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.

Advanced DIYers can install decks on their own, but more often not, most contact a licensed decking professional. This of course raises your total investment, but nonetheless, ensures a professional product. For polypropylene-based decking, the average cost is $8.68 per square foot. This means your synthetic deck can be environmentally friendly.

Composite Decking From A To Z

In my opinion, if you are going for a wood look, then go with real wood - whether thats Cedar or Ipe. If you want a painted deck, then go with one of the composites that you can paint like Tendura or others. Maintenance is the #1 reason that we went with composite deck material on our second floor deck. Maintaining a ground level deck is one thing, doing so on the second story is just something I didn't want to have to figure out. In your case, if the price is prohibitively expensive, you could go with PT for now, and plan on replacing it further down the road.

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 .

If you can wait till late summer or fall, you could very well find a deal on installation costs. Since materials cost the most, most homeowners conclude that it’s easier to go with a professional installer. Deciding whether tobuild a deck or hire a prodepends on your skills. Many composite and PVC manufacturers sell only to authorized dealers, so DIY may limit your choices. If you make a mistake,repairing a deck averagesabout$1,700.

Quick Summary: Composite Vs Wood Deck Cost

If there happen to be greasy stains, you can get a deck cleaner designed for them. If you use your deck quite a bit, clean it monthly and clean up spills immediately. Installation of a composite deck is much quicker and easier than installing a wood deck unless you have no substructure in place, and you can save $2,000–$3,000 by doing so.

Composite Decking

Showing that 35% difference can be crucial, especially in the peak of summer heat. Both wood and composites are easy to cut and fasten using common tools most homeowners have. One area where composites come out ahead is they can more easily be bent to form curved deck sections.

Home Project Costs & Estimates

Lifespan - Decks constructed using high-quality wood can last 40 years or more with regular maintenance. Although many manufacturers claim composite can last that long or longer, the product hasn’t been around long enough to know for sure. Composite decking comes in a wide variety of colors, patterns and textures.

Pros & Cons Of Composite Decking

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.

In reference to the heat issue specify a lot of the TREX "Island Mist Gray" which looks good and remains cooler in the sun. at any rate we see excellent performance as compared to treated wood decking with absolutely no maintenance however the first time cost is pretty steep. The warping is caused by the difference in "dimensional stability" between the composite decking and the supporting structure which is typically treated wood. Most companies like TREX now offer concealed fastening systems which utilize grooved edges to allow the decking material to grow and shrink as it heats and cools. Composite decking has a very aggressive coefficient of expansion due to thermal changes. They also now ofer a revised fastening ststem for the fascia system which also allows movement.

• We offer the best in polymer-capped composites, available in multiple colors and custom board lengths to provide you with natural-looking and beautiful options.
• The price of a wood deck depends on the type of wood, the size and configuration of the deck and, to some degree, the difficulty of installation.
• Get started on your new deck dreams by browsing our products today, or contact us for more information.
• For your peace of mind and to show our confidence in our products, we also offer a 25-year limited warranty.
• NewTechWood offers cutting-edge composite materials and kits for any homeowner looking to install a new deck.

Size is not the only consideration that should be kept in mind when it comes to figuring out the total price of a composite deck. These days, many homeowners have lighting installed with the deck as a way to enjoy the outdoor living space at night. This lighting is often set on a timer, so it turns on at a certain time each night. Based on your preference, lighting can be installed on the tops of deck posts or even underneath the rails of the deck for a more ambient glow.