When it comes to enjoying your outdoor space, the decking you choose is an important factor in maximizing comfort and relaxation. While both wooden and composite decks offer their own unique features, there are also significant differences between them.
In this article, we’ll compare these two types of decking materials to help you make the right choice for your home or business. We’ll also cover installation, style, environmental impact, and more so that you can find out what works best for you.
Plank Style
When it comes to exterior decking, there are two types of style: wooden planks vs. composite planks. Both have their pros and cons, but you should select which style is right for you by looking at your intended use for your deck.
If you live in an area where freeze-thaw cycles could damage wood decking, a composite material might be best (as they aren’t easily affected by exposure to moisture).
On the other hand, if you’re trying to bring some rustic flair to your yard, wood can add character to your space.
Environmental Impact
Both types of decking are made from natural resources; however, composite material manufacturing releases fewer chemicals into nature than wood. If you’re trying to minimize your footprint on planet Earth, consider a composite deck over its wooden counterpart.
Maintenance
Wood takes some effort to care for, but it’s also easy to fix when a splinter gets in your hand. Decks built from composite materials are more difficult to repair if they get damaged but require less work on an ongoing maintenance basis.
That said, both types of decks need maintenance if you want them to stay looking new for years. For traditional timber decks, you’ll generally want to reseal (or stain) your deck once per year; depending on where you live and how much sun it receives, you may need to do so twice per year instead. If you don’t take proper care of your deck—and even if you do—your wood is likely to eventually crack and warp anyway as it ages.
Installation Time and Cost
Just because you have chosen composite over wood doesn’t mean that it is going to be easier and cheaper to install. The time required and cost of each will depend on your area, as well as factors like what type of home you are building on, how much space you need for your deck, and how many people will be doing the work. Also keep in mind that if you want to create an outdoor living space with matching benches and chairs from your deck build materials, then wooden ones may be more cost-effective.
If price is not an issue and ease of installation is important then consider composite deck: no nails are involved – just screw in plastic pieces at regular intervals. This makes installation lightning fast.
Which Should You Choose?
Because there are so many variables to consider when choosing between wooden and composite decks, only you can decide which type of decking is right for your yard.
A few things to keep in mind: Composite materials typically hold up better and last longer than wooden decks, but their price tags are slightly higher. If you’re looking to spend less on decking in the short run, then go with wood.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more upfront, composite decks will likely last longer (and may actually cost less in the long run). The finish also plays a role—composite decks can be left unfinished while wood needs to be either stained, sealed or painted regularly. Ultimately, choose what works best for your style and budget.
