Composite Decking

Sawdust, wood scraps, and wood fiber are mixed with other raw materials and melted. The composite slurry is then forced through a mold, or die, giving the final product its lumber-like shape and appearance. Depending on the brand and type of product you choose, the boards are typically wrapped in a polypropylene shell on three sides. The shell is bonded to the board for a seamless, finished look that provides decades of protection against fading and UV damage, as well as everyday wear and tear, stains, and spills. 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. For composite deck repairs, there is no sanding, sealing, or staining involved in keeping your composite decking looking tiptop.

These types of decks have a beautiful look-and-feel and resist warping, cracking or other weather damage. Redwood is usually more expensive than cedar and in general, these types of decks come in at about three times the price of treated lumber. Both wood and composite materials come in low and high quality, so cost or quality is not the only factor.

Composite Decking From A To Z

What one homeowner sees as being a feature, another may see as a chore. A new homebuyer may look at a pressure treated deck as something that will require work to maintain. Depending on the size and condition of the old deck, this can become a deal-breaker on the sale. As you can see, after just 2-3 years, the additional expense of maintaining a low-cost PT deck starts to encroach on what a high-quality hardwood composite deck would have cost. With none of the mess or headaches to deal with either – composite decks require only sweeping and a quick wash with soap and water between seasons. Based on the price ranges above, the total cost works out to $4,800 to $8,000 for pressure-treated pine and $8,000 to $9,600 for cedar or redwood.

If you see your deck color start to fade, call in the pros to see if you can paint it. More often than not, the answer is no, but a few composite manufacturers or paint companies sell paints specifically for composites.

As for wood options, a cedar wood deck is generally more durable than a pressure-treated one, since pressure-treated pine is a soft wood that can more easily dent and splinter. Any type of wood will require yearly resealing and/or staining to maintain good color, so there’s built-in work to be done when you go this route. In order to enjoy natural wood, trees need to be cut down. In a world that is worried about air quality and running out of our natural resources, this can create a conflict within deck builders.

Quick Summary: Composite Vs Wood Deck Cost

They want the look of wood, yet they are concerned about what the ultimate price will entail. Composite decking often goes down the same way as wood, that is, with stainless steel decking screws. But some manufacturers offer products with clip or tongue-and-groove assembly. These easy building systems result in deck surfaces without unsightly rows of visible screw heads. Read our tips on the cost to build a deck, neighborhood restrictions, safety measures before installation, higher property taxes, and insurance on your new deck. Remove the old deck yourself, but you will have to dispose of the old wood. It might be more cost effective to have your contractor do this compared to hiring a junk removal service for $5–$15 per square foot of debris.

Composite Decking

Finally, unlike wood decks, there is no need to stain or seal your deck . While your wood deck can splinter, your composite deck will not. Wood deck owners who want to preserve that pristine deck condition need to seal their decks at least once a year. Durability is perhaps the biggest selling point for composite decks.

Home Project Costs & Estimates

It is best known for its ability to repel water in areas with heavy rains. This means that pros can cut these boards without the risk of splintering or cracking, a common problem with other vinyl materials like siding.