IPE vs Composite Decking - The Pros & Cons. Compared to wood decking, PVC and composite are lighter and easier to install. Compare. Composite wood decking materials are a durable, low-maintenance alternative to solid hardwood. Composite wood decking is great because it doesn't need to be maintained and is easy to clean. Building with wood - specifically, pressure-treated lumber - is half the cost of building with composite materials. 4. Composite decking planks are more expensive to install than wood, but is almost maintenance-free by comparison. Composite decking, at least the first generation composite products that people were complaining to me about for the past 15 or so . In addition, we paid . Since the process is quite similar regardless of the material, the cost . Composites aren't natural. Initially, that is true. Several companies offer limited lifetime guarantees or 50-year warranties for PVC planks, while composites come in at 20 to 35 years. Maintenance. Besides its stability, composite decking is also known for its low maintenance . Durability: Both products score highest among decking products for durability. Unlike other plastic deck boards, WearDeck is structural and supplies over two times the strength of composite and plastic decking materials. With composite decking, unlike wood decking, you can have a great-looking deck 10 years later. Affects drainage. Most wood composite decking supports 100 lb/ft2 at 16" O.C. Many homeowners assume that because pressure-treated wood is less expensive than composite decking, a wood deck will save them money. Trex Decking vs Wood Decking. Since wood decks need more maintenance, they can cost you more over time compared to composite decks. Costs. All of our current products undergo the same thermal modification process - Benchmark, Rebel . Different manufacturers use different formulations and processes, so the weight of decking will vary from company to . Moreover, they offer several product lines to meet the needs of every consumer. Wood Deck Cost. Typically, wood decking is lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. 238 Posts. Wood composite deck boards need regular . Costing around $1.25-$5.60 per lineal foot, pressure treated lumber is a familiar product for pros and DIYers that won't break the bank. Among wood decking's pros and cons, affordability is a decided benefit. The initial costs of purchasing and fitting a wood deck are relatively low. Wood Decks vs. Composite Decks. WearDeck boasts the highest live load rating in the industry. Composite decking materials, on . When it comes to Composite decking VS Wood Decks, great things are happening. The cost of installing a wood deck varies, depending on the size of the deck, the type of wood used, and the contractor you hire. On average, you can expect to pay around 95 per m for composite decking, including installation. Composite decks are composed mainly of wood fibers and recycled plastic and have realistic-looking wood grain features imprinted on the surface. Difference between CDX and OSB July 6, 2021; Top Five Lumber Species November 24, 2021; Composite decking is more resistant to moisture and insects, and it doesn't require any staining or sealing. If you decide to use pinewood, you will incur half the amount you need for a composite deck. All-plastic/vinyl decks are made from 100% recycled or non-recycled plastic. A Trex composite deck is ready whenever you want to use it. When it comes to composite decking vs wood, the winner is clear: TimberTech capped polymer and capped composite decking beats wood in every way. There is a little confusion though, one thing composite decking is not is plastic. In general, you can expect to pay a bit more for a composite deck vs. a wood deck. On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $23 to $42 per square foot including installation. The other materials are generally some type of plastic or PVC. In comparison, wood decking will cost around 65 - 150 per m on average including installation. Mold and Mildew Resistance: Capped PVC decking has a slight edge over capped composite for its ability to resist . Wood decks typically cost between $3 and $15 per square foot. Wooden Decks . Wood can be a cheap, quick-fix option, but over the long run, a composite deck will save you time and money, and give you a longer-lasting deck. It could cost 15 to 20 percent more for composite material than pressure-treated pine. Paul Hope/Consumer Reports. Composite decking products are getting better, weaker products are being culled. Popular Posts. Add To List. Price. While composite decking tries to mimic the look of real wood, it falls way short of replicating hardwood perfectly. To be more exact, wood deck screws can range between $0.08 to $0.10 per screw. However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance. Wood, especially derived from high-quality trees will last the test of time when well maintained. Unlike natural wood, it won't crack or splinter. Composite Decking - Pros & Cons. Composite decking material, by comparison, is much more stable - it doesn't degrade the way that wood decking boards do. According to Popular Mechanics, basic pressure-treated lumber goes for about 80 cents per linear foot, while redwood or cedar runs up to three times that amount. Which one you choose determines the style options, the price, what it's like to own it, and the maintenance you'll need . Pro tip: Spending a little more for kiln-dried lumber will keep splitting and checking to a minimum for better results. The maintenance category presents a series of challenges and trade-offs for both materials. While a wood deck is generally more affordable upfront, when you start to . Wood deck vs composite - when choosing a new garden decking for your space, it's the first crucial decision you'll have to make. There are numerous factors to evaluate before making a decision so when evaluating wood vs. composite decking, here are key issues to consider: Appearance; People simply love the look and feel of wood for a variety of good reasons: aesthetic, tactile, and psychological. Thornton Deck Builders | Call us at 720-740-1930 How much more does composite cost compared to wood? Wood Vs. Composite Decking - The Pros & Cons. But if you look at the cost over time, you see a different picture. Because it's made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, it is much more environmentally friendly than traditional composite decking. On the other hand, Untreated ipe wood takes on a silver hue in only two to three years. On average, maintaining a wood deck will cost $450-$850 per year. Enter Your ZIP Code. When you look at all Trex has to offer, wood decking begins to . If you're concerned about the budget then worry not because both screws are cheap. No sanding, staining, or painting herea little soap and water or a quick power washing is all the maintenance Trex requires. Wood will need more maintenance compared to composite decks. $19.78 each ($2.48 /lin.ft.) If the wood plastic composite deck is installed directly on top of the wood deck, it will face several problems that cannot be ignored. By the same token, wood decking may require more upkeep than composite, but, if well-maintained, that thermally modified wood and hardwood decking could still outlast a composite alternative by many decades. One of the greatest benefits that composite decking has going for it would be the lack of maintenance required. The two most common decking materials are composite and wood. Our cost comparison of wood decks vs. composites centers on one thing: a deck that's durable and looks great, year . The total cost of wood decking will depend on the type of wood, with hardwood being more . However, as a general rule, wood decks are less expensive than composite decks. A composite deck will cost $30 to $60 per square foot installed. Composite decking is the most expensive at $30 to $45 per square foot, but this is a one-time investment. For a 16-by-20 deck, this would range between $9,600 and $14,400. First, it is cost-effective. The Cost Difference Between Composite vs. Wood. Sku # 1122569. This is, in fact, a major reason why most people avoid composite decking because of the high initial cost. boards are 12 feet long and roughly 6 inches wide , pricewise about 28 per board inc hidden fastenings , so for a 12 x 12 deck you would be looking around 700 , plus the cost of the subframe , that's just an example for a rough idea . While wood requires a lot of routine maintenance, composite is the opposite. Scratch Resistant: Many Composite decking choices have a wood grain pattern etched into the surface. The three main deck material options you'll see on the market are pressure treated wood, composite, and PVC (also called vinyl). Pressure-treated wood is definitely the less expensive option when comparing it to other types of natural woods and especially to composite decking. Composite decking contains a blend of real wood and plastic polymers, but this material still looks exactly like real wood (although some cheaper composite decking material can look more like plastic than wood). Natural wood must receive regular cleaning and periodic sealing to prevent pests and rot. Making composite decking on average 45% heavier than pressure-treated wood decking. That's just one part of the warranty, as you also have to pay attention to the structural guarantee. Installed cost: About $13 - $22. 19 Variations Available. With composite, you won't need to purchase . Composite decks cost on average, including installation and materials and features like railings, stairs and fasteners can come up to $30-$45 per square foot. A composite is a combination of a base material with other materials, held together by a binding agent.In the case of composite decking that base material is wood. Cost is also one of the important factors to consider while choosing material for decking. So, if you're on a budget, just go for wood screws. They might choose a composite deck flooring that doesn't need maintenance over a wood deck that does. A Comparison Of Composite Decking Vs Wood Decking Image Credit: hgtv.com Composite Decking Pros: 1. After comparing real wood vs. composite decking, wood decking is the category winner for tested durability and cost. Color, texture and style options are quite good for composite / PVC decking. For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out the Deck Material Comparison Chart. Here are five reasons that hardwood decking is the superior choice. Composite decking is less slippery than timber and comes in a range of colours and finishes. To enhance your yard's aesthetic and functionality, consider installing a brand-new deck or patio outside your house. PVC is more lightweight than composite and may bounce when in use. The price of some composite decking is competitive with the cost of pricier wood decks. It's also a smart option . The average cost for a composite is double the average cost of a natural wood deck and is one of the major factors to consider in the . Composite vs Wood Decking: Durability Comparison. (Before the pandemic, the composite decking and wood trim would have come closer to $3,400.) The labor price to install a composite or wood deck ranges from $9 to $12 per square foot. However, you'll also need to factor in the fastener cost. That's because wood decking is significantly more affordable. UltraDeck Rustic Low-Maintenance Composite Decking. The Reason to Choose Wood Decking. The price of wood and composite can each vary depending on which subtype of material is being used. Many composite boards are manufactured with particular qualities, such as fade-resistance, resistance to . See the nuanced beauty and feel the durability of TimberTech decking up close by ordering free . Natural Beauty: While the carpet-like uniform coloring of composite decking is nice, the natural beauty of the many colors in RealWood hardwood decking are beautiful. Trex composite decking is more durable and longer lasting. However, MoistureShield, DuraLife, and Lumberock are other excellent alternatives. This type of decking material is an environmentally friendly option, and it doesn't come with any of the downsides wood has. However, if you're looking for an option that does not require upkeep and instead lasts for a long period of time, composite decking is the best option. New Things Are Happening in the Composite Industry. The lowest cost is about $5 per square foot. Upgraded composite options will still cost considerably more than natural . Composite Decking: $4-$13 per square foot for the boards. If you prefer the look and feel of real wood and don't mind being responsible for regular maintenance, then wood decking could be a good choice. A cedar wood deck will cost $30 or more per square foot. Cost. Pressure-treated wood remains the best option for those who are remodeling on a smaller budget. 1. Family Handyman. Composite decking may be eco-friendly but is commonly made with both wood fibers and plastics and not recyclable. Much Less Maintenance Required. Compare deck designs below to see what $10,000 will get you with wood vs. composite! While wood can rot, splinter, or decay over . Price. 1. A single 16-foot pine decking board was selling for nearly $26, less than the $32 you'd pay for a board of Trex Enhance. Wood is a more natural product, while composite and vinyl are artificial decking materials. While early-generation . 27 June 2018 at 1:25PM. The best composite decking brands are Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, and CaliBamboo. The next alternative decking material is PVC or plastic planks, which are sturdier than they sound. Real Hardwood Decking Looks Great. Cali-Bamboo also sells fencing, plywood, poles, edging, flooring, and paneling products for decking projects. In the end, we spent about $4,400 for deck materials. Can vary depending on seasonal availability. A pricey alternative to wood. Durability - Properly treated ipe wood lasts 75 years or more. Cali-Bamboo products cost about $15 to $75, depending on . The downside starts with the expense. In addition, we paid around $2,100 for an at-cost . Thermory Decking Isn't Like Other Wood. A redwood or cedar deck will cost between $25 and $30 per square foot. On the other hand, most composite decking solutions are cheaper in comparison to decks made of . Air circulation is not guaranteed. How Long Does Composite Decking Last? Here at Keystone Custom Decks, we estimate that wooden decks are approximately $5,000 cheaper than a composite deck of comparable size. If you want to consider wood decks, make sure that stripping, sanding, and staining should be included in your budget. By: newtechwood. The lifespan of composite decking is approximately twenty years. At $30-$60 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $25-$43 for natural wood. Its BamDeck composite is made from 60 percent recycled bamboo fibers and 40 percent recycled plastics. Whereas composite deck screw price ranges between $0.22 to $0.35 per screw. Composite decking costs less over its lifetime than does wood and lasts longer, too. 4. Water will slip between the layers of boards and cause mold stains. Wood decks take constant care. Aesthetics: Capped composite decking has a more wood-like appearance whereas PVC decking, due to its all-plastic construction, has an enhanced wood look. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. 100% plastic decking is made from PVC and has no wood in the mix at all. Composite decking will keep the same look and colour . Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks. Ipe wood keeps its proportions and smooth profile for an extended period. Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years depending on the type of wood being used. The total investment of a deck will vary depending on its size and the type of wood or composite chosen. Wood is the . Remains consistent year-round. As we've said, it requires very little maintenance - it will last at least 20 . You can use any face screw with pressure treated wood, but it will come at the expense of making repairs down the road. Treated 5/4 x 6 wood decking on average weighs 1.59 lbs a lineal foot, an equally sized composite weighs 2.3 lbs. They don't contain wood fillers, but can be streaked to mimic a wood grain look. Compare Wood vs Composite Deck Cost Quick Summary: Composite vs Wood Deck Cost. All you have to do is clean it occasionally. The Trex brand is synonymous with high-quality composite decking, and DecksDirect is your one-stop shop for . When it comes time to build a new deck you need to do your research to make sure you are building a deck with the right materials that will last for many yea. On the other hand, patio pavers come in various materials that could complement your exterior design. But Thermory makes expertly thermally-modified wood. If you'd like extra features like benches and railings, expect to pay at the upper end of this price range. This type of decking benefits from being stronger, more durable, and requiring considerably less maintenance compared to wood decking. Trex composite decking may be more expensive initially, but in the long run, it begins to pay for . Likewise, composite decking must be cleaned regularly to prevent moisture from building up and causing damage to your deck. Wood Plastic Composite Decking. to see products and pricing at your local store. PVC decking has a longer structural warranty than composite deck boards. In the end, we spent about $4,400 for deck materials. We can't say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose. A standard 12 treated decking board weighing 19.08 lbs, with the same composite board 27.6 lbs. The upfront cost is generally greater with composite decking, however, the better financial choice in the Trex vs. wood decking debate all comes down to perspective. One of the best-known makers is Trex, whose product weighs approximately 60 pounds per cubic foot, so a 12-foot length of 5/4-by-6 Trex weighs 27.5 pounds. Appearance of Real Wood vs. Composite Decking. The material resists stains and general weathering better than wood. Because the wood fibers are encased in plastic, they do not need the extensive maintenance and protection compared to wood decking material. This is vital to consider when factoring in costs. Wood: $10-$25+. Differences in costs. However, due to the pros associated with composite decking -- including the low maintenance, durability, and the long-lasting nature of the material -- the cost of composite decking can be easily offset over time, eventually saving . Generally speaking, composite decks cost more than their natural wood counterparts, with costs ranging from $30 to $45 per square foot. 2. (Before the pandemic, the composite decking and wood trim would have come closer to $3,400.) Made with up to 95 percent recycled plastic that encapsulates the wood fibers, wood plastic composite (WPC) decking is strong and often comes with a 20-year or longer warranty against staining and fading. Composites have significantly improved in durability, with high-quality . The price gap between wood and composite can make the difference between getting your dream deck this year and needing to save up for . Buyers are more likely to be interested in this convenience. For example, a tropical hardwood will be double the price of a pressure-treated softwood. Which type of decking is right for you ultimately depends on how you plan to use your deck and your aesthetic preference. Wood is a cost-effective alternative to that. PVC Decking. A deck can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years if made from untreated wood and can last as long as 50 years for treated wood or composite materials. The TruOrganics product line is made of 100 percent recycled wood fibers. The finish is also considerably more consistent - every board of a composite deck is the same colour and texture, whereas timber decking can have colour variations due to the natural wood and knots. Because a deck is a long-term investment and you will be enjoying it for decades to come, it's important to understand your choice of materials before starting your . Cost of Materials. Fiberon Paramount PVC Decking in Sandstone. Composite decking? Natural timber is the classic choice, but nowadays, composite decking is proving to be a popular alternative in modern and classic schemes alike with its wide range of finishes. Even if you opt to use classier wood like redwood or cedar, the price will still be significantly lower than composite decking. Everyone wants beautiful, natural-looking decking and nothing accomplishes that more than real hardwood decking. These are established brands with a big reputation. While the advantages of composite decking are impressive, many homeowners still choose classic wood decking. Cons of Composite Decking. While pressure-treated lumber may cost less initially, maintenance costs are significantly higher. Still, many companies make their composite decking with recycled materials. No matter the color or stain applied, it always has the texture and aesthetics of solid lumber! Composite decking consists of wood fibers embedded in a polymer binder. Of course, those are averages. UltraDeck Rustic Low-Maintenance Composite Decking. While they can't hold a candle to aluminum or wood in that regard, they offer some interesting advantages that make it an excellent choice for homeowners. So, there isn't much of a difference for people looking to buy a new home. Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost. So, if you're looking to invest in a stunning, long-lasting, low-maintenance deck, choose TimberTech. If you research the difference between wood decking and composite decking, it's easy to come away thinking that composites will offer more durability. Of course, Redwood or Cedar is more expensive and will last longer than pine or pre-treated woods, but the cost of this type of wood is sometimes 3 times higher and there is still the cost of yearly maintenance. It is lighter than wood, especially PVC decking, so easier to work with. Second, it is real wood. When it comes to the best hardwood decking, most people would go with Teak because of its . Wood Decking vs. Composite Decking: Final Verdict. Our 5/46" board supports 120 lb/ft2 at 24" on center (O.C.).