A well-planned deck is a valuable addition to your home. It expands your lifestyle, adds curb appeal, and makes your home stand out to prospective buyers. To get the most value out of your project, choosing the right decking materials is essential. Here, Jaeger Lumber presents an in-depth comparison between composite decking and wood decking to help you select the best products for your new deck.
Key Takeaways
- When shopping for decking, look for materials that resist the weather, resist pests, are easy to maintain, and look attractive.
- Wood decking offers natural beauty and a lower upfront cost, but it’s short-lived and requires regular maintenance to prevent weather damage and pests.
- Composite decking is long-lasting, rot-resistant, and doesn’t require much maintenance, but it’s more expensive than wood and can get hot underfoot.
- Jaeger Lumber provides composite decking products near you in New Jersey.
Why Does Decking Material Choice Matter?
As with any construction project, a deck is only as good as what you use to build it. Even experienced construction professionals can’t make a long-lasting outdoor space out of subpar components. There are several factors to consider when selecting materials for your project:
- Weather: Decking materials respond to weather differently. Some are more resistant to the elements, while others break down or warp when exposed to moisture or heat.
- Pests: Insects, mold, and animals can wreak havoc on your deck. To ensure its long-lasting performance and good looks, use materials that resist pests.
- Maintenance: While all decks require maintenance, you don’t want to spend more effort than necessary. Low-maintenance materials give you more time to enjoy the outdoors.
- Aesthetics: While practical concerns are important, you also want a deck that looks great with your home. Color, texture, and overall appeal are important considerations.
Some materials perform better in certain areas than others. Start by choosing your priorities: will you put effort into maintaining a natural deck, or would you rather pay more for materials that look great without much work? This answer will guide your decision.
What Are the Benefits and Tradeoffs of Wood Decking?
Wood decking is the most traditional material. When you imagine a deck or porch, chances are you’re picturing one made of wood. Lumber is popular for good reason, as it comes with several advantages:
- Has a natural appearance
- Has a lower upfront cost
- Can be repainted for a new look
- Doesn’t get hot under the sun
For all of these benefits, however, wood also comes with some downsides:
- Requires regular sealing or staining
- Has a shorter lifespan
- Is vulnerable to moisture and pests
- Can splinter if not maintained
In short, wood decking is the recommended selection if you want the natural look and are willing to put in some elbow grease on maintenance. If you want a low-maintenance outdoor living space, however, then wood probably won’t meet your expectations.
What Are the Benefits and Tradeoffs of Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a popular alternative to wood. It’s made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic, giving it a wood-like feel but with some additional benefits:
- Offers low maintenance
- Has a long lifespan
- Resists rot and insects
- Comes in a variety of color choices
While composite is long-lasting and resistant to the elements, it isn’t superior in every way. Composite decking has its downsides as well:
- Has an artificial look
- Has a higher upfront cost
- Gets hot under the sun
- Can’t be repainted
In summary, composite decking is ideal if you’re looking for a long-lasting deck that doesn’t require much work to stay beautiful. If you value the look and feel of natural wood, however, then composite can’t replace the real deal.
Find Out Which Decking Material Is Right for Your Home with Jaeger Lumber
The right decking material depends on your priorities. By weighing the pros and cons of each, you can make a selection that will leave you satisfied for years to come. Jaeger Lumber is your source for building materials across New Jersey. Our experienced staff can help you understand the products available and choose the right one for your home. Contact us today to get advice or to start shopping for composite and wood decking.
Decking Materials FAQs
Is composite decking worth the cost?
Composite decking is worth the cost if you’re looking for a long-lasting, pest- and weather-resistant deck that doesn’t require much work to maintain. If you want an all-natural look or are building on a budget, the benefits of composite decking may not outweigh the cost.
How does New Jersey’s weather affect decking materials?
New Jersey weather is extremely varied, with hot summers, icy winters, and year-round precipitation. Decking materials must be heat- and cold-resistant while standing up to moisture, rot, and pests.
How long do composite and wood decks last?
The lifespan of a deck depends on weather conditions and maintenance. In general, however, a well-maintained wood deck can last 15 to 20 years, while a well-maintained composite deck lasts 25 to 30 years.