Wood Decking vs Composite Decking: Which is Best?

Wood decking has been around for decades. It has long been a popular choice to install outside a property to boost aesthetics and create an outdoor seating area in the yard. Wood decks can be used at the front of properties (to host a porch), at the side, or at the rear of the property for private use in the backyard.

Composite decking is a more modern solution to decking. Like wood decks, they can be used anywhere outside a property to create a pleasant entertainment area.

Decks are often considered an attractive asset when selling a house.

Benefits of Composite Decks

1. Less Maintenance

One of the major benefits of composite decking is low maintenance. Wood decking requires frequent treatments to prevent rot, decay, and fading of the exterior.

The opposite is true of composite decking. Once installed, a composite deck doesn’t require any additional treatments to protect the surface.

The only maintenance required for a composite deck is normal cleaning. This can be done via a soft brush and soapy water.

2. Greater Durability

Composite decks offer more durability. Earlier, I was not aware, but composite decks are a combination of plastic, additives, and wood. As such, it lasts longer. Bob Villa suggests that “composite decks can last up to three times longer than wooden decks.”

The average wooden deck lasts between 10 to 20 years (with good care and maintenance). The average composite deck lasts between 25 to 30 years. Depending on how well it’s maintained, a composite deck can last up to 50 years, sometimes longer.

3. Good Value For Money

Composite decking is more expensive than wooden decking. Decks suggests that “the average cost of composite decking is between $30 – $60 per SF.”

When you approach this from the money perspective, “composite decking could be a more cost-effective solution in the long run.” Since maintenance costs are lower, choosing a composite deck would save money.

Disadvantages of Composite Decks

1. Higher Upfront Cost

A disadvantage of composite decking vs wood decking is that it requires a higher upfront cost. Because the cost per square foot is higher for composite vs wood, it is more expensive in the short term. As stated earlier, wood decking can be between $5 – $25 cheaper compared with composite decking.

However, it’s important to remember that composite decking lasts longer and requires less maintenance. So, despite the higher upfront costs, the long-term costs are lower for composite decking.

Benefits of Wood Decks

1. Lower Upfront Cost

Because wood decking is cheaper than composite decking, the upfront cost is lower. Most wood decking can be picked up between $23 – $42 per square foot, which is between 20% to 30% lower than the cost of composite decks.

The lower upfront costs mean that wood decks are better when you’re flipping a property and need a cheaper solution for the short term. It can also be beneficial for rental properties when you only plan on keeping the property for a couple of years. This is because the maintenance is skipped, and the long-term gains of composite decking are not realized.

2. Offers an Authentic Look

What wooden decks lack in durability is made up for in appearance. Natural wood has a rustic look that complements the outdoor surroundings of the deck.

A friend of ours chose a wooden deck over a composite deck purely because of its appearance. “Some people believe that wood offers a better appeal, and the higher maintenance costs are worth it.”

Disadvantages of Wood Decks

1. Less Durable

Wooden decks are less resistant to weathering in comparison to composite decks. A way around this is to regularly treat the deck, but puddles left on the surface for prolonged periods can cause rot.

Other weather-resistant woods, such as cedar, can be used, but that is still a less durable material when compared with composite decks.

2. Higher Maintenance Requirements

Another downside to wood decking compared with composite decking is the maintenance it needs. Wood decking needs resealing and retreating regularly to protect the surface from insects and water damage.

Summary: Wood Decking vs Composite Decking

Wood decking is generally best when you’re flipping a property or keeping a rental property short-term due to the nominal upfront investment required. But composite decking is more permanent.

In our experience as a cash homebuying company, we have seen both. But in our recommendation, composite decking would be the more reliable choice.

This article was brought to you by Elbert Dugdale with Preferred Building Contractors.