Should you go with wood or composite decking?
It’s not too early to start thinking about having a new deck installed on your property! Once spring and summer roll around, you’ll be able to spend some time relaxing and entertaining your guests on your new deck. If you’re thinking about having one installed this season, one of the key questions you’ll need to decide on is whether to go with wood or composite decking. Each material has advantages and disadvantages that you’ll need to weigh before making a final decision. Which material is better? Let’s dive in.
Wood Decking
Wood comprises of natural wood planks (often made from cedar wood) as well as pressure-treated lumber. Cedar is the most natural looking option you can go with, and it is also resistant to rot and moisture. However, cedar also requires the most maintenance among these options as well. A cedar deck will need to be pressure washed and resealed every year or two. In addition, cedar wood is delicate and doesn’t stand up to abuse very well.
Pressure-treated lumber is also very resistant to rot and moisture. Decking made with pressure-treated lumber is more durable than natural cedar and is easier to keep clean. Both cedar and pressure-treated lumber decking last about 15-20 years if maintained well.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is made of a material comprised of recycled plastic and either bamboo fibers, wood chips, or sawdust. This material is the strongest available and requires little more than an occasional washing with a regular hose and sprayer as maintenance, though you can also stain a composite deck and restain as needed. Composite decking materials are also very friendly to the environment as they consist primarily of recycled materials. If you’re looking to turn your home green, a composite deck can fit right in with this mission. The biggest, and some would say the only downside, to composite materials is the cost. It is the most expensive option of the three, though the low-maintenance quality of the material may make it worth the investment in the long run.
Which Is Better?
All three materials – cedar wood, pressure-treated lumber, and composite – are suited for different needs, and one is not necessarily better than another. Weigh these options against the vision you have for your new deck and your unique needs, and you shouldn’t go wrong with your decision! If you need help deciding, though, your professional remodeling company is available to answer any questions!
CONTACT SCHWING CONSTRUCTION FOR YOUR NEW DECK PROJECT!
For any type of home addition or remodeling service, contact Schwing Construction with your project details. Our experts will come over to your location to understand your requirements and provide customized solutions. We believe in high-quality work at a fair price and we will work hard to earn your complete trust and satisfaction. You can give us a call at 410-960-4132 or complete an online form here and we will reply shortly. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, Houzz, and YouTube for updates and to see examples of our work. And keep up with our blog for more tips and information!