Comparing Composite vs Wood Decking

The Case for Composite Decking

What makes composite decking such a great choice? For starters, composite decks need very little maintenance once installed. This benefit is particularly noticeable when you compare composite vs. wood decks.

Maintenance and Durability of Composite Decking

Composite decks require only semi-annual cleaning — a light pressure wash or even an intensive soap and water scrub is usually enough. The bonus of composite is that it doesn’t need sanding, sealing, or staining. While those living in particularly harsh environments (prone to heavy rain or snow, for example) might desire to clean their deck more often, that is true regardless of the decking material.

How long does composite decking last?

Apart from extreme circumstances like fire damage, composite decking should last for decades. Thanks to the material's durability, composite materials come with excellent warranties that make them a better long-term investment (but more on that later). Trex’s weather-resistant shells, for example, offer warranties of 25 to 50 years on deck boards and accessories.

Composite Decking Costs

Initial costs for composite materials tend to be higher than pressure treated wood decking, often leading to hesitation on the part of buyers. But a little research goes a long way to clearing any doubts about costs. Here’s how it breaks down for the basic Trex decking option, Trex Enhance® Basics:

• Typical decking material costs: $2,900 - $3,100 for a 16' x 20', Enhance Basics, decking only
• Typical decking and deck framing material costs: $5,350 - $6,000 for a 16' x 20 Enhance Basics, with brand-new pressure-treated framing. Labor not included.
• Maintenance costs: $10/year

Is composite decking worth it?

As cost comparisons show, installing composite decking is more expensive upfront than using pressure-treated wood — the specialized material demands a higher cost. However, maintenance costs for composites are drastically reduced to near zero. Since water wear and insect damage are not factors, the only perceptible costs would be:

• Physical damage
• Cleaning costs (with brush and detergent)

For those calculating their long-term investment, composite decks will outperform wood deck costs within a decade — before even mentioning the benefits many composite manufacturers like Trex might provide, including 25- to 50-year warranties.

Composite Decking Pros:

• Has a life span and warranty of 25-50 years
• Easy to maintain with soap and water
• Resists insect damage
• Newer composites are highly durable and resist staining, scratching and fading
• Available in dozens of colors and grain patterns
• Available in long lengths which minimize joints
• Some manufacturers use recycled materials

Composite Decking Cons:

• More expensive than pressure treated wood
• Cannot be painted or stained
• Somewhat heavier than its wood counterpart

Composite Decking Appearance

Great aesthetics usually come down to the quality of the material and the creativity of the construction and design. In that spirit, composite decking offers greater diversity in design than wood decking, with more hues, tones, and patterns available. Trex, for example, offers multiple product lines totaling dozens of choices with natural hues and grain patterns.

The difference between the two materials lies in authenticity, preference, and ongoing customization. Those seeking a pure wood deck may not find the advantages of composites to their liking. Though composite decking can compete with wood aesthetically, its physical makeup is decidedly different. Wood can be stained and painted over time, whereas composite materials do not change. This provides the benefit of a great look that lasts for years to come — but the trade-off is the inability to change color via stain in a few years if your tastes change.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Composite Decking

Composite decking is the clear favorite for eco-conscious consumers — some, such as Trex, are made from recycled materials, such as plastic film and reclaimed sawdust, this option promises a better carbon footprint for the buyer.

Alongside the material difference, composite decking is inherently more durable. With minimal maintenance and cleaning required, consumers will use fewer resources and chemicals in their deck upkeep.

The Case for Wood Decking

As scientifically advanced as some composite products are, wood purists can’t help but pine (no pun intended) for the classics. Let’s see what makes wood a possible fit for your outdoor deck.

Maintenance and Durability of Wood Decks

Wood has some natural durability but requires far more maintenance than composite materials. From environmental factors like water and insect damage, to higher material breakability, wood deck owners need to be more cautious and proactive than composite deck owners in order to maintain a pristine deck.

How long do wood decks last?

For proper upkeep, wooden decks typically require some form of sanding, cleaning, staining, painting, and sealing every few years. Left untreated, many species of wood, and the deck as a whole, are prone to rot — but a well-cared-for deck could last 15 years and beyond.

Risk of moisture and insect damage

Other lingering issues with wood are the environmental factors that contribute to wear and tear. Wood is more prone to these problems than composite because of its natural construction, leaving it prey to any of the following if not treated:

• Warping
• Cracking
• Splintering
• Growing mold and mildew
• Rotting and weakening
• Insect and pest damage

Insect and pest damage is a particularly problematic factor if your wood deck has experienced any water damage. Certain softwoods need to be regularly treated with chemicals to waterproof them and repel bugs, which constitutes an additional ongoing cost depending on your material of choice.

Wood Deck Costs

Pressure treated wood has fairly low upfront costs, especially compared to some premium synthetic alternatives like composite decking. That being said, long-term care and maintenance costs of wood might balance things out when compared to composites. Here’s how the cost of wood breaks down:

• Typical decking material costs: $1,280-1,600 for a 16' x 20', pressure treated decking only
• Typical decking and deck framing material costs: $3,730 - $4,050 for a 16' x 20 with pressure-treated decking, with brand-new pressure-treated framing. Labor not included.
• Maintenance costs: $115 per year for pressure-treated lumber x 25 years = $2,875

Maintenance costs are the burden of wooden deck owners — annual estimated spending of $112 over 25 years, for example, would accumulate to $2,875, bringing the total cost of ownership upwards of $7,000. This could balloon even further depending on the size of your deck, if you just stain or you sand, stain and seal, and the natural threats of your local environment. Maintaining a wood deck also requires a lot of physical labor over the years; something that can take a toll on an aging body.

Is wood decking worth it?

If money is no object and you’re committed to wood and the labor required to maintain it, a decent deck could last a decade or two. But for longer-term savings on your deck, wood simply does not reach the cost durability of composite decking. Wood deck costs will include:

• Staining and coating
• Pressure washing
• Adding water resistance/repairing water damage
• Repairing insect damage
• Repairing breakage

Wood Decking Appearance

A key factor in many deck owners’ selections when considering composite vs. wood is aesthetics.  Wood has a more naturally authentic feel than many forms of composite decking. In particular, the more expensive hardwoods like Ipe and Mahogany provide an exotic, high quality look that is commonly sought after.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Wood Decking

If you're looking for upfront affordability, and you're committed to the look of real wood, wood might be the option for you. However, considering pressure treated wood is initially chemically treated, it may not be the ideal right environmental choice. If you are interested in looking for an eco-friendly option with minimal maintenance and a better lifetime value, composite decking is the material for you.

Wood decks almost always need heavy treatment with various external chemicals on a repeated basis. Varnishes, oils, chemicals and more to help maintain deck durability, may also negatively affect your backyard or local environment over time. In addition, there are the environmental impacts of deforestation to consider.

Further, some waste disposal jurisdictions no longer accept pressure treated lumber at landfills, complicating disposal at the end of the product life cycle.

Composite vs. Wood Decking: The Verdict

The argument of composite deck boards vs. wood truly boils down to preference. Those set on making wood decks work can find a durable, affordable upfront solution with pressure-treated lumber that offers more long-term customization options with stains and colors.  Those on a bigger budget may opt for a high aesthetic hardwood, such as Ipe or Mahogany. Both of which require regular care and maintenance, which can be costly and time consuming.

But for those comfortable paying more upfront for long-term durability and lower maintenance costs, composite decking offers an eco-friendly option for deck builders that wood simply can’t rival.