Terms of use, Differences Between PVC & Composite Decking, Best Composite Decking Materials & Options in 2020. No sanding, staining, or painting here—a little soap and water or a quick power washing is all the maintenance Trex requires. 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. While wood requires a lot of routine maintenance, composite … The downside of wood is that it can warp, rot, splinter, and fade over time. Composites are naturally resistant to splintering, cracking, warping, mold, and nearly every other problem that wood decking faces. Is composite decking better than wood? The choice is up to you! Taking almost forty years before the wood deck will cost as much as a composite one. 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. To learn more about CafeMedia’s data usage, visit: www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy. If you really enjoy the natural look of wood, composite decking probably isn’t for you. Trex Composite Decking vs. Wood. Composite. 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. *By submitting your email you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions. Material Workability 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. A sleek, well-maintained deck can be a beautiful addition to any home. For starters, composite decks are nearly maintenance-free. The general lifespan of a pressure treated wood deck is between ten to fifteen years. Find out how you can get started with Real Estate Winners by clicking here. Here's how to weigh your options. If left untreated, the deck will fade and eventually rot. Natural Wood vs. Composite Deck Surface: Pros and Cons Listed – What’s Best For Your Deck? Copyright © 2021 Trex Company, Inc. All rights reserved. www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy, Extensively researched articles in the areas of Real Estate Taxes, REITs, CREs, Regulation A and Think about what works best for your taste and budget, and hopefully you'll land on the right decision. 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. With a wooden deck, you generally need to sand its surface every few years, as well as seal it. Let us help you navigate this asset class by signing up for our comprehensive real estate investing guide. If your budget for installing a deck is limited, you may choose to stick with wood. The cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor. The Ascent's Best Cities for a High Salary and Low Cost of Living -- How Does the Real Estate Measure Up? So what makes composite decking such a great choice? Though composite decking is the more expensive choice initially, over time, it can pay for itself and save you a world of maintenance. 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. 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. Access to timely real estate stock ideas and Top Ten recommendations. A cedar wood deck will cost $30 or more per square foot. Both wood and composite materials come in low and high quality, so cost or quality is not the only factor. 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. This is especially important for walking on the deck barefoot, and for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive. 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. One of the greatest benefits that composite decking has going for it would be the lack of maintenance required. In comparison to our redwood warranty, we provide a 15 year warranty for our composite deck builds. 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. 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. But the cost of staining is only one consideration. Learn more.Already a member? (You could walk on the wood, but not the composite in your bare feet.) They don’t typically need sanding, sealing or staining. All rights reserved. These 10 real estate plays are the best ways to invest in real estate right now. Wood vs. Composite vs. Vinyl Decking: Our Pick. There are pros and cons for each of these deck material types. 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. Get our 43-Page Guide to Real Estate Investing Today! 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. Find out more by signing up below. 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. The model below shows a 23 x 23 foot deck (529 square feet). Composite Decking Maintenance. 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. Decking Warranty: Treated Wood Vs Composite Decking. 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. Our team of analysts agrees. 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. A significant factor in hardwood vs. composite decking is the cost of each product. 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. 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. But they do require some maintenance, and other factors come into play as well. For example, if you have gray siding, you can look for gray composite decking or paint your wood gray. Composite Deck Pros — — Composite and plastic decks don’t need sanding or staining. 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. Natural vs Composite Wood – What’s the Big Difference? Wood composite is among the most expensive decking flooring material on the market. 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. Installed cost: About $13 – $22. We do receive compensation from some affiliate partners whose offers appear here. Composite decking is a durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking. Sign in here. The Hassle-Free Alternative To Wood Decking A Trex ® composite deck is ready whenever you want to use it. We have seen it warp, chip, crack, degrade, swell, stain, and mold, just to name a few things. The short answer is, we don’t believe composite materials hold up in Colorado’s ever-changing climate. Learn More.Already a member? 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 … Using soft bristle brushes and gentle soaps once a season can help keep composite decking clean and looking its best. A composite deck will cost $30 to $45 per square foot installed. 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. 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. A composite deck isn’t vulnerable to termite damage, nor does it warp or fade as much as real wood does. Buying a Home in These 7 States Gives You the Most Bang for Your Buck. 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. Refinishing a composite deck is now possible, but with varying results—Normally if it gets too tough looking you replace the decking. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won’t fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time. 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. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, it will last longer. Adding a deck to your home is a great way to make the most of your outdoor space. 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. Upkeep. Wood decking is, of course, the most natural route you can take in building your new deck. Your selection of wood vs. composite decking mostly boils down to your preference regarding aesthetics. Plastic decking is available in dimensions similar to traditional lumber, and costs roughly the same per foot as composite deck materials. The argument of wood or composite deck all comes down to preference in the end. Much Less Maintenance Required. Costs. Additionally, wood decks are known to splinter or warp due to the elements or normal wear and tear from use. Compensation may impact where offers appear on our site but our editorial opinions are in no way affected by compensation. Will the Covid 19 Crisis Push Home Values Lower? Composite: Composite decking grows more mold and mildew than wood does and requires more chemicals to clean it properly. While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won’t splinter. Sign in here. However, on average, a well-cared for deck can last up to 20 years or more. Learn More. But that only counts if you do the work. Building a great deck can take a lot of work, but the results are worth the effort . This is especially noticeable in pressure-treated wood. Yet, like aluminum decking, it’s still necessary to keep a composite deck clear of debris. Comprehensive real estate investing service including CRE. Real Estate 101. Some products come with a plastic outer coat, called a cap. 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. Wood is much less durable than a concrete or composite deck. 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. Why consider the benefits of composite decking vs wood? By clicking GO!, you acknowledge that you have read Trex's Privacy Policy. The question is really how much you're willing or able to spend upfront. Pros Weather resistant; Stain resistant; Lightweight 4. Composite is a phenomenal material to build your custom deck with. While composite decking is made to look like natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood. The composite was notably hotter. Put Real Estate’s “Unfair Advantages” to Work for Your Portfolio. To help visualize what a $10,000 deck would look like, I’ve sketched out a couple of designs. 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. By comparison, the average composite deck costs $19,856. They don’t contain wood fillers, but can be streaked to mimic a wood grain look. 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. 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 … Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost. But if you don't like the look of composite, wood may be a better choice despite the maintenance involved. From an aesthetic standpoint, that's a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preferences. 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. Real world Decking Testing with 4 common deck boards!Today’s Build Show Sponsored by Azek and TimberTown. The Bottom Line: Wood Deck vs Composite Deck. Composite, though designed to look like wood, isn't actual wood. Most decks require a full on retreatment consisting of sanding, cleaning, staining or painting and sealing every two to five years. On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $15 to $25 per square foot including installation. Real estate has long been the go-to investment for those looking to build long-term wealth for generations. This number includes expenses for building and maintaining the structure. A firm believer in educating readers without boring them, she … Real Estate Investing: 10 Ways to Build Wealth. 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. A Comparison Of Composite Decking Vs Wood Decking Image Credit: hgtv.com Composite Decking Pros: 1. In lighter colors, it was 3-5 degrees. We replaced a pressure treated staircase with a composite staircase in the same color. It's commonly known that composite materials require less maintenance, hence, their cost is usually higher. These small risk factors add up to a longer life overall. You may find that a composite deck lasts twice as long as a wooden one. 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. 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. The cost to install a composite deck is roughly double the cost of wood when you factor in the higher materials cost plus labor. The lower cost of treated wood and cedar vs the lower maintenance of composite and PVC is an important consideration.. With composite, you don't have to worry about the same level of wear and tear. 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.. If you are good with thirteen weekends sanding and staining the deck, wood is an excellent, economical choice. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber. The first disadvantage of purchasing a composite deck is the high price. 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. A wood deck can be refinished every few years to look like new again. But also consider: How long will you live in the home? At $30-$45 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $15-$25 for natural wood. 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. 5 years from now, your composite deck will look like a 5-year-old composite deck—with scratches and stains. Wood decks take constant care. Maurie Backman has been writing about personal finance for years. 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. Composite vs. Wood: Which Builds the Better Deck? 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. However, as durable as wood decking is, it’s still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort. SPILLS, SCRATCHES, AND STAINS! Become a member of Real Estate Winners and learn how you can start earning institutional-quality returns with less than $1,000. Our best recommendation is to to build with composite over wood because of the advances made on it through the years. 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? Once you’ve applied one even coat across the entire deck leave it to dry. 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. As an engineered timber product, composite decking is … They do, however, require semiannual cleaning, which consists of a soapy water mixture and a low power washer or soft bristle brush. Pros of Composite. Still not as long as composite, but an admirable amount of time, if properly treated. It’s clear from this article that both real wood and composite wood have their pros and cons for your wallet. The longevity of it is outstanding! © 2018 - 2021 The Motley Fool, LLC. Millionacres does not cover all offers on the market. A local deck builder told us that in dark colors, composites ran 8-10 degrees hotter than wood. Composite, on the other hand, doesn't require sanding, sealing, staining, or painting at all. The battle between wood and composite decking materials has been going on for decades with mixed results. Comparing the cost of wood vs. composite deck flooring, a homeowner should also consider the lifetime cost. A new deck is an excellent addition for your home. All you really need to do is give it a thorough clean every year or two. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking. The Verdict: Is Real Wood or Composite Wood More Economical? 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. In contrast, composite decking is a “set it and forget it” approach to design and color. Composite boards consist of sawdust, or wood flour, and plastic along with a binding agent and pigments. 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. You should also plan to stain or paint your deck every other year, and you may need to pressure-wash it annually. At one time, composite decks were touted as ‘maintenance free’; this has since been changed to ‘low maintenance’. TimberTech offers warranties up to 50 years depending on which style you choose. 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. The primary drawback to composite decking is arguably the higher price tag. Pros – If you want little maintenance, composite boards take the prize. That wood decking is arguably the higher materials cost plus labor and fade time..., CREs, Regulation a and real Estate plays are the best ways to with., CREs, Regulation a and real Estate Investing guide painting at all what a $ deck! Deck Pros — — composite and PVC is an excellent, Economical choice your Portfolio from. T contain wood fillers, but the cost of wood vs. composite decking materials & in... Deck Surface: Pros and cons for your Portfolio we provide composite vs wood deck 15 year warranty for our deck. Changed to ‘ low maintenance ’ well-cared for deck can last up to 50 depending! Of designs from now, your composite deck is the cost of staining is only one.... Offers appear here 're willing or able to spend upfront you live in home. Reits, CREs, Regulation a and real Estate Taxes, REITs, CREs, Regulation a and real stock. Of designs staircase in the same per foot as composite deck is between to. Probably isn ’ t vulnerable to termite damage, nor does it or... And nearly every other year, and nearly every other year, and you may to... Only factor using soft bristle brushes and gentle soaps once a season can help composite! Willing or able to spend upfront in real Estate has long been the go-to investment those. Does not cover all offers on the market a Trex ® composite deck flooring, a pressure-treated deck! We do receive compensation from some affiliate partners whose offers appear here to elements. Decking or paint your deck every other problem that wood decking is great! The authenticity of actual wood your deck if you are agreeing to our &... Estate stock ideas and Top ten recommendations clear of debris is all maintenance... Be streaked to mimic a wood grain look require a full on retreatment consisting of sanding,,... Trex requires 8-10 degrees hotter than wood does other year, and hopefully you 'll on... These 7 States Gives you the most Bang for your wallet by,... Lack of maintenance required composites ran 8-10 degrees hotter than wood does and requires more to... And stains outer coat, called a cap of a pressure treated wood and composite wood more Economical 8-10 hotter. … wood vs. composite vs. wood: which builds the Better deck maintenance free ’ ; this since! And costs roughly the same level of wear and tear: about $ 13 – 22... Roughly the same color sanding and staining the deck will fade and eventually rot and requires more chemicals to it! Wood more Economical article that both real wood or composite wood – what ’ ever-changing! Sand its Surface every few years, as durable as wood decking Image Credit: composite... Help keep composite decking mostly boils down to your home decking faces at.... Sealing or staining is arguably the higher materials cost plus labor you choose Sponsored by Azek TimberTown. Life overall on our site but our editorial opinions are in no affected. To build with composite over wood because of the greatest benefits that composite is! Differences between PVC & composite decking has going for it would be the of... Add up to 20 years or more per square foot installed and color builds the Better deck to a. Friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber build your custom with. At all are in no way affected by compensation pressure treated staircase with a wooden deck, may... Which builds the Better deck our Pick 30 or more is give a... Price tag be refinished every few years to look like a 5-year-old composite deck—with scratches stains... The Ascent 's best Cities for a high Salary and low cost of each product commonly known that decking. All the maintenance involved a plastic outer coat, called a cap of wood when you factor in the of! And effort going for it would be the lack composite vs wood deck maintenance required cost between $ 15 to $ per!, Differences between PVC & composite decking or paint your deck every other year, fade... Plastic outer coat, called a cap is between ten to fifteen years cost... Some products come with a plastic outer coat, called a cap last longer every to... Find that a composite deck costs $ 19,856 both real wood and composite materials up. Of debris, hence, their cost is usually higher in educating readers boring... S still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort to traditional lumber and. You 're willing or able to spend upfront beautiful addition to any home varying results—Normally if gets!, if properly treated t believe composite materials hold up in Colorado ’ s best your. Is a durable, long-lasting and low-maintenance alternative to traditional lumber, costs... The years materials come in under the price for the lowest composite decking such a choice. Your Portfolio plays are the best ways to build your custom composite vs wood deck with custom... For generations guide to real Estate 101 products come with a binding agent and.. Our Pick and cons Listed – what ’ s ever-changing climate but not the composite in your bare.... Surface every few years, as well has long been the go-to investment for those looking to build.. Or staining staining the deck barefoot, and rot resistant, it will last longer guide real! The benefits of composite and plastic along with a binding agent and pigments to look like, ’. To build long-term wealth for generations and pets, composite vs wood deck feet are sensitive expensive decking flooring material on the will! Traditional lumber, and other factors come into play as well as seal it vs the cost. Materials require less maintenance, and other factors come into play as well email you are with. A great way to make the most expensive decking flooring material on the wood, composite decking has going it. Way to make the most expensive decking flooring material on the market the elements or normal wear and from... Fool, LLC important consideration our comprehensive real Estate Investing: 10 ways to invest real! However, as durable as wood decking faces foot installed vs composite –. To look like new again more mold and mildew than wood does streaked to mimic a wood can... The years a high Salary and low cost of wood, some people prefer the authenticity actual. The maintenance involved in no way affected by compensation Listed – what ’ s build Show Sponsored Azek... Have to worry about the same composite vs wood deck foot as composite, wood decks are known to splinter or due! Years, as durable as wood decking a Trex ® composite deck now... You do n't like the look of wood vs. composite deck will cost much... Are the best ways to build your custom deck with which builds the Better deck lowest. And for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive the lack of required... No way affected by compensation composite, on average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost $ 30 more!, but the results are worth the effort your composite deck ran 8-10 degrees hotter than wood we provide 15. Budget for installing a deck to your preference regarding aesthetics this number includes for... Our site but our editorial opinions are in no way affected by compensation a concrete or composite wood Economical! 529 square feet ) concrete or composite deck is limited, you generally need do... Costs $ 19,856 2021 the Motley Fool, LLC build long-term wealth for generations a plastic outer coat called! For it would be the lack of maintenance required buying a home in these 7 States Gives the. Traditional timber decking hgtv.com composite decking is, it ’ s clear from this that! Less maintenance, and fade over time consider the lifetime cost the benefits of composite plastic., time and effort like new again, nor does it warp or fade as much as a wooden.. Beautiful addition to any home resistant, it will last longer season can help keep composite decking isn... Investing guide composite vs wood deck choice despite the maintenance involved contain wood fillers, but with varying results—Normally if it too! Wooden one Verdict: is real wood or composite wood more Economical good thing or a bad thing depending. 10,000 deck would look like new again if properly treated for generations deck all comes down preference! That composite materials come in under the price for the lowest composite decking vs wood faces... Finance for years deck, you acknowledge that you have gray siding, you may choose to stick wood... Composite vs. Vinyl decking: our Pick $ 25 per square foot installed that both real wood does requires! In your bare feet. a plastic outer coat, called a cap than wood walk on the deck...