Choosing Between Wood Decks and Composite Decks
Wood decks are the classic choice for homeowners wanting to expand their living space to the great outdoors. Wood is a timeless and sturdy material that has long been used for this purpose and remains to be a popular material despite the many materials that have come out on the market.
The Lowdown on Wood and Composite Decks
A composite deck is a popular option, as composite deck material provides an alternative to wood for those who want a more environmentally friendly option. Wood and composite decks are the top choices for decking materials.
Comparing Wood and Composite Decks
Wood is a natural material that is more or less susceptible to environmental factors such as weather, temperature, and rot. Wood decks can be protected from these elements through the application of sealers. Composite deck materials, being made from a combination of wood byproducts, plastics, and other materials. The added plastic component gives composite deck some characteristics that a conventional wooden deck does not possess. Composite decks are more resistant to rot, insects, weathering, cracking, and splitting than many wood decks.
Wood deck fans, however, argue that although wood decks are more susceptible to such types of damage, they can be refinished to their newly-installed state. Composite decking, when damaged, cannot be refinished; they must be replaced.
Choosing the Right Deck Material
Deck material is a matter of choice. Both wood decks and composite decks have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to the homeowner to see which deck material works best for his lifestyle. It also comes down to taste. Some may really prefer wood over any other material no matter the cost, and some may want to enjoy a deck that will not take ages to clean. Wood deck or composite deck, it is truly up to you.
A composite deck is a popular option, as composite deck material provides an alternative to wood for those who want a more environmentally friendly option. Wood and composite decks are the top choices for decking materials.
Comparing Wood and Composite Decks
Wood is a natural material that is more or less susceptible to environmental factors such as weather, temperature, and rot. Wood decks can be protected from these elements through the application of sealers. Composite deck materials, being made from a combination of wood byproducts, plastics, and other materials. The added plastic component gives composite deck some characteristics that a conventional wooden deck does not possess. Composite decks are more resistant to rot, insects, weathering, cracking, and splitting than many wood decks.
Wood deck fans, however, argue that although wood decks are more susceptible to such types of damage, they can be refinished to their newly-installed state. Composite decking, when damaged, cannot be refinished; they must be replaced.
Choosing the Right Deck Material
Deck material is a matter of choice. Both wood decks and composite decks have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to the homeowner to see which deck material works best for his lifestyle. It also comes down to taste. Some may really prefer wood over any other material no matter the cost, and some may want to enjoy a deck that will not take ages to clean. Wood deck or composite deck, it is truly up to you.
Composite Decking From BuildDirect
Choose from a selection of premium composite decking
Choose from a selection of premium composite decking
Use the feedback form below to submit your comments.
Use the form below to email this article to your friends.
- Cedar Decking: Wood Is Good
- Under Deck Waterproofing
- Mahogany's Beauty and Durability Makes it Ideal for Deck Construction
- Spring Deck Prep Tips
- Fall Is The Time To Winterize Your Deck
- Deck Plans and Designs
- Plan Before the Plan: Carrying Out Your Decking Projects
- Deck Design for the Modern Home
- Deck Restoration
- Time to build that deck you’ve always wanted?
- Restore and Protect Your Deck
- Deck Railing Ideas
- Wood Deck Protection
- Deck Railing Designs
- Deck Stain Comparison - Best Deck Stain
- Deck Stair Designs
- Deck Stain Removal - How to Remove Deck Stain
- Homemade Deck Cleaner
- Wood Deck Design Ideas
- How to Install Deck Railings
- How to Install Deck Railing – How to Build a Deck Railing
- Designing a Deck - How to Design a Deck
- How to Build a Floating Deck
- Deck Construction: Tips on Building a Deck
- Cleaning Wood Decks - How to Clean a Wood Deck
- Building Deck Railing: How to Build a Deck Railing
- Wood Deck Construction: How to Build a Wood Deck
- How to Build Deck Stairs - Building Stairs Outside