Wood vs. Composite Decking

Decks can be one of the highest return-on-investment home improvement projects that you can undertake as a homeowner. Adding a deck to your home is a great option for anyone. There are decisions to make when it comes to a new deck, and one of the biggest considerations is material. Wood and composite decking are the most popular options for homeowners today. In this blog, we’ll outline the main differences between wood and composite decking. Read on to learn more. 

Wood Decking

Natural wood for decks usually comes in either pressure-treated wood, redwood, or cedar. Pressure-treated wood is the most popular today for ita durability. Many homeowners consider wood decking to be the gold standard because of its natural look. With today’s technology and installation methods, wood decks can last longer than ever before. 

Cost

All wood decking options vary significantly in price. Pressure-treated pine is typically the most affordable option. The availability of the material in your area will influence the price greatly. 

Style

One thing to note with wood decks is that they require staining and sealing. This can be a hassle, but working with a trusted decking contractor can help you keep your deck intact longer. No matter the color of your natural deck, you can experiment with different tints and colors on your deck over the years. Decks can also be custom-built to meet the needs of your outdoor space. No matter the size that you’re working with, a custom decking option can be built to fit. 

Durability

As long as you take proper care of your wooden deck, it can last a long time. Treating the deck with a finish to repel mold, moisture, and sun damage are vital things to remember with a wooden deck. Taking care of your wood deck will provide you with a beautiful outdoor space for years to come. 

Composite Decking

A newer, popular decking material has emerged on the market relatively recently, and for a good reason, composite decking has many benefits. Composite materials can be high performing and address some of the common issues with other types of decking. 

Strong Resistances

Composite decking materials are often composed partially of wood, but they stand up to UV exposure, weather, and pests. The polymer material resists fading, splinterings, and cracking. Composite is safer to walk on with bare feet; you don’t need to worry about stepping on an errant nail or getting a splinter in your foot. 

Low Maintenance

With a wood deck, sanding, staining, painting, and more is required to keep your deck in shape. A composite deck only requires a solid powerwash and good scrub. Just clean the deck off like it’s the floor in your home, no staining or permanent damage will occur. The cost of composite decking can be higher upfront, but the low maintenance costs make both options comparable. 

Design

With modern technology, new composite decking materials can come in a wide variety of styles and colors. You can get a more natural-looking composite option if that’s what you prefer. Matching the look of your home’s exterior is easy with a composite deck. 

Both wooden and composite decking are great options for Massachusetts homeowners. Our team at Tom Curren Companies installs & replaces both types of decks. Contact us today to learn more.