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Composite Decking vs Wood Cost Guide
Decks can increase the resale value of your home even more and provide you with additional living space. But different deck materials will give you a different outdoor experience. Therefore, people usually need to choose the right decking material when building or replacing. So, should we choose wood decking or composite decking?
Both materials are common decking materials, but they have their advantages and disadvantages. Some people will choose a decking material based on their preferences and the style of their home. Others will look at the longevity of the deck and how easy it is to maintain.
Of course, the cost of building a deck is the main factor that most people will focus on. Let’s take a look at the different types of decks and how much they cost to build. In addition, we can also learn about the differences between wood decks and composite decks.
Wood Decking and Composite Decking
The cost of installing most wood decks is usually lower than the cost of installing a composite deck. However, over time, wood decking requires more maintenance, which means it costs more to maintain. On the other hand, composite decking can last a long time without requiring much maintenance. This saves you a lot of time and maintenance costs.
It doesn’t matter if you choose wood decking or composite decking. the total cost of the deck depends on the brand, the price in your area, and the type of decking material chosen. Homeowners must consider the size and design ideas of the deck in addition to choosing the deck material they need.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is a man-made deck trim material that is usually made from a mixture of recycled plastic and wood fibers. As a result, composite decking contains many of the properties of wood and plastic. This is what makes composite decking superior to wood decking.
High-quality composite decking can give you the same enjoyment as real wood, and it looks just like real wood decking. In addition, it doesn’t have the common drawbacks of wood decking, such as susceptibility to rot, mold, and warping.
Composite decking requires little to no maintenance, which is the main advantage that makes it appealing to people. This means that you don’t need to perform regular maintenance work on it, which can save you a lot of money on maintenance costs. Long-lasting and durable composite decking allows you to have a longer time to enjoy the outdoors. In addition, composite decks come in a wide range of colors and surface textures to meet the different design needs of homeowners.
Composite decks typically cost $15-$36 per square foot to install, which is usually higher than the cost of a wood deck. Wood decks then require regular maintenance to keep them looking great. And it costs at least a couple hundred dollars per year to maintain a wood deck. So after you’ve had it for many years, the cost of using a wood deck is usually higher than composite decking. That’s why many homeowners choose composite decking.
Wood Decking
Traditional wood decks have been the standard choice of deck material. The price of wood decking varies greatly depending on the type of wood used. The cheapest wood is yellow pine, while redwood and cedar are more expensive. Decks made from foreign woods such as Brazilian walnut (also called ipe) are the most expensive.
Decks built from natural wood require regular care and maintenance to keep them looking good and to extend their life. Homeowners need to sand, paint, and seal their wood decks every two years. For most people, maintaining a wood deck costs about $775.
If a wood deck is not maintained regularly, it can become discolored, damp, rotted, and warped. If a wood deck is properly maintained and cared for, it usually lasts between 10-15 years.
Wood decks are a good option for those on a budget. Cedar decks cost between $4 and $9 per square foot, and redwood decks cost between $4 and $6 per square foot. Pressure-treated decks, on the other hand, cost about $15 to $25 per square foot.
Composite Decking vs. Wood Decking Prices
Laying a composite deck is usually more expensive than laying a wood deck. The chart below shows the average price per square foot for different types of wood decking and composite decking.
| Decking Materials | Cost per Square Foot (Materials Only) |
| Redwood | $4 to $6 |
| Cedarwood | $4 to $9 |
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 to $25 |
| Composite decking | $15 to $36 |
Cost of Composite Decking Is More Stable
The cost of installing composite decking is usually higher than wood. However, the price of this decking material is more stable. In contrast, the cost of lumber is unpredictable and has varied greatly over the past few years. Homeowners should also consider the longevity of the decking material and how this affects the price.
Wood decks do not last as long as composite decks. Because of this, many people believe that the money they spend on composite decks is worth it. This is because they consider how much money they will have to spend on maintaining the wood deck over the years.
Prices of Different Types of Wood Decks
Pressure-treated wood is strong and durable. It also gives the deck a classic look. But you have to perform regular care and maintenance on it. Every two to five years, it needs to be painted or stained. Decks made from pressure-treated wood don’t have many different looks. If a wood deck gets wet, mold can grow on it and the wood can crack, split, and warp.
Cedar decks are going to have a much more pleasing appearance. You still need to stain and seal it to make it look new. It is harder and lasts longer. For the same reason, water can cause cedar decks to crack, twist, and mold.
Cedar, redwood, and hardwood grades depend on the clarity and quality of the wood. Decks with the fewest knots, defects, or mineral spots are the most expensive. It is important to realize that the higher the quality of the decking the higher the price will be.
Cost Instability of Wood Decking
In contrast to composite decking, which has a more stable cost, the cost of wood decking varies with the cost of lumber. Therefore, the price of lumber affects the overall cost of building a wood deck. The cost of different types of lumber depends on where they are sold and how much people want them.
Pine is one of the cheapest deck lumber. On the other hand, very famous and rare woods like Brazilian chestnut and ipe are the most expensive.
Labor Costs for Installing a Deck
Wooden decks are more expensive to install because the boards need to be cut and sealed while composite decking does not. The cost of laying composite decking boards is about $10 to $14 per square foot. On the other hand, building a deck out of wood costs $15 to $35 per square foot.
Additional features of the deck will also affect the labor cost of installing the deck. If stairs or deck railings are to be added, the more expensive the deck will be to build. Complex deck designs can also drive up costs. Typically, the most cost-effective way to design a deck is with a rectangular deck.
For complex deck designs and decks with more than one level, more measuring and cutting is required. As a result, the labor cost of the deck will increase. Building a deck on a hill takes longer and requires more work. The same is true for building a deck where trees, rocks, or other vegetation need to be removed.
The season and number of people building the deck will also change the labor cost. Wooden decks require more work before they can be used. They need to be stained, painted, and sealed. More work needs to be done because different types of hardwoods require different starting holes to be drilled before they are joined. For the most part, labor costs are higher in towns with more people and a higher cost of living than in rural areas.
Composite Decking Does Not Require Much Maintenance
Composite decking costs more to install, but it lasts longer. And it doesn’t fade or stain and doesn’t require much maintenance. The color of composite decking boards stays the same longer and doesn’t darken or fade as quickly compared to natural wood decking.
Since composite decking material stands up to the elements better than wood decking. Therefore it also looks better and is more durable than wood decking. This is the reason composite decking doesn’t require frequent maintenance. It only needs to be cleaned twice a year with a mild soap and water solution.
Wood Decking Has a Higher Overall Cost
Although the cost of purchasing a wood deck is low at first. However, as time goes by, wood decks become more expensive to maintain. This is because frequent sanding, staining, and replacing with new planks are required to keep it in good condition. About every two to five years, a wood deck should be cleaned, refinished, and painted to keep it in good condition.
Hiring a professional to maintain your deck is going to cost more than doing it yourself. But doing it yourself still costs money and time. Everyone should know how to keep a deck dry and repair damaged boards.
Summary
This is the list of price differences and pros and cons between wood decking and composite decking. Please choose the decking material that best suits your needs, income, living space, and other factors.
If you have more questions, you can consult our service team. EVODEK is a manufacturing company with many years of experience in producing a variety of composite decking. Such as boardwalk decking, timber tube, and Fencing. We are committed to providing high-quality composite decking to provide you with better service.
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