The Best Guide To Composite Decking Pros And Cons

When it comes to transforming your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis, choosing the right decking material is crucial. Two popular options are composite and wood decking.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of composite decking, providing you with easy-to-understand information to help you make an informed decision for your Tennessee home.

What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is a terrific way to spruce up the look of your outdoor space. Made out of a blend of plastic and wood fibers, it’s designed to provide superior weather resistance to your deck while still looking attractive. It comes in many styles and colors, making it easy to find something that fits the needs and aesthetic of any home.

According to NADRA, composite decking can be more cost-effective than traditional wood decks as it is often more durable and requires less maintenance in the long run. So if you’re looking for an affordable yet stunning way to upgrade your backyard, look no further than composite decking!

Comparing Materials: Composite vs. Wood Decking

When considering the perfect material for your dream deck, understanding the differences between composite decking and wood decking is crucial. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve put together a side-by-side comparison of these two popular options.

Explore the key aspects that matter most to homeowners – from appearance and maintenance to durability and environmental impact.

This simple table will guide you through the essential features of each material, ensuring you’re well-equipped to choose the decking solution that best suits your needs and enhances your outdoor living space.

Aspect	Composite Decking	Wood Decking
Appearance	Mimics natural wood grain, available in various colors	Classic and rustic look, natural variations
Maintenance	Low maintenance, no staining or sealing required	Regular staining and sealing for longevity
Durability	Resistant to moisture, rot, and insects	Susceptible to rot, insects, and weather damage
Lifespan	Longer lifespan, less likely to warp or splinter	Requires more maintenance over time
Environmental Impact	Made from recycled materials, eco-friendly	Renewable resource, but logging impact

Advantages of Composite Decking

Composite decking offers a range of benefits that make it an attractive choice for homeowners looking to create a beautiful and low-maintenance outdoor living space. Here are some compelling advantages of choosing composite decking:

Low Maintenance: Tired of the annual staining and sealing routine? Composite decking requires minimal maintenance. Say goodbye to the hassle of sanding, staining, or painting – your deck will look great with just a simple cleaning.
Durability: Composite decking is designed to withstand the elements. It's resistant to moisture, rot, and insect damage, making it an excellent choice for regions like Tennessee where humid weather can take a toll on traditional wood decks.
Longevity: Invest in a deck that stands the test of time. Composite decks have a longer lifespan compared to wood, as they are less likely to warp, splinter, or decay over the years.
Eco-Friendly Options: Many composite decking materials are made from recycled plastics and wood fibers, reducing the demand for new timber. This eco-friendly approach helps conserve natural resources and minimizes waste.
Design Versatility: Composite decking comes in a wide variety of colors, finishes, and styles. Whether you're looking for a rustic, natural wood appearance or a contemporary and sleek design, there's a composite option to match your aesthetic preferences.
Safety: Composite decking is designed with safety in mind. Unlike wood, which can develop sharp splinters over time, composite materials remain splinter-free, making them safer for families, pets, and barefoot gatherings.
Fade Resistance: While some decking materials can fade or lose their color due to sun exposure, many composite decks feature UV-resistant technology, helping to maintain their vibrant appearance for years.
Warranty Coverage: Most reputable composite decking brands offer warranties that cover various aspects of the material's performance. This added peace of mind ensures that your investment is protected.

Disadvantages of Composite Decking

While composite decking offers numerous advantages, it’s important to consider its potential drawbacks before making a decision. Here are some disadvantages associated with composite decking:

Initial Investment: One of the initial hurdles homeowners may encounter is the higher upfront cost of composite decking compared to traditional wood. While the upfront expense can be a bit more, it's essential to consider the long-term savings in maintenance costs and potential replacements.
Heat Retention: In hot, sunny climates like Tennessee, composite decking can retain more heat than wood when exposed to direct sunlight. This can make the surface warmer to the touch. It's wise to incorporate shading solutions or consider cooler color options to mitigate this effect.
Appearance Variability: Although composite decking mimics the look of natural wood, some homeowners prefer the authenticity of real wood. The variations in wood grain, knots, and textures that come with genuine wood may be more appealing to those seeking a traditional aesthetic.
Potential Scratching: While composite decks are generally durable, they can be more susceptible to scratching than wood. Heavy furniture, pet claws, and sharp objects can leave marks on the surface. Being cautious and using protective measures can help prevent scratches.
Color Fading: Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause certain composite decking colors to fade over time. While UV-resistant finishes can help minimize this, it's important to consider the long-term impact on the appearance of your deck.
Susceptibility to Stains: While composite decking is designed to resist stains, some substances like grease, oil, or certain foods can still cause discoloration. Prompt cleaning and using recommended cleaning products are essential to maintain the deck's appearance.
Sensitivity to Temperature Changes: Composite decking can expand and contract with temperature fluctuations. While this is a natural characteristic of most materials, it's something to be aware of, especially in areas with extreme temperature variations.

Composite Decking FAQs

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

Composite decking comes with a range of advantages, but there are some disadvantages to consider as well. These include a higher initial cost compared to wood, potential heat retention under direct sunlight, variations in appearance that may not fully replicate natural wood, susceptibility to scratching, potential color fading over time, the need for specialized repairs, and sensitivity to temperature changes that can cause expansion and contraction.

What are the problems with composite decking?

While composite decking is designed to be durable and low-maintenance, there are a few problems that homeowners might encounter. These can include heat retention on hot days, potential scratching or marking from heavy objects, fading or discoloration over time due to UV exposure, and the challenge of repairing composite materials without professional assistance.

Are composite decks worth it?

Whether composite decks are worth it depends on your priorities and needs. Composite decking offers benefits like low maintenance, durability, eco-friendliness, and design versatility. While the upfront cost might be higher compared to wood, the long-term savings in maintenance expenses can balance this out. If you value a deck with minimal upkeep, a longer lifespan, and a wide range of design options, composite decks can certainly be worth the investment.

What are the disadvantages of Trex decking?

Trex is a popular brand of composite decking, and while it offers many advantages, there are some potential drawbacks to be aware of.

These include the higher initial cost compared to wood, potential heat retention in hot climates, susceptibility to scratching, and the need for specialized repairs. As with any composite decking, Trex decks can also experience color fading over time when exposed to sunlight.

However, Trex and similar brands often offer warranties and quality materials that can mitigate some of these disadvantages.

Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new deck, composite deck boards are definitely worth considering. It has a number of advantages over other types of decking and can be just as beautiful and stylish as any other type of deck. With proper care, your composite deck will last for many years to come.

If you need help designing or installing a composite deck, get in touch with us today. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have and help you create the perfect outdoor space for your home.

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