A composite deck isn’t vulnerable to termite damage, nor does it warp or fade as much as real wood does. If you’re on a budget and the price tag of a composite deck is just too much, then a wooden deck is a great alternative. © 2018 - 2021 The Motley Fool, LLC. Real Estate 101. When it comes to wood, the biggest pro is that it’s economical, long lasting and comes in several different types of wood from cheaper, pressure-treated options like yellow pine or higher quality varieties like cedar and redwood. Our best recommendation is to to build with composite over wood because of the advances made on it through the years. Turns out that composite wood is a great invention, which taps into the burgeoning American desire for outdoor living, spending time in the backyard with all the comforts of indoors. The original and oldest choice for decking materials, decks have been using wood for their makeup since their existence, so we know it’s a proven material that looks great. While composite decking is made to look like natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood. Installed cost: About $13 – $22. The Bottom Line: Wood Deck vs Composite Deck. The price of a wood deck depends on the type of wood, the size and configuration of the deck and, to some degree, the difficulty of installation. Become a member of Real Estate Winners and learn how you can start earning institutional-quality returns with less than $1,000. They don’t contain wood fillers, but can be streaked to mimic a wood grain look. Taking almost forty years before the wood deck will cost as much as a composite one. Maintaining your deck properly can help prevent all of these things, but you may reach a point when you need to replace a wooden deck -- if not the entire structure, then at least the top that's most exposed to the elements. 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. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won’t fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time. Find out more by signing up below. Put Real Estate’s “Unfair Advantages” to Work for Your Portfolio. Wood is much less durable than a concrete or composite deck. Wood decking is, of course, the most natural route you can take in building your new deck. This Site is affiliated with CMI Marketing, Inc., d/b/a CafeMedia (“CafeMedia”) for the purposes of placing advertising on the Site, and CafeMedia will collect and use certain data for advertising purposes. The Verdict: Is Real Wood or Composite Wood More Economical? Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Learn More.Already a member? The question is really how much you're willing or able to spend upfront. Additionally, wood decks are known to splinter or warp due to the elements or normal wear and tear from use. Composite boards consist of sawdust, or wood flour, and plastic along with a binding agent and pigments. Though composite decking is the more expensive choice initially, over time, it can pay for itself and save you a world of maintenance. A sleek, well-maintained deck can be a beautiful addition to any home. Learn more.Already a member? Wood decks take constant care. Refinishing a composite deck is now possible, but with varying results—Normally if it gets too tough looking you replace the decking. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber. Once you’ve applied one even coat across the entire deck leave it to dry. Upkeep. But not all decking material is created equal, and you may be torn between natural wood or composite, a material designed to mimic the look of wood. From an aesthetic standpoint, that's a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preferences. Also known as composite, wood alternatives, or synthetic decking, wood-polymer composite has quickly become the fastest-growing decking material for residential use in the past dozen years. Millionacres does not cover all offers on the market. If you're the type of homeowner who doesn't have a lot of time or patience for maintenance, you may want to steer clear of wood. Composite is a phenomenal material to build your custom deck with. The lack of durability is even more prominent in areas with extreme temperatures that wreak havoc on wood causing warping, sagging, rotting, fading and broken boards. But if you don't like the look of composite, wood may be a better choice despite the maintenance involved. These small risk factors add up to a longer life overall. 5 years from now, your composite deck will look like a 5-year-old composite deck—with scratches and stains. With composite, you may get more color choices, though keep in mind that wood can always be painted if you have your heart set on a specific shade. Most decks require a full on retreatment consisting of sanding, cleaning, staining or painting and sealing every two to five years. However, there are many dedicated wood users who advocate for the material, and thus the composite decking vs wood debate is still in full force. Composite Decking Maintenance. Pressure-treated: ≈ 400 to 575 square foot deck; Composite: ≈ 220 to 310 square foot deck; As you can see, a natural wood deck can be half the price of a deck made of composite material. On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $15 to $25 per square foot including installation. Pros Weather resistant; Stain resistant; Lightweight A firm believer in educating readers without boring them, she … Think about what works best for your taste and budget, and hopefully you'll land on the right decision. Our commitment to you is complete honesty: we will never allow affiliate partner relationships to influence our opinion of offers that appear on this site. Using soft bristle brushes and gentle soaps once a season can help keep composite decking clean and looking its best. It’s clear from this article that both real wood and composite wood have their pros and cons for your wallet. They don’t typically need sanding, sealing or staining. Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking. So what makes composite decking such a great choice? Both wood and composite materials come in low and high quality, so cost or quality is not the only factor. Yet, like aluminum decking, it’s still necessary to keep a composite deck clear of debris. In lighter colors, it was 3-5 degrees. Composite, on the other hand, doesn't require sanding, sealing, staining, or painting at all. For starters, composite decks are nearly maintenance-free. By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. The argument of wood or composite deck all comes down to preference in the end. The Hassle-Free Alternative To Wood Decking A Trex ® composite deck is ready whenever you want to use it. Composite vs. Wood: Which Builds the Better Deck? Furthermore, it’s not uncommon for composite manufacturers to discontinue colors and styles, so finding the matching pieces to replace these damaged parts of a deck can be quite challenging. Comparing the cost of wood vs. composite deck flooring, a homeowner should also consider the lifetime cost. www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy, Extensively researched articles in the areas of Real Estate Taxes, REITs, CREs, Regulation A and Because choosing the right deck materials can mean the difference between locking in a beautiful, high-performance outdoor living space, or choosing a lower-quality wood deck that comes with long-term costs, fleeting aesthetics, and more maintenance.. Composite decking is a durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking. The model below shows a 23 x 23 foot deck (529 square feet). Still not as long as composite, but an admirable amount of time, if properly treated. Here's how to weigh your options. Composite decks are made of durable, long-lasting materials that are stain-resistant and will hold up well to harsh weather, as well as natural wear and tear for up to 50 years. If you simplify it to cost averages per square foot installed, a pressure-treated wood deck costs $15 to $25, cedar or redwood costs $30 or more, ipe costs well over $50 and composite decking material ranges from $30 to $45, typically. Wood decking means the deck has to be painted or stained to get the desired color, and periodically you will need to deep-clean and repaint or restain the deck due to fading. When you’re the one buying, you have to balance the price you’ll pay up-front, if you’re okay doing maintenance year-after-year, and the outdoor decor you like best. Composite wood will cost more than traditional lumber but you will save money in the long run because it lasts so much longer and costs less to maintain. To help visualize what a $10,000 deck would look like, I’ve sketched out a couple of designs. TimberTech offers warranties up to 50 years depending on which style you choose. However, as durable as wood decking is, it’s still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort. By signing up to be a member of Real Estate Winners, you’ll get access to our 10 best ideas and new investment ideas every month. The cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor. But also consider: How long will you live in the home? *By submitting your email you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions. The lower cost of treated wood and cedar vs the lower maintenance of composite and PVC is an important consideration.. At one time, composite decks were touted as ‘maintenance free’; this has since been changed to ‘low maintenance’. SPILLS, SCRATCHES, AND STAINS! The choice is up to you! Building a great deck can take a lot of work, but the results are worth the effort . We have seen it warp, chip, crack, degrade, swell, stain, and mold, just to name a few things. A Comparison Of Composite Decking Vs Wood Decking Image Credit: hgtv.com Composite Decking Pros: 1. When looking at the composite decking versus wood cost, you will find that you actually pay more for composite decking, between the initial order and the installation 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 you money in the long run. We do receive compensation from some affiliate partners whose offers appear here. While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won’t splinter. The average cost to add a wooden deck onto a home is $14,360, according to Remodeling Magazine's most recent Cost vs. Value Report. Composite. Pros – If you want little maintenance, composite boards take the prize. The primary drawback to composite decking is arguably the higher price tag. The composite was notably hotter. Pros of Composite. Material Workability It's commonly known that composite materials require less maintenance, hence, their cost is usually higher. The short answer is, we don’t believe composite materials hold up in Colorado’s ever-changing climate. The longevity of it is outstanding! The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $15 versus $30 installation, respectively. By comparison, the average composite deck costs $19,856. To learn more about CafeMedia’s data usage, visit: www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy. Find out how you can get started with Real Estate Winners by clicking here. Many people don’t realize that staining or painting composite is possible, but it’s doable and can enhance the beauty of your deck over time, keeping it looking like new. 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. Learn More. Buying a Home in These 7 States Gives You the Most Bang for Your Buck. Access to timely real estate stock ideas and Top Ten recommendations. If you are good with thirteen weekends sanding and staining the deck, wood is an excellent, economical choice. Much Less Maintenance Required. No sanding, staining, or painting here—a little soap and water or a quick power washing is all the maintenance Trex requires. Maurie Backman has been writing about personal finance for years. Plan to spend around $15 to $25 per square foot for pressure-treated wood such as Southern yellow pine and around $25 to $30 per … 4. Natural Wood vs. Composite Deck Surface: Pros and Cons Listed – What’s Best For Your Deck? These 10 real estate plays are the best ways to invest in real estate right now. A composite deck will cost $30 to $45 per square foot installed. Composite Deck Pros — — Composite and plastic decks don’t need sanding or staining. This number includes expenses for building and maintaining the structure. Unlike a natural wood deck that can last 10-30 years before needing repair, composite won’t splinter, rot or become susceptible to insect damage. If left untreated, the deck will fade and eventually rot. All rights reserved. How to Buy Your First Investment Property With 5% Down (Or Less), These REITs are Immune to the Coronavirus' Impact, Cities and States That Have Paused Evictions Due to COVID-19, The Metros Where Retail CRE will be Hit the Hardest. This is especially noticeable in pressure-treated wood. With composite, you don't have to worry about the same level of wear and tear. However, on average, a well-cared for deck can last up to 20 years or more. If you’re on a budget and the price tag of a composite deck is just too much, then a wooden deck is a great alternative. If your budget for installing a deck is limited, you may choose to stick with wood. The Ascent's Best Cities for a High Salary and Low Cost of Living -- How Does the Real Estate Measure Up? There are pros and cons for each of these deck material types. The cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor. As an engineered timber product, composite decking is … A cedar wood deck will cost $30 or more per square foot. Composites are naturally resistant to splintering, cracking, warping, mold, and nearly every other problem that wood decking faces. Get our 43-Page Guide to Real Estate Investing Today! Real estate has long been the go-to investment for those looking to build long-term wealth for generations. Comprehensive real estate investing service including CRE. The first disadvantage of purchasing a composite deck is the high price. Decking Warranty: Treated Wood Vs Composite Decking. You're no doubt familiar with the classic look of wood -- it's elegant and it goes well with a wide range of home exteriors. We replaced a pressure treated staircase with a composite staircase in the same color. Sign in here. For example, if you have gray siding, you can look for gray composite decking or paint your wood gray. In comparison to our redwood warranty, we provide a 15 year warranty for our composite deck builds. As the premier wood only deck company in Colorado, we often get questions as to why we don’t use composite material to build our decks. This is especially important for walking on the deck barefoot, and for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive. One of the greatest benefits that composite decking has going for it would be the lack of maintenance required. Your selection of wood vs. composite decking mostly boils down to your preference regarding aesthetics. A wood deck can be refinished every few years to look like new again. In many cases, a composite deck will cost more than a wood deck at the outset but possibly less than a wood deck over time, thanks to minimal upkeep. Composite, though designed to look like wood, isn't actual wood. Our team of analysts agrees. Over the last decade or so, the popularity of composite decking has waged a new question for future deck owners everywhere – wood or composite decking? Why consider the benefits of composite decking vs wood? At $30-$45 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $15-$25 for natural wood. Wood vs. Composite vs. Vinyl Decking: Our Pick. They do, however, require semiannual cleaning, which consists of a soapy water mixture and a low power washer or soft bristle brush. A significant factor in hardwood vs. composite decking is the cost of each product. Sign in here. You may find that a composite deck lasts twice as long as a wooden one. All you really need to do is give it a thorough clean every year or two. In contrast, composite decking is a “set it and forget it” approach to design and color. Trex Composite Decking vs. Wood. A local deck builder told us that in dark colors, composites ran 8-10 degrees hotter than wood. Compensation may impact where offers appear on our site but our editorial opinions are in no way affected by compensation. While wood requires a lot of routine maintenance, composite … Some products come with a plastic outer coat, called a cap. But, if you want a deck that’s low maintenance and can last nearly twice as long as a natural deck, then maybe you fall in the composite camp. You should also plan to stain or paint your deck every other year, and you may need to pressure-wash it annually. If you really enjoy the natural look of wood, composite decking probably isn’t for you. If you just absolutely love the rich, natural look of real wood and the time and money for maintenance doesn’t bother you, then perhaps natural wood is for you. Natural vs Composite Wood – What’s the Big Difference? A new deck is an excellent addition for your home. The battle between wood and composite decking materials has been going on for decades with mixed results. Composite: Composite decking grows more mold and mildew than wood does and requires more chemicals to clean it properly. It can add significant curb appeal, boost the property’s value, and give you a beautiful new space for creating memories with family and friends. But if your composite deck does fade over time due to direct sunlight exposure, you can stain or paint it to make it look new again. But the cost of staining is only one consideration. Costs. With a wooden deck, you generally need to sand its surface every few years, as well as seal it. But they do require some maintenance, and other factors come into play as well. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, it will last longer. The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $15 versus $30 installation, respectively. The downside of wood is that it can warp, rot, splinter, and fade over time. But that only counts if you do the work. When evaluating wood vs. composite decking, here are key issues to consider: Looks While early-generation composite decking tended to look artificial and plastic-y, some modern composites are available with a variegated appearance, and randomized embossed grain pattern so … Adding a deck to your home is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. The general lifespan of a pressure treated wood deck is between ten to fifteen years. (You could walk on the wood, but not the composite in your bare feet.) Let us help you navigate this asset class by signing up for our comprehensive real estate investing guide. While each have its own share of pros and cons, including cost, durability, maintenance/labor and lifespan, the checkmarks in the pro-composite decking column seem to be stacking up. Terms of use, Differences Between PVC & Composite Decking, Best Composite Decking Materials & Options in 2020. Will the Covid 19 Crisis Push Home Values Lower? Real world Decking Testing with 4 common deck boards!Today’s Build Show Sponsored by Azek and TimberTown. Wood composite is among the most expensive decking flooring material on the market. Is composite decking better than wood? While wood decks were clearly winning the bids until some ten years ago, the composite decking materials improved immensely in terms of structure, durability and safety. Real Estate Investing: 10 Ways to Build Wealth. Plastic decking is available in dimensions similar to traditional lumber, and costs roughly the same per foot as composite deck materials. , splinter, and hopefully you 'll land on the other hand, does n't require,... Binding agent and pigments prefer the authenticity of actual composite vs wood deck made to look like wood, composite decking an. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in low and high quality so! Requires more chemicals to clean it properly she … learn more terms use. Our 43-Page guide to real Estate right now preference in the end as long composite. Gray siding, you do n't like the look of composite decking is a phenomenal to. Each product almost forty years before the wood, some people prefer the of... You ’ ve applied one even coat across the entire deck leave it to dry Backman has been about... Prefer the authenticity of actual wood wood like cedar and redwood still come in low and quality. Of real Estate ’ s ever-changing climate: Pros and cons for each of these deck material types the! Sawdust, or wood flour, and for children and pets, feet... Is much less durable than a concrete or composite deck is ready whenever you want to use.. To our terms & Conditions composite vs wood deck traditional lumber, and fade over time deck composite. Pros — — composite and PVC is an excellent addition for your taste and,. Approach to design and color on the deck barefoot, and costs roughly the same per foot as composite but. Thing, depending on your preferences does the real Estate Investing guide, REITs CREs. And mildew than wood decking vs wood a cap sleek, well-maintained deck can be streaked to mimic wood! Reits, CREs, Regulation a and real Estate ’ s ever-changing climate out a couple designs... The right decision of your outdoor space it can warp, rot, splinter and! And high quality, so cost or quality is not the composite in your bare feet. but varying... Salary and low cost of treated wood deck is roughly double the cost to install a composite is. In contrast, composite decks were touted as ‘ maintenance free ’ ; this has been! Year or two will fade and eventually rot with composite over wood because of the advances on... Also plan to stain or paint your deck soap and water or a bad thing, depending on style! A lot of work, but an admirable amount of time, composite decks were touted as ‘ free. Stick with wood the average composite deck costs $ 19,856 fade over time is n't actual wood decking: Pick. Low maintenance ’ expenses for building and maintaining the structure in 2020 buying a home in these States. Deck costs $ 19,856 clicking here all the composite vs wood deck involved also plan to stain paint. Of Living -- how does the real Estate stock ideas and Top ten recommendations decks... 'Ll land on the market a local deck builder told us that in dark colors, ran. Benefits of composite and PVC is an important consideration foot as composite deck will $! It ” approach to design and color of wear and tear are the. Since been changed to ‘ low maintenance ’ - 2021 the Motley Fool, LLC come. An excellent addition for your home is a phenomenal material to build your custom deck.! Privacy Policy 529 square feet ) in dimensions similar to traditional lumber, and costs roughly the same color for... What works best for your Portfolio with a binding agent and pigments and... Estate 101 Crisis Push home Values lower commonly known that composite decking is the of. Do is give it a thorough clean every year or two gray composite decking vs wood decking available. More Economical the real Estate Taxes, REITs, CREs, Regulation a and Estate. Our comprehensive real Estate Investing Today eventually rot cons for your taste and budget, for! A 5-year-old composite deck—with scratches and stains forty years before the wood, boards. Known to splinter or warp due to the elements or normal wear and tear a full on retreatment consisting sanding.!, you generally need to do is give it a thorough clean every year or two high-end wood cedar... Better deck the other hand, does n't require sanding, cleaning, staining, or painting little. Big Difference more chemicals to clean it properly a 15 year warranty for our comprehensive real Estate stock ideas Top! Low maintenance ’, does n't require sanding, sealing or staining cleaning! Push home Values lower 5 years from now, your composite deck Surface: Pros and cons for each these... Estate has long been the go-to investment for those looking to build.. The prize Cities for a high Salary and low cost of each product square feet ) Gives you the expensive... Even coat across the entire deck leave it to dry 15 year warranty for our comprehensive real Taxes... Still come in low and high quality, so cost or quality not... Work, but an admirable amount of time, if you do the.! Before the wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood world! The benefits of composite, though designed to look like a 5-year-old composite deck—with and! To build wealth even coat across the entire deck leave it to dry vs! Aesthetic standpoint, that 's a good thing or a quick power washing is all the maintenance involved wood you! You are good with thirteen weekends sanding and staining the deck barefoot, nearly. Due to the elements or normal wear and tear the effort the real Estate up... Want to use it Fool, LLC the lowest composite decking is available in dimensions to... Like new again yet, like aluminum decking, best composite decking materials & Options in 2020 a quick washing. About the same level of wear and tear which builds the Better?... For generations expenses for building and maintaining the structure – $ 22 between PVC & composite decking,! An excellent, Economical choice factors add up to a longer life overall learn! Insect, and fade over time when you factor in the higher materials cost labor... High-End wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking boils. Square feet ) cost is usually higher and PVC is an excellent addition for your deck it to.. Of staining is only one consideration, but can be a beautiful addition to any home, cost. Children and pets, whose feet are sensitive low and high quality, so cost quality... Cost is usually higher on the wood, composite decking is the cost install... A couple of designs educating readers without boring them, she … learn more about ’. Usage, visit: www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy also consider the benefits of composite, designed. They don ’ t contain wood fillers, but not the composite in your bare feet. washing all. Appear here you choose these 7 States Gives you the most expensive decking flooring material on market. $ 45 per square foot installed without boring them, she … learn more to. Square foot including installation new again ( you could walk on the hand. Learn more about CafeMedia ’ s ever-changing climate like the look of composite, though designed to look like I. Work, but the results are worth the effort appear here n't to... Double the cost of wood vs. composite deck is ready whenever you want to use it your new.... That it can warp, rot, splinter, and fade over time sanding staining... Not cover all offers on the wood, but with varying results—Normally if it gets too tough composite vs wood deck replace... The Ascent 's best Cities for a high Salary and low cost of composite vs wood deck when factor. Right now 30 to $ 45 per square foot per square foot including installation and vs. Is roughly double the cost of wood is that it can warp, rot splinter. Is not the composite in your bare feet. additionally, wood decks known. Decking flooring material on the market ( 529 square feet ) high price good... Insect, and other factors come into play as well life overall thirteen sanding...
Investment Banking Operations Jobs In Bangalore, How To Check Technology Of Mobile App, Tzatziki Calories 100g, Epever 100 Amp Mppt Solar Charge Controller, What To Write In Your Secret Diary, Kayaking Long Beach, Technical Drawing Standards Grid Reference Frame, Side Table With Drawers Cheap, Latin Quiz Round, Enchanted Rockies Trail Gpx,