Wood Vs Composite Decking

As the wood fibers aged, the deck would become dull in a short amount of time. Additionally, if the deck faced long exposure to a wet environment, structural deterioration, mold, and rot would inevitably lead to deformations and structural failure. Composite decking started to gain widespread acceptance in the late 1990s as builders and homeowners began to realize its benefits. At the time, composite decking was marketed as a low-maintenance and durable alternative to wood deck planks. It could even be worked like wood in terms of the tools needed to install it. Even as little as 15 years ago, the market for composite decking didn’t exist on nearly the same scale as it’s on now. However, when one looks at the practical benefits of this modern material, it’s easy to see why it has experienced very fast growth, especially in the last five years.

The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider. The problem that you have with nails or screws when building a deck is that they create a place of weakness for the board. You can experience cracking, corrosion, and premature rotting depending on the quality of the construction. At the very least, you end up with a product that requires precision fastener placement to create the clean look you want. If you choose composite decking instead, then you can use hidden fasteners under the decking to secure the product. This advantage adds a little more to the final cost of your installation, but it also creates a 100% clean look that reduces the risk that comes with those added weak points.

That means you can have fewer seams on your deck, depending on its dimensions. Composite decking does not need these additives to be resistant to molds and fungi, insects or decay. It’s naturally resistant to these items because of the manufacturing process and the materials used to construct composite decking. Many people choose composite decks because of their uniform color.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• Initially, composite decking and railing does cost more, board for board, than wood decking and railing.
• In fact, Trex decking is backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, which is unprecedented in the industry—resulting in the ultimate assurance of lasting beauty.
• Lengthy warranties on composites guarantee enduring good looks and offer additional peace of mind.
• When planning an outdoor living space, an important consideration for homeowners is cost.
• At TimberTech, we believe you should­­ spend your time enjoying your deck, not maintaining it.
• Another one of the benefits of composite decking is that it requiresno hands-and-knees scrubbing, staining, or regular replacement.

You can also choose capped composite decking to have a product that resists fading and discoloration over time. This man-made product includes about a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic. These materials make the product almost impervious to rot, which means there are fewer needs to sand, stain, and seal the boards to preserve their lifespan. You’ll pay a little more to use this material, but the initial expense is made up over the lifetime of the deck. If you’re on a budget and the price tag of a composite deck is just too much, then a wooden deck is a great alternative. The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $15 versus $30 installation, respectively.

Environmentally Friendly Product

Costs Over 10 Years

You can then remove the green stuff right away with a cleaning solution designed for that exact purpose. If you choose a capped product for your composite decking, then the boards are sealed in plastic that can be embossed or colored to create the variegated look of a natural wood product. You’ll find that capped composite decking also tends to be more resistant to fading, scratching, and stain damage. Most manufacturers provide a 25-year warranty for the stain and against fading when you choose this option. If you use real wood for your decking material, then you’ll need to sand and stain it periodically to preserve it. You won’t have that problem if you choose composite decking instead. The only thing you need to do with the product is to clean it periodically with some soap and water.

That means you can spend more time enjoying the deck instead of taking care of it. This advantage applies in all environments and terrain options as well, so every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use. Since composite decking is manufactured, each board has the same look and the same color. As a result, many homeowners pick composite decking for its uniformity. Plus, it doesn’t fade to a light gray like some unstained and unsealed wood decks. When it comes to picking out the ideal deck design, you have a variety of color choices and styles from which to choose.

Advantages Of Composite Decks

Not so with TimberTech — one of the many benefits of composite decking is the option to let your unique style shine through without having to worry about performance or limitation. Before choosing a color for your composite decking, ask to see samples of weathered boards, if possible. Because of its plastic content, composite decking neither splinters nor rots, and it resists mold and mildew. Compared with wood, which requires cleaning and regular staining and/or sealing, composite boards make for a “build and chill” project. Hands down, easy care is the biggest plus for this material. As part of their manufacture, composite deck boards are treated with preservatives that help ward off rot, mold, and mildew.

Advantages Of Composite Decking

While a few composites are made with a blend of plastics, hardwood pieces and different materials, the rest contain vinyl and plastics. While composite decks won’t rot and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage. Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished.

Many homeowners love that a composite decking product has a uniform color and style across every board. Long lasting –Adding a deck to your home is an investment that should last for an extended period of time. Water, snow, ice, sleet, hail and other harsh elements can break down traditional decking materials quickly, causing them to rot, warp and splinter. By contrast, composite decking materials are designed for longevity and durability, resist fading and are insect resistant. Functionality of design another big reason why people select composite decks. Many composite lines offer ready to go picket railing, which is similar in style to wood railings. Others, offer a rich looking tempered glass system as well.

This disadvantage is the reason why most homeowners opt for the standard installation even if they want a clean look. You don’t need any special tools to complete the installation of composite decking either. The process is exactly the same as it would be for a standard wood product. Once you have the frame built and attached to the primary structure, you just start laying the boards down horizontally, vertically, or diagonally based on your overall preference.

Continue reading for a quick refresher on the composite decking category, then check out our top nine benefits of composite decking. From cost to maintenance and durability to look, there are many things to think about as you decide between composite or wood for your next deck. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide which product to buy. Though comparatively heavier in weight, composite decking tends to be slightly less strong thanwood decking, so a deck built from composite components must have additional supports.

Just like when computers and flat-screen televisions first entered the market, new technology eventually fixed many consumer complaints and pushed the industry forward. In the case of composite decking, mixtures with mineral and organic-based fillers helped create products that were lighter, and with more tensile strength. However, some homeowners and builders were dissatisfied with composite decking in that era.

This is why investing in sustainable composite decking material is a smart option. Their materials aren’t susceptible to rotting, mold, or water damage. Composite decking is a procedure in home making that requires building decks utilizing reused materials. These materials include a blend of environment amicable materials like plastic, strands and wood. One of the drawbacks to purchasing a composite deck system is that they’re not cheap.

You won’t want to grill on this deck either for the same reason. Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll want to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point as well.