Cheaper Alternatives To Decking

Nowadays, the choice between both comes down to your own budget and personal preferences. While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn't last forever.

• However, it’s easy to install and clean, durable, low maintenance, and lasts a long time—and that can’t really be said for wood.
• Unfortunately, wood decking is just not meant to last forever.
• While composite decking is eco-friendly, it’s still not a natural material like wood.
• And it’s sure to have natural imperfections, like splinters and knots, which may not appeal to homeowners.
• However, as durable as wood decking is, it’s still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort.
• While composite decking is made to look like natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

The pulp inside the bamboo has been harvested to make even pillows and quilt batting due to the incredibly soft nature, even more so than cotton. There are two distinct types of bamboo decking, woven fibers and non woven fibers. The natural beauty of bamboo is undeniable, and in many climates can provide a lasting deck if maintained properly. With any wood style deck, it is going to take work to keep it at its best. Bamboo is no exception, and will need sealed and stained or pigmented. It will fade over time, so slapping on a coat of sealant in its natural state is not recommended. Additionally, areas that see a lot of rain or flooding, puddling, or marshy lands will not benefit from bamboo.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

This removes the threat of staining and makes cleaning and maintenance easy. If you’re not sold on the appearance of composite decking boards, but remain hesitant about the ongoing demands of timber, acetylated wood might be the product for you. There are plenty of great reasons to consider composite wood for your deck. While real wood requires chopping down trees, composite wood can be made from recycled materials. Not all composites are recycled, though, so look for this feature if that’s a priority for you. For most wooden decks, you’ll need to seal and stain them every two to three years.

And no matter which material you choose, be sure to get your share of quotes so you're able to compare your options and snag a great deal. The cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor. If your budget for installing a deck is limited, you may choose to stick with wood. But keep in mind that composite requires less maintenance over time so that, depending on the size of your deck, at some point, you could break even. The question is really how much you're willing or able to spend upfront. The main reason people choose wood is for the initial cost savings.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

In view of the purchase cost of decks, wood flooring is usually cheaper than composite decking. It should be noted that outdoor decking is a long-term investment. In the long run, wooden decking needs to be sanded, dyed, and oiled every year, which will occur maintenance costs. In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking. If the deck needs to be replaced after several years of use, this will also be a considerable cost. We can’t say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose. Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks.

Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance

You’ll also have to keep an eye out for mold, fungus, and mildew with wood decking. All of this upkeep can add up and cause pressure treated wood decks to cost more than composite decks in the long run. To put it simply, composite decking is created from a mix of wood fiber and plastic.

Wood decks have much higher maintenance requirements and don’t last as long as composite decking materials. There’s no such thing as a perfect decking material, and that includes composite decking. The largest hurdle is the upfront cost, because composite materials cost more than real wood. Everyone wants beautiful, natural-looking decking and nothing accomplishes that more than real hardwood decking.

Is Composite Decking Cheaper Than Wood Decking?

Now using a high estimate of $139 a square metre for composite decking materials, the same deck costs $2,780. A significant factor in hardwood vs. composite decking is the cost of each product.

This will protect the color and longevity of the wood by protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Composite decking contains a blend of real wood and plastic polymers, but this material still looks exactly like real wood . This type of decking material is an environmentally friendly option, and it doesn’t come with any of the downsides wood has. Wood is the most traditional material used for porches and decks, and some studies conclude it’s still the most popular option today.

It can also be easy on your budget because there are a wide number of options. There are plenty of reasons people choose real wood for their decks. Many homeowners enjoy using natural materials rather than synthetic ones. That authenticity comes with practical benefits as well, though.