Comparison of Composite Decking vs Wood Cost
Choosing the right deck material can be a difficult task for anyone looking to build or refurbish a deck. Wood decking and composite decking are two common deck trim materials. Cost is usually the most important consideration when purchasing materials. So what’s the difference in cost between composite decking and wood decking?
Composite decks typically cost between $15 and $36 per square foot. Cedar decking costs about $4 to $9 per square foot. Pressure-treated wood decks cost about $15 to $25 per square foot. Wood decking, however, needs more upkeep over time, which raises maintenance expenses. On the other hand, composite decking material is easy to install, has minimal maintenance, and is long-lasting.
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Table of Contents
What Is Composite Decking
Wood plastic composite decking, or WPC decking, is another name for composite decking materials. They are composed of a mixture of wood fibers and recycled plastic. Composite decking may give you the pleasure of solid wood while looking like real wood planks.
High-quality composite decking boards typically feature a genuine wood grain pattern. Naturally, they also provide composite deck boards that have a frosted and grooved surface.
Composite Decking Benefits
Low Maintenance
One of the key benefits of composite decking is that it requires very little upkeep. Unlike wood decking, composite wood decking doesn’t need to be sanded, stained, or sealed. All you have to do is use mild, soapy water to clean it twice a year.
Of course, you may also get your outdoor deck cleaned by a professional. Professional deck cleaning can cost anywhere from $90 to $770, but most consumers only pay $150.
Long Life
The composite decking material is strong, durable, and stain-resistant. When properly installed and maintained, it can last 30+ years. It won’t decay or break and is less vulnerable to insect attack due to the substance used in its construction.
Colorfast
UV inhibitors are typically included throughout the composite decking manufacturing process. Composite decking is therefore more UV-resistant than wood decking. This means that composite decks fade more slowly than wood decks.
Naturally, staining or painting composite deck boards can also alter their appearance. To save money on deck upkeep, you can learn how to stain your outdoor deck.
Versatility of Color
A variety of colors are available for composite decking planks. This is due to the fact that the final color of the composite product is determined by the color that is applied to wood-plastic composites throughout the manufacturing process. Thus, in order to customize the composite decking that you require, you might look for composite decking manufacturers.
Eco-friendly
Composite decking is the ideal material if you want to build an environmentally friendly home. This is due to the fact that it is composed of wood fiber and recyclable plastic. Utilizing wood fiber can reduce the use of trees while using recyclable plastic can reduce the amount of plastic trash in your life. Thus, it is beneficial to use and promote composite decking in order to protect our living space.
Composite decking planks can be recycled into new materials when the decking is no longer needed. For instance, the deck’s framing structure is constructed using composite joists. In addition to being sturdy and long-lasting, these composite joists are resistant to insects, mold, and mildew.
Composite Decking Cost
Superior composite decking is more expensive than typical lumber, ranging from $15 to $36 per square foot. Nonetheless, many families find it worthwhile to build composite decks. This is due to the fact that maintaining your wood deck might cost up to $1,000 annually. The overall cost of constructing a wood deck will surpass that of composite decking after many years of use.
It is important to remember that a strong structure is needed when building a composite deck. This is to support the weight of the deck and all the items on it. A solid wood frame or a composite joist is your option.
On the other hand, some composite deck manufacturers recommend installing a steel support structure. But they are 35 percent more expensive than pressure-treated wood. The cost of the composite decking material, lumber, and local labor costs must all be included in your budget when planning to build composite decking.
Wooden Decking and What It Costs
For outdoor decks, traditional wood has always been the preferred option. Depending on the type of wood, the cost of wood decking might vary significantly. Redwood and cedar are more costly woods, whereas yellow pine is among the least expensive. The cost of decks constructed from imported timbers, including Brazilian walnut (commonly known as ipe), is significantly higher.
For natural wood decks to appear excellent and last longer, they need to be maintained on a regular basis. Sanding, staining, and sealing wood decks should be done every two to five years. Although the average cost for most individuals is about $775, the price range for painting a wood deck is $540 to $1,250.
Natural wood products are more prone to decay, dampness, and fading if they are not treated. In the sun and wind, pressure-treated wood is prone to warping and cracking. On the other hand, a well-maintained wood deck can endure for at least 15 years.
For those looking to install a deck at a lower cost, wood decking is a fantastic choice. The price of pressure-treated wood ranges from $15 to $25 per square foot. Cedar ranges from $4 to $9 per square foot, while redwood costs between $4 and $6.
How to Calculate a Deck’s Cost?
Estimating the project’s total cost allows one to make a budget for installing a new deck. The following procedures should be followed in order to find out how much a deck will cost.
- The size and design of the deck should be decided after the outdoor space’s area has been measured.
- To determine whether the deck is the appropriate size for your needs, mark the area on the ground where it will be placed. Remember that the overall cost of materials and construction is greatly influenced by the size of the deck.
- Think about the essential and optional deck items. You can save money and lower the cost of installing an outdoor deck by reducing the number of deck accessories that must be installed.
- In order to find out labor costs and recommended deck materials. Consult your local professional deck builder or home improvement store.
The Price Difference Between Wood and Composite Decking
Installing composite decking is usually more expensive than installing wood decking. The table below shows the average cost per square foot for various wood and composite deck types. You can visualize the differences more clearly.
| Decking Materials | Cost per Square Foot |
| Redwood | $4 to $6 |
| Cedarwood | $4 to $9 |
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 to $25 |
| Composite decking | $15 to $36 |
Generally, Composite Decking Is more Expensive than Wood Decking
Although composite decking is typically more costly than wood, its pricing is more consistent. In contrast, the cost of lumber has fluctuated greatly in recent years. Furthermore, homeowners ought to think about how the longevity of the deck’s material impacts the cost.
Compared to wood, composite decking materials have a far longer lifespan. As a result, a lot of individuals think that building composite decking is more cost-effective than fixing their wood decks over time.
The Cost of Different Types of Wood Decks Varies
A deck can have a traditional appearance thanks to pressure-treated wood, which is robust and long-lasting. However, it will require regular maintenance, including painting or staining every two to five years. There aren’t many styles or designs available for pressure-treated wood decks. Wood decks can develop mold and crack, splinter, and warp if they get wet.
Compared to pressure-treated wood, cedar decking is more aesthetically pleasing. Although it is more durable and robust, staining and sealing are still necessary to restore its original appearance. Similarly, when exposed to water, cedar lumber is susceptible to mold growth, warping, and cracking.
Ipe, redwood, and cedar are graded according to the wood’s quality and purity. Naturally, the most costly boards are those with fewer knots, flaws, or mineral stains because they are graded higher. Keep in mind that broader planks will cost more than regular ornamental boards if you require them. This is because larger logs, which are less common, are required to make broader boards.
Composite Decking Installation Requires Less Work
As there is no need to process or seal the boards. Therefore, installing composite decking requires less work than installing wood decking. Composite decking boards usually cost between $10 and $14 per square foot to install. In contrast, the cost of building a deck made of natural wood ranges from $15 to $35 per square foot.
The labor expenses for installing composite decking versus wood decking might also vary depending on a few key factors. Both the design of the deck and the addition of stairs or deck railings will increase the labor cost. The most economical choice is usually to design a rectangular deck.
Multi-level decks and intricate deck designs necessitate additional cutting and measuring, which raises labor expenses. An outdoor deck on a hill needs extra time and effort to build. This also applies to deck construction in areas that require tree, rock, or other vegetation removal.
Additionally, the season and the number of deck builders have an impact on labor expenses. Before they can be used, wooden decks must be stained, painted, and sealed, which will require extra man-hours. The amount of work required is further increased by the fact that different hardwoods require different starter holes to be drilled before they are bonded. Cities with dense populations and high cost of living typically have greater labor costs than rural ones.
Composite Decking Is Low Maintenance
Composite decking is more expensive to build. But it lasts longer, doesn’t fade or stain, and needs less upkeep. The color of composite deck boards lasts longer than that of natural wood decking and doesn’t darken or fade as quickly.
Additionally, because composite material is more weather-resistant than wood decking, it looks better and lasts longer. Composite deck boards don’t need much upkeep because of this. They simply require a low-power pressure washer or mild soapy water cleaning twice a year.
Over Time, Wood Decks Are More Expensive
A wood deck is initially less expensive to purchase, but maintenance will eventually cost more. This is because maintaining it in good shape necessitates frequent sanding, staining, and board replacement. Every two to five years, a wood deck needs to be maintained, serviced, and sealed to keep it in good shape.
Although it costs more to hire a professional to maintain a deck than to do it yourself. But homeowners still have to invest time and money in the process. It is important for everyone to understand how to waterproof a deck and fix weather-damaged deck boards.
How to Pick Composite Decking Boards?
Composite decks can get very hot when exposed to the sun. If you live in an area with consistently high temperatures, it can be difficult to walk barefoot on them. To keep their feet cool on hot days, some individuals prefer to place outdoor rugs on their composite decking. To cut down on heat, you can also choose light-colored composite decking boards.
If you live near the coast or in a rainy area. We recommend you choose a composite deck with grooves or 3D wood grain. By doing this, the composite decking will not become slick when wet.
Wood Decking Is Repairable
A worn-out wood deck can be restored to its original appearance by sanding, painting, or staining it. When composite deck boards get damaged, they must be replaced because they cannot be refinished. The extent of deck wear and tear, the materials utilized, and the deck’s total age all influence when to repair or replace deck boards.
Do-it-yourself Deck Maintenance and Installation
To save money, those on a limited budget could decide to build a wooden deck and then take care of it themselves. For those who have more money or don’t want to maintain a deck, composite decking can be a better option.
If you don’t mind spending a weekend every two to five years maintaining your deck. You can save on maintenance costs by maintaining your deck yourself instead of having someone do it for you. One of the main benefits of owning a wood deck for some individuals is the appearance of solid wood.
There is more to maintaining a wood deck than just keeping it looking its best. When estimating the cost of building a wood deck, people must account for the expense of routine upkeep and repairs. Because they don’t want to perform more maintenance than a quick cleaning twice a year. That’s why many homeowners usually think a more expensive composite deck is worth it.
Summary
The costs and benefits of composite decking versus wood decking are shown above. Select the decking material that works best for you based on your living space, tastes, financial situation, and other factors.
You can speak with our service team if you have any additional queries. The composite decking company EVODEK has over 20 years of production research and development experience. We’re determined to give you more considerate services.
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