Composite Decking vs Wood: Which is Better?

The major decking material option for homeowners is composite or wood. Each of the options has its strengths, but which of the design traits will work best for revitalising your outdoor area? Here, you will learn what is the difference between those two types and what makes one or another more suitable for certain moments.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is the latest wood decking material comprised of wood fibre and plastic. This mix allowed them to manufacture a material more weatherproof and durable than wood. They come in different colours and may be painted or stained like wood, but they don’t require renewing.

Benefits of Composite Decking

Durability: Fade, stain, scratch, and fungus-resistant composite decking is maintenance-free. It does not easily bend and can almost never split like wood does especially when applied with force or extreme heat.

Maintenance: In contrast to wood varieties, the composite decking does not demand the same level of maintenance as sanding, staining, sealing the deck each year. It only requires to be washed with soapy water and rinsed with plain water to make it appear anew.

Longevity: Given this care and treatment, composite decking is known to have a useful life of 25-30 years, two more years than most wooden decks.

What is Wood Decking?

Traditional types of terrace flooring material include wood decking which is favoured for its glamorous natural appearance. Often woods employed for this kind of product are cedar, pine, teak, and ipe, which can be categorised as hardwoods.

Benefits of Wood Decking

Aesthetics: Some of the homeowners love the authentic appearance of the wooden flooring since it complements the garden or an outdoor scenery.

Cost: First, wooden deck designs may be cheaper than composite designs that one may design his/her deck. However, when you have to make long term contracts or buy property in large quantities, perhaps because you run a business and need many machines, the final cost many prove higher because of maintenance regime.

Natural Material: For those people who are looking for the options which can be more ecological, the wood as material has no need in the usage of plugs or synthetics.

Drawbacks and Considerations

Maintenance: Wood is porous and thus needs to be regularly stained and sealed; if the boards twist or crack, they have to be replaced.

Durability: While composite decking is quite tough and durable, environmental wear and tear affects wood decks more easily if not maintained properly.

Environmental Impact: Another thing that also comes to the decision between composite and wood is the ecological prospective of every material. Amongst the natural and renewable raw material used for the production of furniture, wood has one major disadvantage and that is it involves cutting down trees. Plastic decks are again made from recycled material but are non-degradable.

Conclusion: Which is Better?

These are facts that tell you that if your priority is the type of structure or material, then First Choice Decking’s composite decking material is better than wood. In this regard, if there is something that would require less maintenance and would have a much longer service, then it would be wise to opt for a composite decking . On the other hand, if you like natural materials and are ready to spend more money and time on the material’s varnishing, wooden decking may be chosen.

As for decking at Indie Paving we know buying it is all about finding the type of material that will match your lifestyle and price range. No matter how much you want the lasting nature of composite or the aesthetic appeal of wood, we are ready to assist. For more information about our product and service offerings, please visit our website for more information on decking.

 

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