You’re ready to upgrade your backyard where you will peacefully sip your morning coffee, have bbq on weekends, and just relax after a long day.
But then reality hits as you remember that wood decks need constant staining, sealing, and repairs. If not done properly, they start to fade, splinter, and attract mold. But who has time for that?
That’s why a lot of homeowners are turning to composite decking. It kind of looks like wood but doesn’t need all the upkeep that wood needs.
There’s no need for sanding, staining, just a good rinse now and then, and it’s ready to go. Sounds pretty convenient, right? They want a deck that stays nice without a ton of work. That’s why it’s becoming so popular among homeowners.
But wait, there’s more to it that you should know. While composite decking has some great advantages, it’s not all perfect. Things like its high upfront cost, heat retention, and less options for customization.
Some people also say it just doesn’t have the same charm as real wood. So, is it actually worth it? How to know if it’s the right fit for your backyard or not? We will help you figure that out.
In this post, we’ll break down the good, the bad, the cost, and whether composite decking fits your home and budget.
Why Choose Composite Decking over Traditional Wood
Before you try any product, you may wonder why you choose composite decking. Composite decking boards have become quite popular due to their practical benefits and aesthetic appeal.
It’s been a few years since I replaced my aging wood deck with composite and immediately a change. I noticed that it’s easy to maintain, there was no need for no sanding, staining, or sealing. These boards are excellent in resisting fading, splintering, and warping, even after years of use, making them a worry-free option.
Although its upfront cost is higher than the wood decking, many homeowners appreciate the cost-effectiveness over time. The lack of ongoing maintenance saves money in the long term, making it a much preferred choice over traditional wood.
Plus, they come in a variety of colors and textures, so you get the wood-like look without any hassle. Unlike wood, composites maintain their look without regular upkeep, making them an obvious choice for many.
Advantages of Composite Decking
Composite decking has some awesome benefits like it lasts a long time and doesn’t need much maintenance, no need for staining, sanding, or anything like that.
It also resists moisture, so you don’t have to worry about it getting rot or mold. Also, it’s eco-friendly since it’s made from recycled materials. If you want a deck that’s both stylish and easy to take care of, composite decking could be a good choice.
Durability
Composite decking delivers excellent durability, it resists common issues like wood-decay fungus, insects, UV rays, and moisture. Unlike wood, it doesn’t crack, warp, or bulge due to weather exposure.
Composite decking boards are mainly crafted with high-performance recycled materials, that helps in maintaining its structural integrity for years.
I recall replacing my old wooden planks with composite ones to avoid the endless cycle of repairing cracks and warped boards after each winter. And so far, I am really glad that I replaced my wooden boards with composite one.
Low Maintenance
Low maintenance is one of the reasons why people are getting attracted towards it. It’s different from wood, which needs constant sanding, staining, and sealing, to maintain its appearance.
Composite decking on the other hand just needs an occasional cleaning with soap and water, and you are good to go.
No need to worry about the deck rotting or fading from the sun rays. It won’t splinter either, so there are no worries about stray nails poking up.
If you’ve ever spent a weekend scraping and repainting a wooden deck, you’re definitely going to appreciate how much time you’ll save time with composite decking. It’s perfect for those who want a beautiful deck without the endless upkeep.
Sustainability
If you’re thinking about the planet, composite decking is an excellent choice. These composite boards are made from recycled materials like plastic and wood fibers, which means fewer trees are chopped down and less plastic ends up in landfills.
Sounds great, right? Also, composite decks can easily last for a long time, so you won’t need to replace them as often as wood which reduces waste and saves your money.
So, it’s a win-win situation for your backyard, your pocket, and the environment. You can make eco-friendly choices by choosing composite decking that can help you do your part without sacrificing style or durability.
Moisture Resistance
It’s normal to be worried about water wrecking your wooden deck, but with composite decking, you don’t have to worry about that.
Composite decking is different from wood, wood can easily soak up moisture and warp, but composite boards are designed to resist water. So no more worrying about rain or spilled drinks. Composite decking stays strong and looks great even in wet conditions.
It’s like having a deck that’s always ready for a summer BBQ, no matter how much rain decides to fall. So, if you’re looking for something that handles moisture effectively then composite decking is definitely a great option.
Slip Resistance
Stepping out onto a deck after rain can sometimes feel like you’re walking on ice, just one slip and your back will be hurting like real bad.
But it’s not the case with composite decking, it offers built-in slip resistance, making it safer for everyone to walk even in wet decks. Many of these boards come with textured surfaces or special designs that are great for improving grip, even when it’s wet.
This feature is particularly handy for families with active kids or pets who love to run around. Choosing the right deck with slip resistance not only keeps you safe but adds peace of mind, knowing you won’t slip up, literally. It’s a small detail that goes a long way in making your deck a more reliable space.
Disadvantages of Composite Decking
In this section, we’ll talk about the not-so-great sides of composite decking. Just like any other product, it also has its own set of cons that one should be aware of. It’s good to have an idea on what can go wrong as it is to see the benefits.
Understanding these downsides helps you make a more balanced choice, so you don’t get unexpected surprises later on.
Higher Initial Cost
Composite decking is more expensive than traditional wood, and that’s a big factor to consider if you’re sticking to a tight budget.
But before you focus on the upfront costing, consider that you’re paying for durability, low maintenance, and long-term savings that you can’t get with a traditional wood deck.
So, if you want to, you can invest in a deck that’ll stay looking great with little effort over the years. You don’t have to worry about warping, cracking, or anything like that, once it’s installed, you are done.
Heat Retention
One thing you should look out for is, composite deckings tend to store up sun’s heat, making it pretty hot to walk on during the hot summer months. Wood deck is better in this case as it stays cooler, but composite boards can get uncomfortably warm, and you can’t even walk if you are barefoot.
So, if you live in a super sunny area or love lounging barefoot on your deck, this might be something to consider. You can make this more bearable though by adding outdoor rugs or furniture, or even go for a lighter color composite, which can help in keeping things cooler.
Just know that, while composite decking offers many great things, it’s not exactly a barefoot-friendly surface especially if you live in areas where summers are too hot.
Fading and Staining
While composite decking is great for many reasons, it’s not completely immune to fading and staining. Over time, the constant exposure to sun can make the colors look a little washed out, especially if your deck gets a lot of direct sunlight.
And if you’re the clumsy type to spill your BBQ sauce or wine every once in a while ( no worries, we’ve all been there), know that composite decks are indeed more stain-resistant than wood, but still, not completely stain-proof.
If you want your deck to look great and fresh then regular cleaning and maybe a little sealing every now and then can go a long way in maintaining its original appearance.
Less Natural Looking
Composite decking surely has that beauty of wood but to be honest, it doesn’t really have the same charm as real wood. So if you want that warm, natural vibe, composite might feel a little too “perfect” or artificial for that.
It’s great when it comes to durability, but it can lack the unique grains, wooden texture, and colors of wood that makes it so appealing. So, if you prioritise that rustic, traditional look then wood is the better pick for you.
Heavier and Less Customizable
Composite decking does look great and offers great durability, it also comes with a bit of a weight problem. Composite wood is heavier than wood, which can make the installation process more hectic and difficult, so you need to hire labour to get the work done.
Aside from it being heavy, there’s also less options for customisation. You can find some cool colors and finishes but it doesn’t offer the same customization as you can get in wood.
With wood, you can sand, stain, or paint to create your perfect look that suits your aesthetic style but it’s not the same with composite decks. So, if customization and personal touches are important, you might want to reconsider.
How much does composite decking costs?
The composite decking boards upfront cost is higher than wood. If we talk about a wood deck, then it averages around $17,500, while a composite deck costs approximately $24,000.
But if we think long term then composite materials help save money in the long run through reduced maintenance.
Wood needs to be maintained regularly like sanding, sealing, painting, etc, to make sure it stays protected and in great condition but it’s not the same case with composite.
When I switched to composite decking for my backyard, I no longer had to spend money on annual wood treatments. Over a few years, my higher upfront investment in the composite decking paid off.
Types of composite deckings for aesthetics
These composite decking boards come in a wide range of colors and textures. Some of those varieties even mimic the look of natural wood while offering consistent finishes.
As for wooden decks, they need staining to achieve a specific color, but composite options already have finishes in earthy tones, grays, and even vibrant hues.
You can also choose textures, from rough, wood-grain patterns to smooth, modern styles. This makes it easier to match personal preferences.
When I installed my patio, I really wanted to choose a color that perfectly matched my home’s trim without worrying about it fading.
These boards can be heated and bent, which allows you to intricate shapes that add character to your outdoor spaces.
You can add Features like inlaid borders or picture framing to create striking visual details. My neighbor’s deck, for example, includes a herringbone pattern that catches everyone’s eye, something that isn’t feasible with traditional wood.
This flexibility makes composite materials a popular choice for enhancing outdoor aesthetics.
Composite Decking Vs Wood Decking: Which One To Choose?
When it comes to choosing between composite decking and wood decking, it’s a choice over what you prefer the most.
Composite decking boards offer a consistent appearance, mimicking wood’s texture and grain without deteriorating over time.
It may look too perfect or unnatural but still does the job. But wood tends to fade, get splinters or warp easily with temperature change. It needs constant upkeep to maintain its natural beauty and charm.
While there are some homeowners who prioritize the natural look of wood, you can try composite boards that have wood-like appearance.
They also provide a broader range of colors and finishes, letting you match or enhance your outdoor area’s style far more flexibly than untreated wood.
Conclusion
No going to lie but for me, switching to composite decking boards was one of the best decisions for my outdoor space.
They’ve saved me hours and money on maintenance compared to my old wood deck, which constantly needed repairs and staining.
These composite decking comes with a lifespan of 25 to 30 years,making them a better option for those who are thinking of long term.
The upfront cost might be more than wood but it’s worth it. And the best thing is you are making an eco-friendly choice as these composite decking boards are made from recycled content, which is a great thing for our environment.
