Is Composite Decking Really More Expensive Than Timber?

Nowadays, the choice between both comes down to your own budget and personal preferences. While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn't last forever.

• We can’t say one is pricier than the other, as the price mostly depends on the materials you choose.
• Some types of wood decks such as those made of pressure-treated pine are much more cost-efficient than the composite decks.
• If the deck needs to be replaced after several years of use, this will also be a considerable cost.
• In terms of service life, the life of the wood is generally lower than that of composite decking.

Wood Decks Vs Composite Decks

Keep in mind that the less your wood costs, the more maintenance it tends to require. While real wood has advantages for the initial installation, the downsides emerge over time. Wood requires more maintenance than composite wood, so it takes more time and more money over the years. The most basic maintenance that hardwood decking requires is keeping it free from debris and washing it every so often. However, if you want your hardwood decking to maintain its beautiful, natural coloring and not become weathered, it is also vital to apply an oil-based deck stain on an annual basis.

Now, Lets Talk About Composite Decking:

It comes with varieties of designs as well in comparison to wood decking. If you prefer to save yourself the trouble of oiling your deck, then go with composite materials. With installation methods varying, the most popular one is using pre-drilled boards. One of the cheapest hardwood materials, pre-drilled and with basic design, will cost anywhere between £190 and £220 per square meter.

5 Great Deck Materials.

Posted: Sun, 07 Jun 2020 07:00:00 GMT [source]