There are many pros and cons to choosing one type of decking material over another. Here is a look at how each differs, including cost, durability, weight, and environmental impact. Which material is better for your home? What are the benefits of each material? The Pros And Cons Of Wood Decking are clear. Wood decking offers a natural look and feel, while composite decking is low-maintenance and durable. Composite decking can last twice as long as wood.

Cost

Composite and wood decking have similar prices, but they come in different colors, textures, and materials. Composite decking is a man-made product, while wood is naturally durable. Wood is also resistant to rot, insects, and the environment, but treated lumber is less expensive than composite and wood decking. Composite decking can range from $6 to $17 per square foot. It is the most popular composite product, but there are other brands, too.

Composite decking is cheaper to install than wood. This type of decking requires less maintenance than wood and can last for a longer time. The cost of wood decking includes the cost of clearing the area and leveling the ground. Wood decking needs to be sealed and treated periodically, and it will eventually succumb to rot. It is also more difficult to install if there are corners. Despite its lower price, wood decking is not perfect for every home.

Durability

In contrast, wood decking deteriorates over time, becoming unsound and structurally deficient. Although composite decking is known to maintain its color, wood is subject to fading and warping. This is especially true of pressure-treated wood. However, if well-maintained, wood can last up to twenty years, while composite decking can withstand up to 50 years of exposure to the elements.

In terms of durability, composite products are the best bet. These decking materials are resistant to decay, rot, and insects, and are said to last for up to fifty years. Natural wood, on the other hand, requires repair every 10-30 years. Composite products, on the other hand, do not need repainting or maintenance. Composites also require less upkeep and last longer. Lastly, composite products are more attractive than wood.

Environmental impact

Composite and wood are both natural and environmentally friendly, but the former is much more eco-friendly. The former contains recyclable plastics and wood chips, whereas the latter is made of non-renewable wood. Composite wood does not decompose and will end up in landfills. In addition, wood chips and sawdust are spread across the ground when you cut composite wood. Moreover, composite wood may not be recyclable and is not even compostable.

While composite decking contains plastics, wood is not. Wood contains complex nutrient and water-absorbing structures. Composite materials contain wood flour, which compromises moisture protection and moisture-shedding properties. As a result, composite decking may not provide the same level of protection as natural wood. Further, wood flour is a less eco-friendly material. Moreover, it can be potentially hazardous if it is burnt or expelled. Furthermore, the wood is not biodegradable, which can lead to health problems and environmental degradation.

Weight

While the weight of wood decking can be substantial, composite decking offers a light alternative. Composite decking consists of wood fibers embedded in a polymer binder. The best known composite decking manufacturer, says its boards weigh up to 60 pounds per cubic foot. For comparison, a 12-foot length of 5-by-6 weighs about 27.5 pounds. Consider that the Tyrannosaurus rex was estimated to weigh between eleven and fifteen thousand pounds. It also weighs about five to seven kilograms less than the largest elephant.

Wood decking requires a lot of maintenance, but composite decking is easy to care for. Both wood and composite materials will last for many years. If you’re looking for a natural-looking deck, composite decking might be the way to go. But if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of composite materials, you might want to consider using wood-based decking instead. The former is generally less expensive than composites and can be finished to resemble real wood.

Installation

There are some key differences between the two types of decking materials. Composite is more expensive than wood, but its resemblance to natural wood makes it worth the investment. In addition to the cost difference, composite decking requires less maintenance and will last a lot longer than wood. If you have children, hardwood decking is a good choice. But, if you are not sure which is better for your needs, you can always go with composite for aesthetics.

Both composite and wood decking have different benefits and drawbacks. Composite decking costs $30 to $60 per square foot, whereas wood costs $25 to $43 per square foot. However, the price difference will more than make up for the low cost of composite decking. And if you’re looking for a low maintenance deck, composite may be the best choice. Composite decking will not need annual maintenance, so you won’t have to spend a lot of money on routine maintenance.