Composite decking or wood decking?

What are my decking options? How do I choose between composite and wood?

What is the typical size of a wood deck board, vs. a composite board? Most deck boards, whether wood or composite, typically measure about 5.5 inches wide by 1.25 inches thick. Some composite decking manufacturers offer multi-width decking, for more of a custom flooring look. Wood decking, especially exotic woods, come in more lengths than composite decking. Most composite manufacturers (like Trex and TimberTech) offer only 12 ft, 16 ft and 20 ft long boards (which we cut down to custom lengths).

I have a wood deck. Can I switch to composite? Usually, yes. When we resurface a deck, we keep the same framing and support posts (footings) — we simply replace the visible deck boards, railing and trim. In fact, we often replace wood decking with composite when we resurface a deck. The most important consideration here is the longevity of your deck framing. If you’re buying a composite decking with a 25 year warranty, you want to be sure that your existing deck framing and supports will also last that long.

I’m building a brand new deck. How should I decide between composite and wood?

Here are some of the main considerations:

  • Budget
  • Ongoing effort and expense for yearly deck maintenance and weather protection
  • The look you want for your deck
  • How long you expect your deck to last before resurfacing/re-decking it

Keep reading for a more detailed comparison of wood and composite decking materials..

COMPOSITE DECKING OPTIONS

Different Kind of Composite Decking

Composite deck boards, which came on the scene in the early 1990’s, use recycled plastic.

Capped composite decking (like Trex) is made of a mix of wood fibers and plastic. Trex recycles an incredible amount of plastic, mostly from Amazon pallet wrapping, into their popular decking.

Capped PVC (like TimberTech’s AZEK line), is 100% plastic. To make capped PVC decking, a machine pushes a plastic-based material out into a board. Then, the board gets wrapped with a rigid plastic shell that comes in a variety of colors and grain patterns. The shell protects against mildew, scratches, stains, and fading.

Your initial investment in composite usually saves money over the long run. Unlike wood decking, composite decking will never need to be re-sealed or stained. Composite does need some minimal deck maintenance. We recommend cleaning your deck according to manufacturer instructions at least twice a year (spring and fall).

Here at Ann Arbor Decks, we’re seasoned TimberTech and Deckorators decking installers, and we’re 5-star TrexPro Platinum installers. 

TrexⓇ Composite Decking

Trex has led the composite decking industry for over 20 years. This popular manufacturer offers a full line of composite decking, railing, and trim products with many color and style choices. Their Trex Transcend Tropicals and Lineage lines (both capped composite) offer a 50 year fade and stain warranty.

Visit our TrexPro Gallery

TimberTech/AZEK Composite Decking

TimberTech/AZEK is the leading manufacturer of cellular pvc decking, another wood alternative. AZEK deck boards offer the same benefits as capped composites (low maintenance and resistance to staining and fading), plus a limited lifetime warranty. Cellular pvc decking requires very little maintenance (usually only an occasional cleaning with soap and water). AZEK is available in a large selection of colors and price points.

Visit TimberTech/AZEK Website

WOOD DECKING OPTIONS

Treated Pine Decking

Pressure Treated (PT) Pine deck boards are the most common and most economical choice for decking.

Treated Pine lumber is green when it is first installed, and you must wait a few months for it to dry before it will properly take paint or stain. Treated Pine fades to a grayish color if not stained or sealed. However, if not properly sealed or maintained, it will mostly likely warp, split or splinter.

Western Red Cedar Decking (Hardwood)

While Western Red Cedar costs a bit more than Pressure Treated Pine, it’s still an affordable, beautiful natural wood option.

Cedar decking naturally resists rotting, insects and decay. Western Red Cedar is a hardwood, which makes it more stable than pressure treated lumber. It’s also less likely to splinter.

Everyone enjoys Cedar’s warm brown tones, distinctive grain, and knotty character. Protect this hardwood with high-quality wood stain.

Ipe Decking (Exotic Hardwood)

Ipe (pronounced e-pay) decking offers lush tones, lovely grain, and unmatched durability. This most popular of exotic hardwoods hails from South America, and it naturally resists rot and insects. Sometimes called “Iron Wood,” Ipe is one of the densest woods in existence. Its density and tight wood grain can prevent it from cracking or splintering for up to an incredible 40 years.

Regularly treat your Ipe decking with oil to retain its dark brown tone, or allow it to age to a pleasing silver.

Other Hardwood Decking

Cumaru, Tigerwood, Massaranduba and Garapa are gorgeous hardwood decking options. Each of these hardwood decking species offers its own unique color, grain pattern, and characteristics.

Quick Comparison: Wood vs Composite Decks

WOOD DECKINGCOMPOSITE DECKING
MAINTENANCE:Wood decks require annual sealing, painting or staining to avoid fading, splintering, and decay.Composite decks require cleaning only.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT:Treated wood decks are sustainably sourced, safe, and compostable. However, yearly paint, stain and sealant involves strong chemical use.Composite decking is made of recycled materials (mostly plastic shrink wrap). However, the decking itself cannot be recycled.
INVESTMENT:Pressure Treated Pine is affordable, but needs yearly maintenance and will be replaced soonest. Cedar costs more than Pine, and also needs annual care. However, Cedar is a hardwood and it lasts 25-40 yrs. Exotic hardwoods, like Ipe, cost the most up front and have yearly care costs. Although they change color over time, they can last 40 yrs, rivaling high end composite decking in longevity.Composite decking is usually more expensive than wood up front, but requires less investment annually and usually lasts about 25-30 years. Premium, luxury lines of capped composite decking can last up to 50 years under the right conditions — sometimes longer than the deck framing underneath.
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