Wood Vs. Composite Decking

As you plan your dream deck, one of the key choices you face is what type of decking to use. Two of the most common options are wood and wood-plastic composites. Whether you plan to do the job yourself or hire a contractor, this article discusses factors to consider when comparing wood vs composite decking.

“The first thing to know about choosing a deck material is that most decks use treated lumber for the framing, which is the structural part of the deck that you don’t usually see unless you’re underneath it,” explains the contractor Tim Slamans in an Angie’s List blog post. “So the decision process usually involves only the materials that will make up the decking surface and railings.”

Wood Decking Options

Many different wood species are available for use as decking and railing. Common options at U.S. lumberyards include cedar, redwood, and pressure-treated pine lumber. For homeowners interested in exotic wood species, tropical hardwood decking options include tigerwood, ipe (pronounced “EE-pay), and mahogany.

First, let’s look individually at wood decking and composite decking.

Composite Wood Decking

Invented in the late 1980s, wood-plastic composite decking is made of wood fibers encased in plastic. Composite decking is readily available at big box home improvement stores like Sherwood Lumber.

As more builders and homeowners learn of wood decking problems, many are turning to high-performance composite decking.

Wood Vs. Composite Decking – The Pros & Cons

Many homeowners choose wood decking because it is familiar, readily available, and affordable. At the same time, wood decking problems like splinters, rot, and high maintenance cause many headaches. Although composite wood decking is easier to maintain, some homeowners worry that composites won’t look as nice as wood. However, manufacturing advances have led to composites that emulate the rich, natural look of wood without the hassles of maintaining a wood deck.

When evaluating wood vs. composite decking, here are key issues to consider:

Looks

While early-generation composite decking tended to look artificial and plastic-y, some modern composites are available with a variegated appearance, and randomized embossed grain pattern so no two boards are alike. The result is composites that more closely resemble wood deck boards, like MoistureShield’s Vision decking line.

Moisture

A key wood decking problem is that boards readily absorb water. Without the regular application of stains, sealers, or paint, wood decking is susceptible to warping, splintering, cracking, and rotting. In contrast, composite decking brands like MoistureShield and ChoiceDek are fully moisture-resistant to the core, which allows them to be installed in high moisture conditions without decaying.

Maintenance

To extend the life of a wood deck, homeowners must regularly paint, stain, or seal the decking to defend against moisture. Composites, on the other hand, only require sweeping or washing to keep the boards looking good.

Insect Damage

Unlike most wood decking, composite decking is not prone to damage from termites and other wood-destroying insects.

Splinters

While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won’t splinter. This is especially important for walking on the deck barefoot, and for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive.

Price

Among wood decking’s pros and cons, affordability is a decided benefit. Typically, wood decking is a lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance. The price differential also depends on the wood species chosen versus the brand of composite decking, and local market conditions.

Easy to use online tools can also help you estimate the costs whether you use wood or composite wood decking.

Workability    

Both wood and composites are easy to cut and fasten using common tools most homeowners have. One area where composites come out ahead is they can easily bend (by heating them) to form curved deck sections.

Surface Temperature

Wood decking has historically had an advantage over composites when it comes to summer weather, as composites can become uncomfortably hot in direct sun, give their density. However, new manufacturing capabilities, like CoolDeck® technology from MoistureShield, reduce heat absorption up to 35% compared to conventional capped composites in similar colors, so your deck stays more comfortable on hot days. Did you know feet can begin to blister at temperatures as low as 109 degrees Fahrenheit? Showing that 35% difference can be crucial, especially in the peak of summer heat.