When you’re getting a new deck, the choices ahead of you may seem endless. Do you get wooden decking? Composite? Pressure-tested wood? With so many options, how do you choose the right one for you?
Below, we’ll examine two types of decking: wood and composite. Let’s check out which one is right for you.
Wood Decking
For some people, composite decking isn’t ideal because it looks plasticky, so if you’re aesthetically inclined, wood decking may be the way to go. Woods such as cedar—which can last 20 to 30 years—are also long-lasting and naturally insect resistant, and wood decking is less expensive than composite decking. So if you don’t want to put a serious dent in your wallet, wood is the way to go. In comparison, composite decking doesn’t last as long as wood.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is made of wood fibers encased in plastic, so it’ll never splinter. This is perfect for children and anyone walking on the deck barefoot. While not completely maintenance free, composite decking typically doesn’t need to be sanded or stained. You also won’t have to deal with bugs or termites with composite decking—it’s just not prone to that sort of damage, since the wood is inside the casing.
Which Is Right for You?
Both wood and composite decks offer many unique benefits. Overall, composite decking is more durable, and it requires less maintenance out of the two options. It’s also naturally resistant to termites, which is a huge plus. However, depending on the species you choose, wood can last for decades, and it’s less expensive. Plus, it’s just more aesthetically pleasing.
In short, both composite and wood decking are great, but the right choice for you comes down to your wants and needs. No matter which you go with, your deck will continue to amaze for years.
