbye, sanding and staining—quickly add up to save you cash. Though composite decking might not seem like the most budget-friendly option upfront, there’s a beneficial reason it’s the choice of many modern homes. Moreover, prices on the lower end of the spectrum make it accessible for many budgets. And of course, there’s the style factor; you want your new deck to look as fabulous as possible, right?
The Modern Trend of Grey Composite Decking
In the past few years, opting for grey composite decking has become a highly favoured choice among homeowners wanting the look of a clean, chic outdoor space. Because of its versatility, grey composite decking can easily work with many types of designs, coordinating well with the other elements in an outdoor area while still presenting that look of contemporary sophistication.
Selecting the ideal deck material for your home
There are numerous choices when it comes to decking materials, and they can all seem rather dizzying. Yet with a bit of thoughtful consideration and knowledge about the available options, you can select a decking material that will look good, serve its purpose, and, most importantly, have a minimal impact on your outdoor space’s environment.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an investment that will provide you with a long-lasting outdoor structure, consider composite decking. Upgrading an existing deck or building a new one offers a smart way to make an outdoor space your own. Composite decking, as a building material, combines durability and low maintenance without compromising appearance. Despite its name, “composite” can range from 50% wood to 100% recycled plastic. Most composites are quite eco-friendly.
They are not without their downsides, but compared to solid wood or pressure-treated wood, composites are a better bet for the kinds of conditions that can ruin a deck.
