Should You Choose Wood or Composite Decking Material?

Before you decide to create your new deck out of wood, why not consider a technological breakthrough for decks. New material is now available for your deck builder projects – composite decking. Created by mixing plastics with wood fibers, the resulting substance is eco-friendly, nearly maintenance free, and easy to use. Here are some facts to help you decide if wood or composite materials are right for your decking project.

How is Composite Decking Environmentally Friendly?

Millions of plastic bottles are thrown away each year, but when those bottles are melted and mixed with wood fibers, a composite decking material is created. When lumberyards cut planks, they create a huge amount of sawdust and wood chips that can be used along with the melted bottles. Mixed together and pressed into forms, the mixture creates a durable, moisture impervious, and insect resistant board. This helps the environment by keeping the plastic and wood out of the landfills.

What Is the Difference in Maintenance of Wood and Composite?

Wood can take a great deal of maintenance over a 10- to 20-year lifespan. They can splinter, dry out and fracture, and wood often requires yearly sanding and re-staining in most areas of the country. Composite boards are very low maintenance, and a deck builder only needs to wash the dirt and grime off the decking twice a year with a hose or power spray. Also, while wood deteriorates, the composite boards do not.

What Are the Price Differences in Wood and Composite Decking?

Constructing a wooden deck can initially cost less than a composite structure. However, adding the expensive maintenance cost of wood results in big savings when using composite boards. Homeowners should also be aware the wooden structures can be easily destroyed in extreme weather, but composite materials have no problem.

If you have questions about using composite decking materials in your area, contact a deck builder or contractor. He or she can help you decide what style of deck will best fit your lifestyle. Find a contractor and build a deck of your dreams today.