How much more does composite cost compared to wood? 4. See the nuanced beauty and feel the durability of TimberTech decking up close by ordering free . If you decide to use pinewood, you will incur half the amount you need for a composite deck. Installed cost: About $13 - $22. Which type of decking is right for you ultimately depends on how you plan to use your deck and your aesthetic preference. Here are five reasons that hardwood decking is the superior choice. The labor price to install a composite or wood deck ranges from $9 to $12 per square foot. The lowest cost is about $5 per square foot. Made with up to 95 percent recycled plastic that encapsulates the wood fibers, wood plastic composite (WPC) decking is strong and often comes with a 20-year or longer warranty against staining and fading. Cost of Materials. Cali-Bamboo also sells fencing, plywood, poles, edging, flooring, and paneling products for decking projects. Trex Decking vs Wood Decking. It is lighter than wood, especially PVC decking, so easier to work with. While wood requires a lot of routine maintenance, composite is the opposite. Generally speaking, composite decks cost more than their natural wood counterparts, with costs ranging from $30 to $45 per square foot. On average, maintaining a wood deck will cost $450-$850 per year. 4. Composite decking is less slippery than timber and comes in a range of colours and finishes. The downside starts with the expense. The Reason to Choose Wood Decking. boards are 12 feet long and roughly 6 inches wide , pricewise about 28 per board inc hidden fastenings , so for a 12 x 12 deck you would be looking around 700 , plus the cost of the subframe , that's just an example for a rough idea . Making composite decking on average 45% heavier than pressure-treated wood decking. If you'd like extra features like benches and railings, expect to pay at the upper end of this price range. Natural wood must receive regular cleaning and periodic sealing to prevent pests and rot. Composite decking may be eco-friendly but is commonly made with both wood fibers and plastics and not recyclable. While pressure-treated lumber may cost less initially, maintenance costs are significantly higher. While they can't hold a candle to aluminum or wood in that regard, they offer some interesting advantages that make it an excellent choice for homeowners. Durability - Properly treated ipe wood lasts 75 years or more. The upfront cost is generally greater with composite decking, however, the better financial choice in the Trex vs. wood decking debate all comes down to perspective. This is, in fact, a major reason why most people avoid composite decking because of the high initial cost. Wood Plastic Composite Decking. Initially, that is true. Composite decking is the most expensive at $30 to $45 per square foot, but this is a one-time investment. 2. Composite decks cost on average, including installation and materials and features like railings, stairs and fasteners can come up to $30-$45 per square foot. The total investment of a deck will vary depending on its size and the type of wood or composite chosen. Which one you choose determines the style options, the price, what it's like to own it, and the maintenance you'll need . No sanding, staining, or painting herea little soap and water or a quick power washing is all the maintenance Trex requires. If you're concerned about the budget then worry not because both screws are cheap. A deck can last anywhere from 10 to 30 years if made from untreated wood and can last as long as 50 years for treated wood or composite materials. The Trex brand is synonymous with high-quality composite decking, and DecksDirect is your one-stop shop for . So, there isn't much of a difference for people looking to buy a new home. Water will slip between the layers of boards and cause mold stains. (Before the pandemic, the composite decking and wood trim would have come closer to $3,400.) However, you'll also need to factor in the fastener cost. Composite decking? Pressure-treated wood is definitely the less expensive option when comparing it to other types of natural woods and especially to composite decking. Composite decking costs less over its lifetime than does wood and lasts longer, too. Composite decking materials, on . The lifespan of composite decking is approximately twenty years. 27 June 2018 at 1:25PM. Appearance of Real Wood vs. Composite Decking. Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years depending on the type of wood being used. Our 5/46" board supports 120 lb/ft2 at 24" on center (O.C.). Composite wood decking materials are a durable, low-maintenance alternative to solid hardwood. Natural Beauty: While the carpet-like uniform coloring of composite decking is nice, the natural beauty of the many colors in RealWood hardwood decking are beautiful. Difference between CDX and OSB July 6, 2021; Top Five Lumber Species November 24, 2021; Of course, those are averages. On the other hand, most composite decking solutions are cheaper in comparison to decks made of . Price. Because a deck is a long-term investment and you will be enjoying it for decades to come, it's important to understand your choice of materials before starting your . The finish is also considerably more consistent - every board of a composite deck is the same colour and texture, whereas timber decking can have colour variations due to the natural wood and knots. Composite decking consists of wood fibers embedded in a polymer binder. 100% plastic decking is made from PVC and has no wood in the mix at all. Composite decking will keep the same look and colour . Color, texture and style options are quite good for composite / PVC decking. PVC Decking. On average, you can expect to pay around 95 per m for composite decking, including installation. There are numerous factors to evaluate before making a decision so when evaluating wood vs. composite decking, here are key issues to consider: Appearance; People simply love the look and feel of wood for a variety of good reasons: aesthetic, tactile, and psychological. Moreover, they offer several product lines to meet the needs of every consumer. 1. How Long Does Composite Decking Last? The TruOrganics product line is made of 100 percent recycled wood fibers. Composite wood decking is great because it doesn't need to be maintained and is easy to clean. All of our current products undergo the same thermal modification process - Benchmark, Rebel . The other materials are generally some type of plastic or PVC. Wood is the . The best composite decking brands are Trex, TimberTech, Fiberon, and CaliBamboo. Second, it is real wood. When it comes to the best hardwood decking, most people would go with Teak because of its . No matter the color or stain applied, it always has the texture and aesthetics of solid lumber! Can vary depending on seasonal availability. The price of some composite decking is competitive with the cost of pricier wood decks. According to Popular Mechanics, basic pressure-treated lumber goes for about 80 cents per linear foot, while redwood or cedar runs up to three times that amount. Still, many companies make their composite decking with recycled materials. A Trex composite deck is ready whenever you want to use it. Trex composite decking may be more expensive initially, but in the long run, it begins to pay for . Costs. Everyone wants beautiful, natural-looking decking and nothing accomplishes that more than real hardwood decking. To enhance your yard's aesthetic and functionality, consider installing a brand-new deck or patio outside your house. Different manufacturers use different formulations and processes, so the weight of decking will vary from company to . A redwood or cedar deck will cost between $25 and $30 per square foot. Composite Decking: $4-$13 per square foot for the boards. In general, you can expect to pay a bit more for a composite deck vs. a wood deck. Maintenance. Unlike natural wood, it won't crack or splinter. Even if you opt to use classier wood like redwood or cedar, the price will still be significantly lower than composite decking. Composite decking products are getting better, weaker products are being culled. Wood Vs. Composite Decking - The Pros & Cons. Most wood composite decking supports 100 lb/ft2 at 16" O.C. While composite decking tries to mimic the look of real wood, it falls way short of replicating hardwood perfectly. The cost of installing a wood deck varies, depending on the size of the deck, the type of wood used, and the contractor you hire. Wood will need more maintenance compared to composite decks. Thornton Deck Builders | Call us at 720-740-1930 We can't say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose. Paul Hope/Consumer Reports. But if you look at the cost over time, you see a different picture. Wood decks take constant care. With composite decking, unlike wood decking, you can have a great-looking deck 10 years later. First, it is cost-effective. Scratch Resistant: Many Composite decking choices have a wood grain pattern etched into the surface. So, if you're looking to invest in a stunning, long-lasting, low-maintenance deck, choose TimberTech. In addition, we paid around $2,100 for an at-cost . Besides its stability, composite decking is also known for its low maintenance . Compare deck designs below to see what $10,000 will get you with wood vs. composite! They don't contain wood fillers, but can be streaked to mimic a wood grain look. Cons of Composite Decking. Our cost comparison of wood decks vs. composites centers on one thing: a deck that's durable and looks great, year . Differences in costs. to see products and pricing at your local store. Here at Keystone Custom Decks, we estimate that wooden decks are approximately $5,000 cheaper than a composite deck of comparable size. If the wood plastic composite deck is installed directly on top of the wood deck, it will face several problems that cannot be ignored. Fiberon Paramount PVC Decking in Sandstone. In the end, we spent about $4,400 for deck materials. When it comes to Composite decking VS Wood Decks, great things are happening. The maintenance category presents a series of challenges and trade-offs for both materials. Treated 5/4 x 6 wood decking on average weighs 1.59 lbs a lineal foot, an equally sized composite weighs 2.3 lbs. On the other hand, Untreated ipe wood takes on a silver hue in only two to three years. While early-generation . Wood can be a cheap, quick-fix option, but over the long run, a composite deck will save you time and money, and give you a longer-lasting deck. The three main deck material options you'll see on the market are pressure treated wood, composite, and PVC (also called vinyl). Wood decks typically cost between $3 and $15 per square foot. This type of decking benefits from being stronger, more durable, and requiring considerably less maintenance compared to wood decking. PVC decking has a longer structural warranty than composite deck boards. For example, a tropical hardwood will be double the price of a pressure-treated softwood. Compared to wood decking, PVC and composite are lighter and easier to install. Many composite boards are manufactured with particular qualities, such as fade-resistance, resistance to . Wood: $10-$25+. Composite decking material, by comparison, is much more stable - it doesn't degrade the way that wood decking boards do. Wood is a more natural product, while composite and vinyl are artificial decking materials. All-plastic/vinyl decks are made from 100% recycled or non-recycled plastic. For a 16-by-20 deck, this would range between $9,600 and $14,400. Compare. $19.78 each ($2.48 /lin.ft.) So, if you're on a budget, just go for wood screws. A standard 12 treated decking board weighing 19.08 lbs, with the same composite board 27.6 lbs. Aesthetics: Capped composite decking has a more wood-like appearance whereas PVC decking, due to its all-plastic construction, has an enhanced wood look. 19 Variations Available. Composite decks are composed mainly of wood fibers and recycled plastic and have realistic-looking wood grain features imprinted on the surface. Pro tip: Spending a little more for kiln-dried lumber will keep splitting and checking to a minimum for better results. This type of decking material is an environmentally friendly option, and it doesn't come with any of the downsides wood has. It could cost 15 to 20 percent more for composite material than pressure-treated pine. Mold and Mildew Resistance: Capped PVC decking has a slight edge over capped composite for its ability to resist . While wood can rot, splinter, or decay over . Composite decking planks are more expensive to install than wood, but is almost maintenance-free by comparison. Wood deck vs composite - when choosing a new garden decking for your space, it's the first crucial decision you'll have to make. Enter Your ZIP Code. Air circulation is not guaranteed. Several companies offer limited lifetime guarantees or 50-year warranties for PVC planks, while composites come in at 20 to 35 years. By: newtechwood. As we've said, it requires very little maintenance - it will last at least 20 . The total cost of wood decking will depend on the type of wood, with hardwood being more . In the end, we spent about $4,400 for deck materials. One of the best-known makers is Trex, whose product weighs approximately 60 pounds per cubic foot, so a 12-foot length of 5/4-by-6 Trex weighs 27.5 pounds. Natural timber is the classic choice, but nowadays, composite decking is proving to be a popular alternative in modern and classic schemes alike with its wide range of finishes. Compare Wood vs Composite Deck Cost Quick Summary: Composite vs Wood Deck Cost. Price. Composites have significantly improved in durability, with high-quality . Likewise, composite decking must be cleaned regularly to prevent moisture from building up and causing damage to your deck. Wooden Decks . (Before the pandemic, the composite decking and wood trim would have come closer to $3,400.) Typically, wood decking is lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. Wood composite deck boards need regular . Composite vs Wood Decking: Durability Comparison. 1. While the advantages of composite decking are impressive, many homeowners still choose classic wood decking. Buyers are more likely to be interested in this convenience. A Comparison Of Composite Decking Vs Wood Decking Image Credit: hgtv.com Composite Decking Pros: 1. In addition, we paid . 238 Posts. If you want to consider wood decks, make sure that stripping, sanding, and staining should be included in your budget. At $30-$60 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $25-$43 for natural wood. On the other hand, patio pavers come in various materials that could complement your exterior design. That's just one part of the warranty, as you also have to pay attention to the structural guarantee. Trex composite decking is more durable and longer lasting. However, due to the pros associated with composite decking -- including the low maintenance, durability, and the long-lasting nature of the material -- the cost of composite decking can be easily offset over time, eventually saving . After comparing real wood vs. composite decking, wood decking is the category winner for tested durability and cost. The price of wood and composite can each vary depending on which subtype of material is being used. Among wood decking's pros and cons, affordability is a decided benefit. Durability: Both products score highest among decking products for durability. A composite deck will cost $30 to $60 per square foot installed. Building with wood - specifically, pressure-treated lumber - is half the cost of building with composite materials. Much Less Maintenance Required. One of the greatest benefits that composite decking has going for it would be the lack of maintenance required. UltraDeck Rustic Low-Maintenance Composite Decking. A pricey alternative to wood. Wood is a cost-effective alternative to that. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. With composite, you won't need to purchase . IPE vs Composite Decking - The Pros & Cons. Remains consistent year-round. It's also a smart option . The initial costs of purchasing and fitting a wood deck are relatively low. Cost is also one of the important factors to consider while choosing material for decking. Since wood decks need more maintenance, they can cost you more over time compared to composite decks. Real Hardwood Decking Looks Great. Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks. That's because wood decking is significantly more affordable. UltraDeck Rustic Low-Maintenance Composite Decking. PVC is more lightweight than composite and may bounce when in use. To be more exact, wood deck screws can range between $0.08 to $0.10 per screw. Wood Decks vs. Composite Decks. All you have to do is clean it occasionally. Wood Decking vs. Composite Decking: Final Verdict. Cali-Bamboo products cost about $15 to $75, depending on . Many homeowners assume that because pressure-treated wood is less expensive than composite decking, a wood deck will save them money. Of course, Redwood or Cedar is more expensive and will last longer than pine or pre-treated woods, but the cost of this type of wood is sometimes 3 times higher and there is still the cost of yearly maintenance. These are established brands with a big reputation. A single 16-foot pine decking board was selling for nearly $26, less than the $32 you'd pay for a board of Trex Enhance. Because it's made from recycled plastic and wood fibers, it is much more environmentally friendly than traditional composite decking. You can use any face screw with pressure treated wood, but it will come at the expense of making repairs down the road. The Cost Difference Between Composite vs. Wood. Cost. Because the wood fibers are encased in plastic, they do not need the extensive maintenance and protection compared to wood decking material. However, MoistureShield, DuraLife, and Lumberock are other excellent alternatives. While a wood deck is generally more affordable upfront, when you start to . Thermory Decking Isn't Like Other Wood. In comparison, wood decking will cost around 65 - 150 per m on average including installation. However, if you're looking for an option that does not require upkeep and instead lasts for a long period of time, composite decking is the best option. Ipe wood keeps its proportions and smooth profile for an extended period. Composite decking, at least the first generation composite products that people were complaining to me about for the past 15 or so . 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. When it comes time to build a new deck you need to do your research to make sure you are building a deck with the right materials that will last for many yea. Wood, especially derived from high-quality trees will last the test of time when well maintained. Composite Decking vs. Wood Cost. Composite decking contains a blend of real wood and plastic polymers, but this material still looks exactly like real wood (although some cheaper composite decking material can look more like plastic than wood). A composite is a combination of a base material with other materials, held together by a binding agent.In the case of composite decking that base material is wood. A cedar wood deck will cost $30 or more per square foot. If you prefer the look and feel of real wood and don't mind being responsible for regular maintenance, then wood decking could be a good choice. But Thermory makes expertly thermally-modified wood. The average cost for a composite is double the average cost of a natural wood deck and is one of the major factors to consider in the . When it comes to composite decking vs wood, the winner is clear: TimberTech capped polymer and capped composite decking beats wood in every way. Family Handyman. Popular Posts. On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $23 to $42 per square foot including installation. Upgraded composite options will still cost considerably more than natural . There is a little confusion though, one thing composite decking is not is plastic. New Things Are Happening in the Composite Industry. WearDeck boasts the highest live load rating in the industry. The two most common decking materials are composite and wood. Unlike other plastic deck boards, WearDeck is structural and supplies over two times the strength of composite and plastic decking materials. Composites aren't natural. Whereas composite deck screw price ranges between $0.22 to $0.35 per screw. Composite Decking - Pros & Cons. The next alternative decking material is PVC or plastic planks, which are sturdier than they sound. For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out the Deck Material Comparison Chart. The material resists stains and general weathering better than wood.