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Topic: Patios and Decks



Date Posted: Thursday, January 16, 2014
Posted by: Judy Walker (Master Admin)


Wooden Decks Versus Composite Decks - Which is Better?


If you are thinking of constructing a deck to increase your living space, you will have a choice between wooden deck and composite deck. If you do not know the pros and cons of each type of deck, you may end up making the wrong choice and live to regret it. Also, remember, composite decks have more support beams compared to composite decks.

Composite or Wooden Deck?

Composite deck is made from fibers and plastic or recycled wood. Composite decking looks natural and can often be mistaken for natural wood. It is eco-friendly, as it recycles wood and sawdust, so allows people to do their bit for the environment. Wooden deck, on the other hand, is made from hardwood that is pressure treated. This makes the deck resistant to decay, rot and insects.

What Will it Cost?

There is no doubt that the initial cost of getting a composite deck is higher versus wooden deck. However, in the long-run, composite decks turn out to be more economical compared to wooden decks. They last longer and do not need replacing as often as wooden decking. This is the reason why composite decks have become more popular nowadays even though they cost more.

Maintenance

Wooden decks may look beautiful and elegant, but you need to maintain them to keep their beauty. You would need to clean, paint and seal it regularly to maintain its looks and if you live in a harsh climate, you would have to go in for re-finishing every few years. You also would have to stain a wooden deck every year to ensure the grain stays intact. This is not the case with composite deck. It is low maintenance and simple sweep of the broom or hosing it down will get rid of the dirt and debris.

Durability and Strength

Over a period of time, your wooden deck will begin to splinter and this makes it dangerous to walk on it barefoot. You will not face this problem with a composite deck, as it is resilient and can withstand harsh weather conditions. But, it can get stained or scratched and also has a tendency to fade over time.

Appearance

When composite decking came out, it used to look unappealing, cheap and artificial. However, with advancing technology, this has changed. Today, composite decks can look elegant and beautiful, and are available in a variety of colors. The drawback with wooden decks is that the color choice is limited unless you decide to paint the deck. But wood has natural, sophisticated beauty that is hard to beat.

The Verdict

There is no doubt that composite deck is a better option compared to wooden deck even if you are going to pay more initially. It will work out cheaper and will not deteriorate with time like a wooden deck. Also, the maintenance is low when compared to wooden decking. But if you are looking for natural beauty, wooden decks win hands down. 



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