Whether you’re building a new deck or restoring an existing one, the building materials to choose from are seemingly endless. One thing many homeowners contemplate about these projects is whether to use wood or composite decking. While planning your dream deck, the experts at Jaeger Lumber can help you decide which building material is the right choice for your needs. Here, we outline the similarities and key differences between traditional wood and composite decking.
Traditional Wood Decking
There is a reason why traditional wood decking has been around for decades and continues to be a common choice today. This proven building material provides a warm and pleasing aesthetic to any deck and railing. Traditional wood decking can come in an array of species and types, allowing the customer to effortlessly match the existing style of their property.
One aspect to bear in mind with wood decking is that it often requires heavier maintenance than some other materials. However, the beauty of lumber construction enables wood decking to provide a timelessly stylish look that’s hard to match with other options.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is a relatively new building material that was first utilized in the late 1980s. Also referred to as composite wood, it’s constructed of wood fibers encased in plastic, which makes it much easier to maintain compared to other materials.
One of the biggest concerns customers have with composite decking is whether it will match the aesthetic quality and texture of the materials used on the home. Even though it’s a relatively newer building material, composite decking has made tremendous strides recently, with designers innovating the material to better emulate the natural look and feel of real wood.
Things to Consider When Choosing
Because you will have to look at and use your deck every day, it’s important to take ample time to weigh your options and select your ideal building material. When deciding between traditional wood and composite decking, consider the following:
Cost
One of the first considerations customers make when deciding between traditional wood and composite decking is cost. Homeowners must break down costs based on the longevity of each building material, not just the initial payment.
Typically, wood decking costs less than composites during the initial purchase. However, composite decking tends to be the least expensive option over time when factoring in maintenance costs over time. It’s also important to remember that the type of wood you choose could drive up the initial cost.
Maintenance
Another important aspect is the level of work required to maintain your deck. Homeowners want to enjoy their decks, not spend more time preserving them. Wood decking requires regular painting, staining, and sealing to defend against extreme temperatures, moisture, and pests, whereas composite decking doesn’t require any of this upkeep. Homeowners who select composite materials to build their decks will only need to routinely sweep and wash their outdoor area to keep it looking like new.
Moisture
Because decks are often exposed to outdoor elements, protection is vital. One of the biggest pitfalls to wood decking is how well the wood collects and absorbs water. Failing to regularly apply stains, sealers, or paint to wood decking may make it more susceptible to warping, splintering, cracking, and rotting. Many of the composite options on the market today feature moisture-resistant properties, which allows them to be installed in high moisture conditions without the threat of decay.
Consult the Decking Experts at Jaeger Lumber
Deciding on the right building material for your deck can feel overwhelming given the options. Many homeowners struggle with deciding whether to use traditional wood or composite decking. The experts at Jaeger Lumber can assist you by offering our expertise on both products and helping you to make a more informed decision.
Since 1937, Jaeger Lumber has proudly served contractors and DIY homeowners throughout New Jersey by assisting them in a variety of home projects, including decking. In addition to our expert advice, we can also provide clients with the appropriate materials to help make their dream deck a reality. For more information about the pros and cons of traditional wood and composite decking, contact us today.