Deciding on a material for your new deck? Composite decking and natural wood decking are two distinct materials that come with their advantages and disadvantages. Keep reading to take a closer look at the major differences between these two materials.
Maintenance
While natural wood decks give off a beautiful aesthetic, they require a lot of work to maintain. The average homeowner spends around 16 to 32 hours a year cleaning, painting, and staining their wooden deck. Even with frequent maintenance, a wooden deck still deteriorates faster than a composite one.
A Trex composite deck doesn’t require frequent refinishing. To keep it clean, you just have to spray the deck with soap and then gently scrub it with a soft bristle brush. In total, homeowners spend an average of two to four hours a year maintaining their composite deck.
Durability
Wooden decks are susceptible to rot, splintering, warping, and termites. It’s not the best choice if you expect your deck to be in constant contact with water. Wooden decks also aren’t stain-resistant and they’re prone to fading after prolonged exposure to the sun. Given these factors, the average lifespan of a wooden deck is about 10-30 years.
Composite decks are not susceptible to those things. Since it is made from durable, long-lasting materials, you can expect to enjoy this deck for up to 50 years. They hold up well in harsh weather conditions and are stain-resistant.
Cost
You get what you pay for, and that is certainly true in the case of choosing a decking material. While wooden decks cost less than composite decking upfront, you will end up paying more for the upkeep later on. If you are on a budget, a wooden deck might be the best choice for you, but if you have a higher budget, consider getting a Trex composite deck. It costs more to install than wooden decks, but you’ll spend less money, in the long run, maintaining it.
Source: https://www.customdeckbuildersllc.com/composite-decks-vs-natural-wood-decks.php
