Composite Decking vs Wood Decking in Central PA

Composite Decking vs. Wood Decking: A Comprehensive Comparison

When it comes to choosing decking materials for your outdoor space, the decision often boils down to two main contenders: composite decking and wood decking. Each has its own set of benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the comparison between composite decking and various wood decking options, exploring their characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and the factors to consider when making your decision. In Central PA, composite tends to be the more popular decking option right now, but plenty of homeowners still love the luxurious and natural feel of real wood decking.

Composite Decking: An Overview

Composite decking is a man-made material composed of a combination of wood fibers, plastic, and binding agents. This blend results in a durable, low-maintenance product that mimics the appearance of natural wood without many of the associated drawbacks. The primary brands of Composite decking used in Central PA are Trex Decking and TimberTech Decking. Both brands produce excellent final products and have a large variety of colors, sizes, and patterns to choose from.

Advantages of Composite Decking

1. Low Maintenance: One of the biggest selling points of composite decking is its low maintenance requirements. Unlike wood, it doesn’t need to be sanded, stained, or painted. A simple wash with soap and water is usually sufficient to keep it looking good.
2. Durability: Composite decking is highly resistant to weather, rot, and insect damage. It won’t splinter, warp, or crack, making it a safe and long-lasting option. It is largely impervious to the elements, which is why it is so popular today.
3. Aesthetic Variety: Composite decking comes in a wide range of colors and textures, allowing homeowners to achieve the look they desire without the limitations of natural wood. There are more options for composite decking then you could even imagine.
4. Eco-Friendly: Many composite decking products are made from recycled materials, making them a more sustainable choice compared to traditional wood decking. These recycled materials are waste products and can be repurposed as decking to increase the total life-cycle of the plastic involved.
5. Warranty: Many composite decking manufacturers offer extended warranties, some even up to 25 years, providing peace of mind for homeowners.

Disadvantages of Composite Decking

1. Cost: The initial cost of composite decking is higher than that of most wood decking options. However, when considering the long-term maintenance costs, the overall expense might even out.
2. Heat Retention: Composite decking can become quite hot in direct sunlight, which can be uncomfortable for walking barefoot. Any southern facing deck in direct sunlight will likely become unbearably hot to enjoy in the late afternoon during the summer months.
3. Appearance: While composite decking has come a long way in mimicking the look of wood, some purists argue that it still doesn’t have the same natural beauty and warmth. Composite decking looks like fake wood, and it feels different as well.

Wood Decking: An Overview

Wood decking has been the traditional choice for outdoor decks for decades. There are several types of wood commonly used for decking, each with its own characteristics and benefits. Let’s explore the most popular options.

Pressure-Treated Pine

Pressure-treated pine is one of the most common and affordable wood decking materials. It is treated with chemicals to resist rot, insects, and decay. This is the most budget-friendly option for homeowners to enjoy, and you can even paint or stain this type of deck to achieve your desired look after the deck is built.

Advantages of Pressure-Treated Pine

1. Cost-Effective: Pressure-treated pine is one of the least expensive decking materials available, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious homeowners. This option in Central PA is the cheapest option, and it is widely available at every lumber store in the area.
2. Availability: It is widely available and easy to work with, so many contractors have lots of experience installing this material. This also keeps the total cost of the deck build down, since it is easy to work with.
3. Rot Resistance: The chemical treatment gives it enhanced resistance to rot and insects, and this treatment has been proven for decades to be effective.

Disadvantages of Pressure-Treated Pine

1. Maintenance: Despite its treatment, pressure-treated pine requires regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, to maintain its appearance and durability. Without staining or sealing, even Pressure Treated Pine will begin to rot, warp, and fade within 2 years of installation.
2. Durability: It is not as durable as other wood options or composite decking, and it is prone to warping, cracking, and splintering over time. Overall, this option is the most susceptible to issues down the road, if not regularly maintained and managed.
3. Chemicals: The chemicals used in the treatment process can be a concern for some homeowners, especially those with pets and children. These chemicals are not organically derived, and therefore have some level of risk as far as contamination of ground water, soil, etc. if you are concerned about those types of things.

Cedar

Cedar is a popular choice for wood decking due to its natural resistance to decay and insects, as well as its attractive appearance and pleasant aroma. Eastern Red Cedar is a native plant to Pennsylvania, though it is no longer widely available. Most lumber companies in the Susquehanna Valley are able to get cedar decking, but it is not nearly as available as composite or pressure treated pine decking.

Advantages of Cedar

1. Natural Beauty: Cedar has a warm, rich color and a natural, rustic look that many homeowners find appealing. Cedar is one of the most beautiful softwoods that you can source and use for your home.
2. Durability: Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a durable choice for outdoor decking. Cedar has much higher levels of rot-resistance than the majority of softwoods, including yellow pine. Cedar also has some natural bug-resistant traits such as the aroma and grain of the wood not being appealing to certain insects and pests.
3. Cool Surface: Cedar remains cooler underfoot compared to composite decking and some other wood types.

Disadvantages of Cedar

1. Cost: Cedar is more expensive than pressure-treated pine, though it is typically less costly than high-end hardwoods. Cedar will cost roughly the same per square foot as a medium-grade composite decking from Trex or TimberTech.
2. Maintenance: Like other wood decking, cedar requires regular maintenance, including staining and sealing, to preserve its appearance and prevent weathering. Cedar also must be painted or stained in a specific way to ensure proper coverage and sealing, normally using a slow drying oil based primer or sealer.
3. Softness: Cedar is relatively soft and can be prone to scratches and dents. The same softness that makes cedar enjoyable to install also makes it susceptible to wear and tear over the decades.

Tropical Hardwoods (Ipe, Teak, Mahogany)

Tropical hardwoods, such as ipe, teak, and mahogany, are prized for their exceptional durability, resistance to decay, and stunning appearance.

Advantages of Tropical Hardwoods

1. Unmatched Durability: Tropical hardwoods are incredibly dense and resistant to rot, decay, insects, and wear, making them some of the most durable decking materials available. They also are so hard they do not easily scratch or dent, making them a luxurious option.
2. Aesthetic Excellence: These woods offer a luxurious, high-end appearance with rich colors and fine grain patterns. These woods excel in this area, and offer many grain patterns and options depending on your style.
3. Low Maintenance: While they do require some maintenance, tropical hardwoods generally need less frequent attention compared to softer woods. These woods are even more resistant to the outdoor elements than both pine and cedar, and tend to need maintenance less frequently.

Disadvantages of Tropical Hardwoods

1. Cost: Tropical hardwoods are among the most expensive decking materials, which can be a barrier for many homeowners. This cost is often overwhelming at first, but the longevity often balances out the initial cost.
2. Installation: Their density makes them difficult to work with, often requiring specialized tools and techniques. A mahogany deck will take nearly twice as long to install than a composite or pine deck would take to install.
3. Sustainability: There are significant environmental concerns related to the harvesting of tropical hardwoods, and homeowners should seek certified, sustainably sourced options. Some better options may be sourcing hardwoods native to Central PA for decking, such as White Oak, Hard Maple, Hickory, or Black Walnut.

Comparing Composite and Wood Decking

Initial Cost

• Composite Decking: Higher initial cost but lower long-term maintenance expenses.
• Wood Decking: Generally lower initial cost, but maintenance costs can add up over time, especially with high-maintenance woods like pressure-treated pine.

Maintenance

• Composite Decking: Low maintenance, requiring only occasional cleaning.
• Wood Decking: Requires regular staining, sealing, and sometimes sanding to maintain appearance and durability.

Durability

• Composite Decking: Highly durable, resistant to weather, rot, and insects, with no splintering or warping.
• Wood Decking: Varies by type; pressure-treated pine is less durable, while tropical hardwoods are extremely durable.

Aesthetic Appeal

• Composite Decking: Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, but some may find it lacks the natural beauty of real wood.
• Wood Decking: Offers a natural, warm appearance that many homeowners prefer. Different woods offer different aesthetic qualities, from the rustic look of cedar to the luxurious appeal of tropical hardwoods.

Environmental Impact

• Composite Decking: Often made from recycled materials, but the production process is energy-intensive.
• Wood Decking: Natural and renewable, but sustainability varies; pressure-treated pine involves chemicals, while tropical hardwoods may have significant environmental impact unless sourced responsibly.

Heat Retention

• Composite Decking: Can become very hot in direct sunlight, potentially uncomfortable for bare feet.
• Wood Decking: Generally remains cooler underfoot, making it more comfortable in hot weather.

Conclusion

The choice between composite decking and wood decking ultimately depends on your priorities and preferences. If you value low maintenance, durability, and a wide range of design options, composite decking might be the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer the natural beauty and warmth of real wood and are willing to invest time and effort into maintenance, wood decking could be the ideal option.

Consider your budget, the climate in Central PA, the level of maintenance you’re willing to undertake, and the aesthetic you wish to achieve. By weighing these factors carefully, you can make an informed decision that will ensure your outdoor space is both functional and beautiful for years to come.

Additional Considerations

When choosing between composite and wood decking, it’s also important to consider the following:

1. Climate: If your home is exposed to the elements or the deck is surrounded by abundant shade, composite decking may offer better performance and longevity.
2. Usage: For high-traffic areas, the durability of composite decking or tropical hardwoods might be more suitable.
3. Environmental Responsibility: Look for certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for wood and consider the recycled content and sustainability practices of composite manufacturers.

By taking the time to evaluate these factors, you can ensure that your decking choice meets your needs and enhances your outdoor living experience. We at Doxa design and build decks custom to meet each homeowners needs, and we are here to help. Contact our team today in order to plan and build a deck that you and your friends and family can enjoy.