Deciding Upon Simple Methods Of Composite Timber Decking Canberra

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Compare How Much A Wood Vs Composite Deck Costs In 2020




In harsh environments, composite decking material provides a long life for your deck. The engineering and vinyl wrap of capped composite decking means the boards don’t crack, split, warp, splinter, or experience other negatives common to wood decking. This material is cheaper than standard composite materials and closer to the cost of a wood deck. As mentioned previously, we estimate the average wooden deck costs $5,000 less than using composite decking. While it may be easy to assume all decking is the same, there are several key structural differences between composite decking and wooden decking.


  • The primary drawback to composite decking is arguably the higher price tag.
  • It should be noted that outdoor decking is a long-term investment.
  • In view of the purchase cost of decks, wood flooring is usually cheaper than composite decking.
  • Most decks require a full on retreatment consisting of sanding, cleaning, staining or painting and sealing every two to five years.
  • At $30-$45 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $15-$25 for natural wood.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks


When looking at the composite decking versus wood cost, you will find that you actually pay more for composite decking, between the initial order and the installation costs. There is a wide range of wood species that exist, and each has its own benefits. When it comes to hardwood decking vs. composite decking, hardwood decking is an incredible, naturally durable option. Wood is almost always going to be cheaper than composite decking. Many people buy wood for their deck because they like the lower cost. But as soon as you start to look at all the maintenance wood requires, it gets much more expensive.



Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:


Further, advancements in this type of decking have made its look-and-feel downright attractive, by many accounts. Aluminium composite decking panels which contain wooden starch and plastic . This material is well-established in practice as it looks stylish – it’s not easy to distinguish between composite and natural wood at first sight.


5 Great Deck Materials.

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Don’t expect any cheap options when it comes to hardwood decking. Most of those come from South America and South-East Asia with their own specific traits, colour and grain differences. Wood decking made from natural and high-quality materials can be considered an investment. It ranges from 20 to 40 years depending on how well you maintain it. Maintenance is mandatory if you want your wood deck to last. While composite decks can help resist rotting and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage.



Decks Vs Patios: Which Option Is Cheaper?


For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out ourDeck Material Comparison Chart. 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. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won’t fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time.


Is composite decking cheaper than wood decking

Wood Involves A Lot Of Maintenance


However, manufacturing advances have led to composites thatemulate the rich, natural look of woodwithout the hassles of maintaining a wood deck. If you’re on a budget and the price tag of a composite deck is just too much, then a wooden deck is a great alternative. The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $15 versus $30 installation, respectively. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking. The original and oldest choice for decking materials, decks have been using wood for their makeup since their existence, so we know it’s a proven material that looks great.



Natural wood decks are the most demanding, requiring annual refinishing, which sometimes means sanding, removal of last year's finish, and application of a new finish. If you love the look of natural wood and you're up for the upkeep, it's definitely worth it. To cut through the numerous choices, it is helpful to figure out which wood decking you like best then compare that to your favorite composite.



Depending on your budget and the needs of your project there are lots of options available. What to Look for in Quality Waterproof Composite Decking Materials. Composite decking is a blend of synthetic and natural materials. Although non-permeable plastic was a large part of the mix, these weren't waterproof boards.


How Are Composite & Wood Decking Different?



This will protect the color and longevity of the wood by protecting it from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Composite decking contains a blend of real wood and plastic polymers, but this material still looks exactly like real wood . This type of decking material is an environmentally friendly option, and it doesn’t come with any of the downsides wood has. Wood is the most traditional material used for porches and decks, and some studies conclude it’s still the most popular option today.


Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for. Composite decking will always be more expensive than traditional wood decking, however if you looks at the cost over 5 or more years, it starts to make more sense. One of the biggest advantages composite decking has over wood is that it requires virtually no maintenance. Wood composite decking requires less maintenance than wood boards and looks more authentic than plastic alternatives. Our Pioneer range also has a reversible design allowing you to choose between a natural wood pattern or a grooved board. That's a lot of money for maintenance, and even if it did cost that much, it's still much cheaper than composite decking. It would take years to make it worth the cost, and by then you could have done a new deck entirely, after only 10 yrs.