Compare How Much A Wood Vs Composite Deck Costs In 2020
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TimberTech offers warranties up to 50 years depending on which style you choose. The most popular plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride , although there are also versions made from polyethylene. Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop. Unlike a natural wood deck that can last years before needing repair, composite won't splinter, rot or become susceptible to insect damage. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won't fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time. And while it's true that composite decks cost more to build than a pressure treated deck, the price gap between the two options long term is much closer than you might expect.
- The cost of timber decking boards depends on the type of wood – softwood decking is considerably cheaper than both hardwood decking and most composite decking options.
- We can’t say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose.
- Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks.
- If the deck needs to be replaced after several years of use, this will also be a considerable cost.
- In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking.
Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks
The cost of materials for Aluminum comes in at an average of around $10 per square foot, and depending upon the results that you are looking for aluminum may be the choice. Rust and rot free, Aluminum provides a lasting deck that needs little maintenance and upkeep. While a bit more pricey than wood, the life of Aluminum pays for itself over time. Considered the most durable decking material on the market, Aluminum does not succumb to rot, mold, termites, or rust.
Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:
It comes with varieties of designs as well in comparison to wood decking. If you prefer to save yourself the trouble of oiling your deck, then go with composite materials. With installation methods varying, the most popular one is using pre-drilled boards. One of the cheapest hardwood materials, pre-drilled and with basic design, will cost anywhere between £190 and £220 per square meter.
The Materials for Making a Modern Deck
Crafted from PVC, the strength of this type of decking can withstand the elements, and is free from bugs and rot. Tongue and groove installation can be applied over existing surfaces, and are constructed in ridged design to ensure hardness. Like most things plastic, the cost is a little more affordable than some other materials, at $4 per board. A very popular option which is synonymous with composite decking is Trex decking. Available in a wide range of colors, offers very low maintenance, and looks good year-round.
In Depth: Decks - LBM Journal
In Depth: Decks.
Posted: Wed, 08 check out here Apr 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?
For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out ourDeck Material Comparison Chart. A key wood decking problem is that boards readily absorb water. Without the regular application of stains, sealers or paint, wood decking is susceptible to warping, splintering, cracking and rotting. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won’t fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time.
However, manufacturing advances have led to composites thatemulate the rich, natural look of woodwithout the hassles of maintaining a wood 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. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking. The original and oldest choice for decking materials, decks have been using wood for their makeup since their existence, so we know it’s a proven material that looks great.
On the other hand, most composite decking solutions are cheaper in comparison to decks made of ipe or redwood. The cost of timber decking boards depends on the type of wood – softwood decking is considerably cheaper than both hardwood decking and most composite decking options. Hardwood decking is more similar in price to composite decking. I just completed a re-decking of my wooden deck using Trex composite. It looks beautiful and I'm looking forward to low maintenance.
Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?
Wood decking may stay cooler in the heat of the sun than composite decking, but it can still get hot. However, composite decking can withstand higher temperatures with less expansion and contraction. One contractor even tested it out and found that DuraLife’s composite decking is one of the coolest deck boards on the market. It doesn’t get as hot as other composite decking materials because it has a polypropylene plastic cap, which doesn’t heat up as much as other plastics, like polyethylene or PVC.
This will protect the color and longevity of the wood by protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Composite decking contains a blend of real wood and plastic polymers, but this material still looks exactly like real wood . This type of decking material is an environmentally friendly option, and it doesn’t come with any of the downsides wood has. Wood is the most traditional material used for porches and decks, and some studies conclude it’s still the most popular option today.
They are manufactured using ultrashield technology which protects the core material with a multi-chromatic poly shell. While composite decking is eco-friendly, it’s still not a natural material like wood. However, it’s easy to install and clean, durable, low maintenance, and lasts a long time—and that can’t really be said for wood. Unfortunately, wood decking is just not meant to last forever. And it’s sure to have natural imperfections, like splinters and knots, which may not appeal to homeowners.