Having a high-quality deck installed on your patio can help upgrade your home. But, deciding between wood vs. composite deck is not easy. If you don’t know which material would be best for your project, we invite you to read our blog.

In past years, wood decks were trendy among homeowners. However, nowadays, composite decking materials have started to take a rise in popularity. So, now, when people want to build new decks, they have a dilemma about which material to use.

Whether you choose natural wood or composite for your deck, it will help increase your home’s value and beauty. Each material has its pros and cons. If you want to learn about them in detail, then keep reading!

Wood vs. Composite Deck: 5 Factors to Solve this Dilemma

Whether you choose wood or composite for your deck, you should know that treated lumber is used for the framing. That is what gives structure to the deck, and you don’t usually see it. In other words, no matter the type of decking, you’ll have treated lumber.

So, the materials that you’ll choose are only for the surface and railings.

Before discussing the main differences between both types of materials, you must know what a composite deck is. It is made of wood fibers covered in plastic.

When it comes to wood vs. composite deck, we’ll look at several factors. Wooden decks have a more natural appearance and are less expensive than composite. But, composite decks last longer and need less care than wood. Composite is also easier to bend for curved deck sections.

Appearance: Is Wood Better Looking?

Most people prefer real wood for their deck projects because of the natural beauty it adds to yards. On some occasions, composite decks may look artificial and plastic-like. Some composite decks even look too perfect. So, if you enjoy a more natural appearance, wood is the way to go.

Some composite materials imitate natural wood, but they don’t compare to the look, feel, and smell of real wood. If you want your deck to be made out of composite materials, you need to work with high-quality brands.

Also, if you choose wood for your deck, you get a lot of material options. For example, you can select between cedar wood, redwood, or even cypress wood. Composite materials are still very limited in their options.

Maintenance: Composite Decks Need Less Care

If you’re someone that will forget about up keeping your deck, then we recommend composite. Composite decks need way less maintenance than wooden ones. However, you still need to take care of them to ensure they last for a longer time.

Even though wood provides a natural look and feel, there’s a lot that goes into making sure it stays that way. Throughout the years, you need periodic staining and painting to ensure your deck stays in top condition. That is because decks suffer from wear and tear and may get discolored over time.

Also, over time, you’ll have to replace some boards or parts of the railing as they can start to decay. We also recommend sanding your wood deck every two to five years.

If you don’t do anything to your wood deck, then it will eventually rot and fade.

Some people believe that composite decks are “maintenance-free,” as if they were indestructible. But, the truth is, they are “low maintenance.” Composite decks can scratch, warp, or fade. The difference is that it happens at a lower rate than wood.

You will rarely need to stain, sand, or seal a composite deck. But, it is vital that you clean it regularly.

Durability: A Composite Deck Lasts Longer than Wood

Regarding which material is more durable, composite boards take the win. As we mentioned above, wood decks need more maintenance because they are not as long-lasting as composite.

Composite decks are more durable as they are made of long-lasting materials. These materials can resist harsh weather as well as wear and tear. So, a composite deck can last up to 50 years.

On the other hand, wooden decks can last between 10 and 30 years. However, without the proper care, they can last for less. After ten years, you would have to have some repairs done on your wooden deck.

Workability: Is Composite Easier to Work With?

It’s important to know which material is easier to work with before you start a project. In this case, both wood and composites are easy to work with. You can easily cut and fasten them.

However, composite decks take the lead as they are easier to bend. You do this by heating the composite materials. That is an advantage as you could bend composite to achieve curved sections of your deck. With wood, this is a longer and more challenging process.

Costs: Wood Decks Are Less Expensive

If you’re on a budget but still want to build your deck, then we recommend wood.

Composite deck materials have a higher price ranging between $30 and $45 per square foot. On the other hand, building a wooden deck will cost between $15 and $30 per square foot.

Even though composite decks have a higher cost, they are less expensive in the long term when compared to all of the maintenance and care that comes with having a wood deck.

If you choose to install a wood deck, you must consider the different types of wood available. Some types of wood are more expensive than others. So, this is a decision that you also have to take into account.

For composite decks, there are also various brands available.

Now that we’ve cleared the wood vs. composite deck dilemma, it’s time for you to make a decision. You have to take into account all the factors that we mentioned in this blog. The weather conditions in your area are also factors that you should consider before starting your deck installation.

Are you still unsure what type of material is better for your deck? Our team is always available to help you out with this decision. You can call us to help with your deck building project.