10 Viable Wood Decking Alternatives

The main reason people choose composite or manmade deck materials is for the low maintenance required. For most homeowners, they need to consider the cost of replacing outdoor decks. Generally speaking, the average price of a wood decking suitable for outdoor use is US$15-25 per square foot, while that of wood plastic composite decking is USD$30-45 per square foot.

• The primary drawback to composite decking is arguably the higher price tag.
• In view of the purchase cost of decks, wood flooring is usually cheaper than composite decking.
• Most decks require a full on retreatment consisting of sanding, cleaning, staining or painting and sealing every two to five years.
• At $30-$45 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $15-$25 for natural wood.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

Keep in mind that the less your wood costs, the more maintenance it tends to require. While real wood has advantages for the initial installation, the downsides emerge over time. Wood requires more maintenance than composite wood, so it takes more time and more money over the years. The most basic maintenance that hardwood decking requires is keeping it free from debris and washing it every so often. However, if you want your hardwood decking to maintain its beautiful, natural coloring and not become weathered, it is also vital to apply an oil-based deck stain on an annual basis.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

According to HomeAdvisor, a wood deck could take up to three or four weeks to build, but with composite decking technology, you could be sitting pretty that much sooner. If you’re looking for easy maintenance, you should go with composite decking. It still needs occasional scrubbing but it doesn’t require sealing and repairing. Some people enjoy taking care of their wooden decks, even though it can be quite a hassle to do so. The second decking type discussed in this article is composite decking.

Water could intrude between the wood fibers and plastic components separating them. Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily. On top of this, we also donate 10% of all profits to the Rainforest Trust UK to help become a carbon negative business. Finally, there’s the hidden cost of the environmental damage that wooden decks cause to our planet. Adding a deck to your home is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. But not all decking material is created equal, and you may be torn between natural wood or composite, a material designed to mimic the look of wood.

Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance

I’ve put together a quick guide to look at how you can reduce the cost of your garden makeover. Both wood and composite materials come in low and high quality, so cost or quality is not the only factor. It's commonly known that composite materials require less maintenance, hence, their cost is usually higher. But they do require some maintenance, and other factors come into play as well. Let's look at some of the issues involved in choosing the right deck material for your deck.

Whats Better: Real Wood Or Composite Wood?

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.

Ultrashield natural outdoor composite deck tiles are outfitted by exotic composite finish to give it a trendy look. The tiles are easy and quick to fix which enables it to be fixed without much time wastage. The tiles are made using high quality density recycled composite plastic material. They therefore offer the perfect solution for decks and roof top patios. The deck tiles can easily snap together and allows rain to easily floor through.

Over the last decade or so, the popularity of composite decking has waged a new question for future deck owners everywhere – wood or composite decking? While each have its own share of pros and cons, including cost, durability, maintenance/labor and lifespan, the checkmarks in the pro-composite decking column seem to be stacking up. However, there are many dedicated wood users who advocate for the material, and thus the composite decking vs wood debate is still in full force. The battle between wood and composite decking materials has been going on for decades with mixed results. While wood decks were clearly winning the bids until some ten years ago, the composite decking materials improved immensely in terms of structure, durability and safety.

It can also be easy on your budget because there are a wide number of options. There are plenty of reasons people choose real wood for their decks. Many homeowners enjoy using natural materials rather than synthetic ones. That authenticity comes with practical benefits as well, though.