Wood may be a natural material that is known for staying cooler during even the warmest weather, but composite decking is truly a contractor’s and homeowner’s dream. It’s easy to install, low maintenance, and can last for years. Composite decking is also eco-friendly, with its makeup often made from recycled wood and plastic.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

As you plan your dream deck, one of the key choices you face is what type of decking to use. Two of the most common options are wood and wood-plastic composites. Whether you plan to do the job yourself or hire a contractor, this article discusses factors to consider when comparing wood vs. composite decking. They do, however, require semiannual cleaning, which consists of a soapy water mixture and a low power washer or soft bristle brush. A lot of people are switching out their old wood decking for composite decking these days because it’s easier to maintain.

Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance

There are still a few tips and ideas you can put to good use if you choose to stick with timber or otherwise. The price you’ll pay for garden decking is, naturally, going to vary from product to product. Therefore, take my following advice as basic guidance and apply it to your own shopping experiences. Rubber Paving is another popular option in British gardens. Again, while the idea of a rubber deck might not appeal to you per se, just take a look at an example. Rubber paving tiles are super-durable, are resistant against the weather, and are very comfortable underfoot. What’s more, you might actually find it cheaper to wooden decking in the long run.

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?

Depending on your budget and the needs of your project there are lots of options available. What to Look for in Quality Waterproof Composite Decking Materials. Composite decking is a blend of synthetic and natural materials. Although non-permeable plastic was a large part of the mix, these weren't waterproof boards.

How Are Composite & Wood Decking Different?

So before installing a new composite deck in your yard, take the time to understand what it’s actually made of—and why it’s ultimately better than wood. Another frequent problem with composite decking is that if it fades, you may not be able to refresh the color. With real wood, it’s easy to re-stain it when the color fades. In most cases, though, composite wood isn’t compatible with paint.

Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for. Composite decking will always be more expensive than traditional wood decking, however if you looks at the cost over 5 or more years, it starts to make more sense. One of the biggest advantages composite decking has over wood is that it requires virtually no maintenance. Wood composite decking requires less maintenance than wood boards and looks more authentic than plastic alternatives. Our Pioneer range also has a reversible design allowing you to choose between a natural wood pattern or a grooved board. That's a lot of money for maintenance, and even if it did cost that much, it's still much cheaper than composite decking. It would take years to make it worth the cost, and by then you could have done a new deck entirely, after only 10 yrs.