subject: Wood Versus Composite Decking [print this page] Wood Versus Composite Decking Wood Versus Composite Decking
Which Is The Right Choice For You
Spring is just around the corner and many a homeowner will be considering adding onto their deck or replacing their old deck with a newer model. Others will be adding their first.
The slowdown in the economy has meant that most of us are spending far more time at home and every square foot of space including that which is outside is being put to better use.
Before you ever get down to the particulars of the design of your deck and which bells and whistles you want added to it, there is one important initial decision to make. Are you going to have a traditional wood deck built onto your home or opt for one of the newer composite material decking options? Here is a little information about both options that may help you decide.
Composite Decking
Composite decking materials are a relatively new innovation and on many levels perform just as well as real wood. The one big advantage that composite decking has over traditional wood is that it is far easier to maintain. Composites are comparitively extremely weather resistant and stand up to water well, making composite decking the better choice for use around a pool area. On the downside though you are going to end up with a very uniform look across the length and breadth of your deck the variations you would find in natural wooden decking just will not be there.
Wood Decking
If aesthetics are your primary concern then wooden decking is probably going to be the right choice. Although you can buy composite decking materials that are created to mimic wood, most of us can tell the difference.
Wood decking will require more maintenance than composite decking. However, taken care of properly, a wood deck should last far longer than the twenty years that most composite deck material manufacturers guarantee so the durability factor might make wood the better choice as well.
In the end the choice between wood decking and composite decking is a personal one based on preference and budget. Ask your deck contractor if you can see samples of both materials and examples of decks they have built using them before you make your final choice.
