A Comparison Of Wood Decks And Composite Decks

This decking bubbles up around standard bugle-head deck screws . TOH explains everything you need to know about this wood alternative, including how to choose the best boards, compare costs, as well as install and clean them. For composite-material decks, no refinishing is required, but the materials can become hosts for mold if they are not cleaned at least every three or four years. Pressure-treated wood requires refinishing with a clear sealer or stain every other year, just half the maintenance of a natural wood deck. A deck can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years if made from untreated wood and can last as long as 50 years for treated wood or composite materials. Because a deck is a long-term investment and you will be enjoying it for decades to come, it's important to understand your choice of materials before starting your building project. While some DIYers may not mind the upkeep required for PT decks, keep in mind the next homeowner might not feel the same way.

Many contractors will be more available, and potentially a bit more flexible on cost if you have the deck installed in the late fall or winter. Naturally, if you decide to add any deviation from the standard rectangle shape and design, your costs will increase. Prices will go even higher if you need plumbing and electricity installation services. Durability - Composite decking is made to withstand the weather. It’s manufactured from durable materials that won’t rot, warp, or splinter, and they are mildew and mold resistant. Grading/Leveling – If your new composite deck needs to be built on level ground, it will cost $300 to $1,000 to have it leveled professionally. The per square foot prices below include railings and a flat deck on a wood substructure.

Composite Decking From A To Z

While composite decks can last for over 50 years, most homeowners replace them after 30 years due to tired look. Needless to say, with minimal upkeep, you could have a terrific deck for almost half a century. No matter how much effort goes into making composites look like wood, they're not. The only way to get the full beauty of a wood deck is to use the real thing.

You can consult the websites or your local dealer for details of how price relates to appearance and performance. My plan is to have the builder screw down all of the boards to make it easier for me to replace them down the road. I will go with PT boards with the goal of keeping them for 5-7 years. By then, there should be more data on today's top selling composites as well as newer products .

The remaining decking cost factors include extra accessories , seasonality, permits and location. Unlike wood, composites don't need to be painted or stained to match your home's exterior. My preference, though some people object to the incisions, is incised copper treated ground-contact rated hem-fir or similar western quality wood - NOT pine unless lodgepole. Can be retreated for longer life in green or brown, and stained to darker green or browns or blackish. Mine is 0.30 CCA hem-fir about 28 years old, was surface retreated at about 10 years in, and just now fading and needing retreatment, with harsh winters and wet summer environment. If his deck is on pressure treated wood joists it can be even worse as this wood is prone to being of different sizes and warping.

Quick Summary: Composite Vs Wood Deck Cost

The cost of Trex decking will run anywhere from $6.50 to $8.50 a square foot. Labor and installation account for nearly two-thirds of total costs. We can help you find a builder, or you can do it yourself.

Composite Decking

Finally, unlike wood decks, there is no need to stain or seal your deck . While your wood deck can splinter, your composite deck will not. Wood deck owners who want to preserve that pristine deck condition need to seal their decks at least once a year. Durability is perhaps the biggest selling point for composite decks.

If you think composite is right for your new or current deck, connect with a native decking contractor to hear what it would take to install a composite deck in your backyard. Like wood decks, they still require you to sweep up leaves and other debris, and wash them down periodically. From cost to maintenance and durability to look, there are many things to think about as you decide between composite or wood for your next deck.

For many homeowners, the peace of mind that comes with choosing to install a composite deck is not only worth every penny, it’s the gift that keeps on giving year after year. Most composite decks are usually backed up with lengthy warranties because of their enduring good looks and ability to withstand heavy traffic. This results in the assurance of lasting beauty which offers additional peace of mind. A composite deck is visually pleasing as it can be designed to match the look and feel of exotic hardwood or traditional timber. It comes in a wide variety of styles and designs to help you determine what works best for your outdoor living space.

Many homeowners wait until the summer to have a deck installed, but do not realize that this is typically when deck prices are at their peak. If you are sold on composite, go with a hollow polythylene-based composite.

Composite Decking Pros And Cons

• They primary ingredients that make up composite decking are plastic and wood.
• On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $15 to $25 per square foot including installation.
• Depending on the brand, the exact “recipe” for this man-made material varies slightly.
• The trade off is that maintenance costs are far lower and composite decks are expected to last longer.
• A composite deck will cost $30 to $45 per square foot installed.
• People often wonder why composite decks are more expensive than natural wood decks.

No mold/mildew issues, just gets a good cleaning 1 or 2x a year. I've lived here in Hawaii with PT decks for the past 14 years and there was absolutely no way I ever considered installing it in my new house. The upkeep is tremendous, and as someone already pointed out, unless all sides of the boards are properly sealed you still end up with horrendous mold, mildew and dry rot problems. In my area, people don't usually use the composites for covered spaces.