Composite Decking Vs Wood

Traditional wood hasdifferent hardness rankingsand responds to its environment differently based on the species of lumber used. That means that you may have to sacrifice the look you want to account for the softness and/or variability of the material.

Every 10 square feet of composite decking contains nearly 1,100 one-gallon milk jugs and 3,000 recycled plastic shopping bags. Affordability, durability, and easy maintenance are only a few reasons to consider composite decking over wood, and there are several more to keep in mind.

Easy upkeep – You want an outdoor living space that you can enjoy more and not something that will require you to work hard for maintenance. Unlike wood, Trex deck and railing products no longer need sanding or painting.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• Coast to coast, more and more homeowners are recognizing the benefits of composite decking over traditional wood.
• Without this step, the natural wood fibers will still begin to disintegrate, which can leave uncomfortable plastic fibers sticking out of your deck over time, creating a walking hazard.
• Though variations exist, composite decking is generally made from a mix of wood scraps—called wood flour—and plastic particles.
• Some outdoor living enthusiasts are drawn to the low maintenance and high value of composite decking; for others, the enduring beauty of the color-rich boards wins them over.
• Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process.

Protected from the elements, pests, such as termites, and mold, composite decking boasts superior durability compared to those constructed completely of wood. Composite decking also doesn't splinter, scratch, fade or crack—extending its lifespan significantly longer than that of an all-wooden composition. Fortunately, Exterior Source, a premier home improvement company in the area, uses Trex® composite decking that can add value to your home. It’s been a few years since it was installed, but it still looks great even with all of the low maintenance that it’s had to have. I have to admit that I was skeptical at first, but TimberTech was very helpful at answering all of the questions that they have. I recently saw that their website had it’s own question and answering page on their site.

Environmentally Friendly Product

Costs Over 10 Years

For the environmentally conscious, composite decking is a smart investment. Since composite deck boards are made with wood fiber, and recycled plastics, they are one of the many innovative products that make use of products that might otherwise end up in landfill.

Many manufacturers also add fake wood grains, either in the coloring or the mold in which the planks are formed. Like any major home purchase, decking materials vary in looks, durability, and cost. Start your research by becoming familiar with types of authentic and synthetic decking.

Advantages Of Composite Decks

The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot. Studies published in the Forest Products Journal in showed that this was not the case. Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process.

While a few composites are made with a blend of plastics, hardwood pieces and different materials, the rest contain vinyl and plastics. While composite decks won’t rot and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage. Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished.

Not only does this make it safe for your own feet, it helps protect the bare feet of small children and pets. Additionally, while composite decks will eventually react to heat, they’ll do so at a higher temperature than a traditional wood deck. As such, if you have fun features on your deck like a fire pit or fire table, you can rest easy knowing you have some extra protection with a composite deck.

In addition to saving trees, the manufacturing process keeps other waste products out of landfills. The pros and cons of composite decking show that this material is useful in a variety of different situations. You can simulate the look and feel of natural wood while preserving the environment and reducing your maintenance needs. When you choose composite decking for your home, then you’re using a product that is primarily made of recycled products. That means you don’t need to cut down more trees just so that you can build a deck. The recycled plastic in the product takes waste away from the ocean or having it enter our food supply.

Continue reading for a quick refresher on the composite decking category, then check out our top nine benefits of composite decking. From cost to maintenance and durability to look, there are many things to think about as you decide between composite or wood for your next deck. Here are some pros and cons to consider before you decide which product to buy. Though comparatively heavier in weight, composite decking tends to be slightly less strong thanwood decking, so a deck built from composite components must have additional supports.

How To Fasten Composites Down

The ease and easier to design option can also end up saving customers a great deal of money over manually recreating the same look. There are even predone stair and landing designs with many composite products. For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out ourDeck Material Comparison Chart. While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won’t splinter. This is especially important for walking on the deck barefoot, and for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive. Many homeowners choose wood decking because it is familiar, readily available and affordable. At the same time, wood decking problems like splinters, rot and high maintenance cause many headaches.

At Exterior Source, our Trex composite decking is made of 95% recycled materials, including plastic packaging, reclaimed wood and sawdust. Outdoor living spaces add value to a home because they add space, style, seclusion, and a new area in which to entertain guests. A deck is a vital investment that will benefit you for years to come. Composite decking, in particular, is popular among homeowners because of its durability and easy maintenance. Leland Fisher Lumber partners with Trex, Azek, Fiberon PVC and Timbertech to install the perfect composite decks for homeowners. Keep reading to gain knowledge about the benefits of composite decking.

Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking. They do, however, require semiannual cleaning, which consists of a soapy water mixture and a low power washer or soft bristle brush. Not only can it add value to your outdoor lifestyle, it also adds value to your home. Homeowners who add a composite deck to their home can recoup much of the cost of their investment when they go to sell their home. In fact, some homeowners can see as high as a 62.8 percent return on investment for their composite decking addition. Composite decks are made from slip-resistant and splinter-free materials.