Pros and Cons of Composite and Wood Decking

Decking has been a part of home furnishing and decor for a while. The decking makes the outdoor space an extension of your home. Decking extends the living area and provides a comfortable place for relaxation. Moreover, decking also improves the overall appearance and value of the house by giving it an aesthetic and modern look. Good decking installed in your property makes it look elegant and appealing, which could come in handy if you ever consider re-sale your house. Decking is according to your needs and preferences and is available in various materials. You can decide whether you need the perfect warmth of wood or the modern durability of composite decking by looking at the advantages and disadvantages below

Decks became popular in the early 1980s. The house owners installed wooden decking at that time, as it was the only option back then. As the popularity of decks grew, the composite decks became available for installation. People nowadays have both options available for decking. However, deciding which type of decking should be installed in the house could be tricky as each option has advantages and disadvantages of its own. To help you decide, here are some pros and cons of both wooden and composite decking.

Composite Decking:

Composite decking is widely used as a modern alternative to traditional wood decking it is made by using wood fibers and recycled plastics. Composite decks have gained popularity among house owners as they provide the natural look of wood. However, it takes time to install. The composite decking method is hassle-free and eco-friendly. Here are some pros and cons of composite decking to help you decide better.

Pros of composite decking:

1. Low maintenance: The composite decking is anti-fade, long-lasting, and an eco-friendly option. The composite decking provides the natural look of the wood and does not require regular staining or sealing, which makes it easier on the pocket in the long term. Composite decking is fully sealed from the day of its purchase. It is pest and termites-resistant.
2. Durability: It has a longer life span than the wood decking. Composite decking is not susceptible to changes like rotting or decaying in harsh climate conditions. Composite decking is durable and offers non-slip properties, which makes composite decking a very safe product. The composite decking is resistant to extreme weather conditions.
3. Easy Customization: The composite decking is available in a variety of options. The materials used in composite decking are more flexible than the wood decking. The composite decking offers a variety of colors, textures, and multiple patterns. It can be cut to custom shapes and lengths, allowing the house owners to fit the decking around existing structures around the house.

Cons of composite decking:

1. Expensive: The composite decking is heavy on the pocket when it comes to the purchase and installation process. Other than this, the installation process is pretty complex. It could be challenging for the house owners with a tight budget. Furthermore, in case of damage, the individual plank of composite decking cannot be replaced as the matching of the color could be challenging.
2. Heat retention: The materials used in the composite decking play a crucial role in heat retention. Some of the materials used in the composite decking can make it absorb more heat than the wood decking. This makes the composite decking difficult to walk on during hot weather conditions. To counter this, a protective cap made up of heat-resistant material is added on the surface of composite decking to reduce the heat.
3. Susceptible to staining: Composite decking can stain easily when you accidentally drop any drink on it, and it sits there for a while. Furthermore, the composite decking is also sensitive to cleaning products as few chemicals in such products can fade the color of composite decking. To avoid such types of stains it is suggested that homeowners should use manufacturer-recommended cleaning products.

Wood Decking:

The wood decking is installed, by using natural wood planks it offers timeless charm and elegance. The warmth and versatility of wooden decks make them a popular choice among homeowners as it is easier to install and is also quicker, following are some pros and cons of wood decking to help you decide better:

Pros of wood decking:

1. Cost-effective: Wood decking is a budget-friendly option for those who have a tighter budget. Other than this, in case of damage, there is no need to replace the whole deck as it is easier to replace the individual wood plank.
2. Timeless elegance: The natural aesthetic and warmth of the wood decking add to the overall ambiance of the house. Moreover, the wood decking also acts as a natural insulator, which makes it easier to walk on during cold weather.
3. DIY friendly: The wood decking is relatively easy to work with, and it is DIY-friendly, making it a perfect choice for house owners who enjoy or prefer to do the installation and maintenance of their decking. Wood decking is also easy to repair and customize.

Cons of wood decking:

1. Maintenance requirement: The wood decking requires occasional maintenance, which includes sealing and staining to prevent it from rotting and decaying. Wood decking is also susceptible to insects like woodworms, termites, etc. Regular maintenance of wood decking could be heavy on the pocket of the house owner.
2. Impact of weather conditions: The overall quality and durability of wood decking is expected to be damaged in extreme weather conditions. Wood decking can crack or split when exposed to sunlight for longer durations or during the rainy season. Such features reduce the overall timespan of wood decking.
3. Limited customization options: Despite the timeless look and elegance of the natural wood decking, it does not offer a variety of textures, colors, and patterns like composite decking. It limits the customization options for homeowners as it is challenging to mold and shape natural materials like wood.

Conclusion

The choice between wood and composite decking depends on many factors, like maintenance commitment, long-term cost, and aesthetic preferences. The decking style must suit the individual’s lifestyle and environmental value.

For more information, call us at 914-826-9009 or email us at info@acbrothersinc.com