Cheaper Alternatives To Decking

TimberTech offers warranties up to 50 years depending on which style you choose. The most popular plastic decking material is polyvinyl chloride , although there are also versions made from polyethylene. Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop. Unlike a natural wood deck that can last years before needing repair, composite won't splinter, rot or become susceptible to insect damage. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won't fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time. And while it's true that composite decks cost more to build than a pressure treated deck, the price gap between the two options long term is much closer than you might expect.

• However, it’s easy to install and clean, durable, low maintenance, and lasts a long time—and that can’t really be said for wood.
• Unfortunately, wood decking is just not meant to last forever.
• While composite decking is eco-friendly, it’s still not a natural material like wood.
• And it’s sure to have natural imperfections, like splinters and knots, which may not appeal to homeowners.
• However, as durable as wood decking is, it’s still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort.
• While composite decking is made to look like natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

The cost of materials for Aluminum comes in at an average of around $10 per square foot, and depending upon the results that you are looking for aluminum may be the choice. Rust and rot free, Aluminum provides a lasting deck that needs little maintenance and upkeep. While a bit more pricey than wood, the life of Aluminum pays for itself over time. Considered the most durable decking material on the market, Aluminum does not succumb to rot, mold, termites, or rust.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

Woven types of bamboo is much more resistant to this problem, but still not waterproof. In standard moist areas and hot climates bamboo will serve you well. However, it is in fact a thing, and many homeowners find this type of decking best suits their needs. It also is easy to install, which makes it a great candidate for DIY projects.

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. The cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor. If your budget for installing a deck is limited, you may choose to stick with wood. 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. The question is really how much you're willing or able to spend upfront. The main reason people choose wood is for the initial cost savings.

Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?

In view of the purchase cost of decks, wood flooring is usually cheaper than composite decking. It should be noted that outdoor decking is a long-term investment. In the long run, wooden decking needs to be sanded, dyed, and oiled every year, which will occur maintenance costs. In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking. If the deck needs to be replaced after several years of use, this will also be a considerable cost. We can’t say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose. Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks.

Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance

However, manufacturing advances have led to composites thatemulate the rich, natural look of woodwithout the hassles of maintaining a wood deck. 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. 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. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking. 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.

Whats Better: Real Wood Or Composite Wood?

Natural wood decks are the most demanding, requiring annual refinishing, which sometimes means sanding, removal of last year's finish, and application of a new finish. If you love the look of natural wood and you're up for the upkeep, it's definitely worth it. To cut through the numerous choices, it is helpful to figure out which wood decking you like best then compare that to your favorite composite.

Now using a high estimate of $139 a square metre for composite decking materials, the same deck costs $2,780. A significant factor in hardwood vs. composite decking is the cost of each product.

How Are Composite & Wood Decking Different?

Composite decks are made by mixing wooden materials with recycled plastic. The plastic acts as protection from insects and other types of threats. When real, long-term value is considered, composite decking materials are clearly a less expensive option. And think of the ease of ownership that this relatively maintenance free product provides. Finally, consider that composite decking is good for the environment, looks beautiful and best of all, you can enjoy your deck barefoot and worry free. The total cost of ownership considers how much the deck will cost you per year, over its lifespan.

Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for. Composite decking will always be more expensive than traditional wood decking, however if you looks at the cost over 5 or more years, it starts to make more sense. One of the biggest advantages composite decking has over wood is that it requires virtually no maintenance. Wood composite decking requires less maintenance than wood boards and looks more authentic than plastic alternatives. Our Pioneer range also has a reversible design allowing you to choose between a natural wood pattern or a grooved board. That's a lot of money for maintenance, and even if it did cost that much, it's still much cheaper than composite decking. It would take years to make it worth the cost, and by then you could have done a new deck entirely, after only 10 yrs.