Costs, Types, Durability & More
WHAT IS COMPOSITE DECKING?
Composite decking is a combination of sawdust and some kind of plastic. Manufacturers may use polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene or polypropylene. There are a few different types, including:
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Wood Composite: About 50/50 plastic and wood flour
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Capped Wood Composite: Has a hard outer shell
COMPOSITE
Consistent appearance. This means that you’ll get a deck that looks just like the sample.
WOOD
May vary significantly in the color and openness of the grain. If you want a lot of character in the boards, prepare to pay more.
MOST DESIRED LOOK: WOOD
Deck Board Strength & Durability
Composite boards are much less likely to scratch or crack. As a man-made material, its strength is somewhere between that of softwoods, like cedar or redwood, and hard ones like Ipe. Wood’s durability depends highly on the species.
CONSISTENT DURABILITY: COMPOSITE
COMPOSITE DECKING
Requires very little maintenance. Periodically, you may need to pay the cost of deck repair for either material, which averages $800 to $2,600.
EASIER TO MAINTAIN: COMPOSITE
Decking materials have a variable lifespan depending on the quality of the product:
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Composite: Cheaper or thinner boards may only last 10-15 years, compared to 25 years for high-end ones.
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Wood: Pressure-treated lumber lasts 10-15 years on average, while Ipe can last for 30 years or more.
LONGEST LIFESPAN: HIGH-END HARDWOODS
Both have a relatively high return on investment:
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Composite: 70%
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Wood: 75%
|
Type |
Pros |
Cons |
|
Trex/Composite |
Durable, affordable |
Can look artificial |
|
Ipe Hardwood |
Strong, beautiful |
Most expensive material |
|
Redwood |
Excellent color variation |
Requires careful maintenance |
|
Cedar |
Classic appearance |
Scratches easily |
|
Pressure-Treated Lumber |
Can be installed anywhere |
Cheaper boards can warp |
Composite vs. Wood
Composite
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Low-maintenance
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Consistent coloring makes it easy to know what to expect
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Less likely to fade over time
WOOD
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Features a natural look
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Needs resealing and re-staining every 2 to 3 years
-
Variable strength and durability
IPE
-
Resistant to scratches and rotting
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Average lifespan is 30 years, but could last much longer
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Has a high-end appearance
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Costs more than other materials
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Requires drilling prior to placement, so it’s harder to DIY
TREX COMPOSITE
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Costs much less
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Lots of color options
-
Mold-and-mildew-resistant
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Shorter lifespan
TREX
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Uniform appearance
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Little or no upkeep
-
Can last longer
-
May not look as natural
REDWOOD
-
Striking color variability
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Will fade without regular resealing
-
May scratch or crack
Cedar vs. Composite Deck
CEDAR
-
Classic deck look
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Relatively easy to re-stain
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Requires regular upkeep
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Won’t last as long if installed near the ground
COMPOSITE
-
Installs anywhere
-
Easy to clean and maintain
-
Limited ability to change color without replacing
Composite vs. Pressure-Treated Lumber
COMPOSITE
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Lightweight
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Less expensive
-
Fades in direct sunlight
PRESSURE-TREATED
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Looks more natural
-
Costs more
-
Much heavier when wet
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Can last longer
-
Color is hard to predict
-
Requires more maintenance
-
Less sustainable
