A deck built of untreated wood can last anywhere from 10 to 15 years, whereas a deck made of treated wood or composite materials can last as long as 25 years. Given that a deck is a long-term investment, and that you will be using it for many years to come, it is critical that you understand your options before beginning your construction project.
Considering that both wood and composite decks are available in a variety of grades and qualities, price or quality are not the sole considerations. The fact that composite materials require less maintenance than other materials is widely recognized; as a result, their costs are typically greater. However, they do require some upkeep, and there are a variety of other considerations. Let’s have a look at some of the factors that you should consider while selecting the correct deck material for your deck.
Wood Decks
Many people prefer real wood for their decks because of the natural, warm appearance it gives off in the sunlight. It’s just that it feels fantastic. Then again, there’s wood… and then there’s more wood. The type of lumber you use to build a wooden deck is vital to the longevity and level of upkeep required by your deck over time.
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Treated lumber, sometimes known as “PT” for “pressure-treated lumber,” is a popular and reasonably priced alternative to solid wood. PT wood is a type of fir that has been treated with anti-rot and pesticide chemicals. Its natural hue is a shade of brown-green, but you can stain it to make it a more appealing shade of green.
However, there is a good reason why this is the most affordable alternative for decking available. The material has the potential for cracking and warping, and it must be maintained on a consistent basis.
Consider using weather-resistant wood such as cedar or redwood if you want to go the natural approach. They have a wonderful appearance and feel, and they are resistant to warping, cracking, and other weather-related problems. Redwood is typically more expensive than cedar, and on average, the cost of these types of decks is approximately three times the cost of conventional treated lumber.
Another pricey hardwood that is also used for decks is Brazilian ipe wood, which is naturally resistant to rot and is therefore more durable than either cedar or redwood. Brazilian ipe wood is also more expensive than either cedar or redwood. Because it is imported from South America, the price of IPE can be up to four times higher than the price of cedar or redwood alternatives.
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Composite Decks
Composite decking materials, which are largely constructed of a mixture of recycled plastic and wood fibres, are becoming increasingly popular. While a deck constructed from these materials will not be “natural” in appearance and will not have the potential beauty of a real-wood deck, you can choose from a variety of colours to give the deck a more natural appearance. Furthermore, developments in this sort of decking have resulted in its appearance and feel being downright appealing, according to many users.
The most compelling argument in favour of composite decks is their low maintenance requirement: there is no need for sanding, polishing, or staining at any point in time. Furthermore, it is usually accompanied by a warranty of at least 20 years, if not a lifetime guarantee. The negative is that, as you might guess, it is more expensive than natural wood decks, costing around twice as much as natural wood decks depending on the quality and warranty.
How are Composite decks superior?
Composite Decks require less maintenance
Generally speaking, hardwood decking should be dyed around once a year to maintain its appearance. The failure to properly care for your timber boards will result in a deck that is quite old and worn-looking.
Composite decks do not require staining, and in fact, high-quality composite boards require little to no upkeep at all after they are installed. Occasional cleaning will be sufficient to keep your garden deck looking beautiful for many years to come!
Composite decks are easier to install
Installing wooden deck boards may be a taxing and time-consuming operation that requires a lot of effort. If you want to minimize waste and achieve a nice, smooth appearance, you may need to invest in specialized tools, and the process can be very time-consuming.
Composite decks tend to look equally as attractive as natural wood decks while requiring far less maintenance. A wide range of user-friendly fixtures and fittings are available to assist you in ensuring that your composite deck is exactly as you want it to look and function.
Composite decks are less likely to splinter
When it comes to hardwood decking, one of the most common dangers is that the boards will crack and splinter with time. However, this can be unattractive as well as dangerous – especially for those who enjoy strolling around in bare feet or for those who have children and/or pets in their homes!
Since the majority of high-quality composite decking is engineered to be splinter-free and highly durable in general, you shouldn’t have to worry about this issue.
Composite decks offer better slip resistance
Another potential hazard to be aware of is that hardwood decking may become rather slippery when wet, so use caution when using it. If algae begin to form on the surface of the boards, the situation becomes even more direr.
Fortunately, the majority of high-quality composite decking products are engineered to provide a high level of slip resistance, lowering your chances of falling and injuring yourself.
As with most of the benefits discussed above, where you purchase your decking will determine how effective it is. Boards for composite decks are frequently constructed from recycled wood from other sectors. Apart from that, because composite decks do not require staining, you will not have to be concerned about releasing any dangerous chemicals into the environment while maintaining your deck.
