Comparing Wood Deck Options

It is stain and fade resistant, mold and mildew resistant, and is available in the colors and deck railing options you want. Get Samples, try our Composite Deck & Railing Visualizer, or contact DuraLife now to learn more. Some DIYers may not mind about the required upkeep for their pressure-treated wood decks. However, the next homeowner may not feel the same way as they may see it as a chore rather than a passion or hobby. A new homebuyer may view pressure treated wood deck as a structure that requires a lot of maintenance to create a long-lasting appeal. This can be a deal-breaker on the sale depending on the condition and size of the old deck.

Composite Decking Materials & Deck Boards

When the less demanding plastic-composite decking appeared on the scene in the 1990s, homeowners happily adopted it, despite the higher price and limited color selection . A decade later, as companies began to offer new products that looked like fresh-cut cedar and Brazilian walnut but never turned gray, sales of composites took off. Ipe can cost up to four times the price of the cedar/redwood option because it is imported from South America. There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking.

Decking & Railing Duos

To prevent this from happening, lumber decking must be sealed with paint or stain every few years – and that costs money. For one, the price of materials, but also the time and labor required for the homeowner to do the job themselves or find a contractor to do the job for them.

Composite Wood Decking In Columbus, Ohio

The trade off is that maintenance costs are far lower and composite decks are expected to last longer. On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $15 to $25 per square foot including installation. A composite deck will cost $30 to $45 per square foot installed. They primary ingredients that make up composite decking are plastic and wood. Depending on the brand, the exact “recipe” for this man-made material varies slightly.

Hands down, easy care is the biggest plus for this material. As part of their manufacture, composite deck boards are treated with preservatives that help ward off rot, mold, and mildew. Planks are dyed in a host of a colors and imprinted with a range of textures, most of which convincingly resemble genuine wood grain. Trex decking costs between $15 and $38 per square foot installed. The typical deck of 24 x 12 will run $4,245–$10,825 for both materials and installation. PVC – PVC decking is also known as vinyl decking and costs $3.78 per linear foot. This product is made from composite decking materials, but it is encapsulated in PVC as it is manufactured.

• If you’re in the market for a new or replacement deck, you may be wondering if composite is worth the investment.
• If you love the look of wood and don’t mind some annual work, get cedar.
• Some types of composite decking also weigh more than wood, so additional support may be required.
• Composite does carry a bigger price tag than traditional treated wood or cedar deck materials.
• If keeping costs down is your primary goal, pressure-treated lumber is for you.

Power washing, sanding, and resealing costs quickly add up year after year. Even with proper maintenance, wooden decking will eventually be vulnerable to mold, insects, and weathering which reduces your deck’s value. Most importantly, decks made of wood will need to be replaced much sooner than decks made of other materials. Ultimately, your choice of deck materials will come down to your personal tastes, your budget and how much time you want to spend maintaining your deck. If you value maintenance-free living, spring for the composite decking. If you love the look of wood and don’t mind some annual work, get cedar. If keeping costs down is your primary goal, pressure-treated lumber is for you.

The problem is, you can’t fix scratches on a composite deck like you could with a wooden deck. Composite is a manmade decking product that has gained popularity over the last decade. It is manufactured using a combination of wood fiber and plastic.

Quick Summary: Composite Vs Wood Deck Cost

Find Out How Much Your Project Will Cost

Some people prefer the look of real wood and are willing to put in the time and money needed to maintain it. Others are happy with the faux-natural look of composite decking and simply don’t have the time to keep a real wood structure. Composite decking is also eco-friendly, being made from all recycled materials. On average, it costs between $9,320 and $11,005 for a PVC deck including installation that has 10 railing posts with a railing and deck footings.

Hidden Fastener For Slotted Boards