There are plenty of decking choices. But composite decking is your best bet if you’re after a low-maintenance option. It’s a popular choice these days, and for good reason.
However, like anything else, composite decking has its ups and downs. We’re here to break down the pros and cons of composite decking so you can make an informed decision about your outdoor space.
Pros of Composite Decking
Durability and Maintenance
Composite decking offers strong durability despite minimal maintenance required. With an expected lifespan twice as long as traditional wood decks, its longevity ensures homeowners consider value for their money. Deck maintenance – labor is expensive and time-consuming for wood decks, but it becomes simple with composite ones. Occasional light cleaning replaces tasks like replacing rot-prone boards, sanding down splinters, sealing, and staining annually. Data from”Decks” shows an improvement in overall customer satisfaction due to these factors.
Aesthetic Diversity
Available in various colors, finishes, and styles, composite decks’ aesthetic diversity is impressive. Not limited by the physical characteristics of natural wood, homeowners can choose from more design options. Realistic textures imitating various wood types and grain patterns and custom color combinations are possible.
| Composite Decking Colors | Composite Decking Finishes |
| Light Brown | Wood Grain |
| Dark Brown | Smooth |
| Grey | Ridged |
| Red | Brushed |
| Mahogany | Embossed Wood Grain |
Eco-Friendly Materials
Composite decks are usually made of recycled materials, along with decking materials. They help reduce the amount of plastic and wood waste heading for landfills. Production methods aim to minimize environmental harm. These decks then serve not only practical purposes but also reduce our carbon footprint.
Cons of Composite Decking
Taking a stride into the lesser endearing aspects of composite decking, we’ll address three of these in detail. Our exploration includes initial costs, heat retention, and color permanence.
Higher Initial Costs
We find composite decking’s significant drawback in the financial platform is its initial cost. There is no denying that this choice tends to be more expensive than traditional wood decking, especially if you’re considering high-end options. Remember, the price typically correlates with quality. Here’s the cost comparison:
| Decking Type | Average Cost per Square Foot |
| Composite | $30 – $45 |
| Natural Wood | $10 – $30 |
Heat Retention
When summer hits, decks become sun-soaked hotspots—barefoot patio loungers, beware! At peak sunshine, composite decking might retain heat more than wood. The particular hue of your deck also plays a role. Shades darker in color generally collect more warmth.
Color Permanence
Diving into the spectrum, we’ve noted that composite decking offers a varied palette of finishes. One shortcoming, however, revolves around color permanence. Over time, decks can fade due to chronic sun exposure. While manufacturers promise a high resistance level to color shift, mindful deck owners know this fading is not nonexistent. Care and maintenance rules sway the argument, but UV exposure remains a relentless contender.
Switching gears and swirling back to the cost factor, we understand this might sound alarming. Nevertheless, let’s remember the benefits of composite decks: durability, low maintenance requirements, and eco-friendliness. Who said every good story lacks a few twists and turns? After all, we’re still in the unfolding chapters of our composite decking narrative.
Installation and Long-Term Value
Composite decking has pros and cons that we must fully understand from installation to long-term value.
Installation Needs
Your installation needs with composite decking will be unique. The accuracy required is similar to laying a hardwood floor in your home. Every cut needs to be precise; otherwise, the result might not be as beautiful as imagined. We also have to space the boards appropriately to allow for expansion in hot weather.
This might sound intimidating, but don’t let that deter you. Many homeowners choose to hire a professional installer to ensure the best outcome. To ease the process, you can follow various installation guides from reliable sources like How to Install Composite Decking. Paying for skilled installation may boost not only the initial cost but also the satisfaction and quality of the final product.
Assessing Cost-Benefit
We must discuss installation with tackling cost, noting that composite decking tends to have a higher initial cost than natural wood. However, the story continues. The table provided below shows a comparison of long-term costs between composite decking and natural wood:
| Material | Initial Cost | 10-year Maintenance Cost | Total Cost after ten years |
| Natural Wood | 50,000 | $35000 | $85,000 |
Indeed, the higher initial cost of composite decking is offset by lower maintenance expenses over the years. If you value long-term financial benefits, we have a good case here for composite decking. Your best bet is to choose based on the features that matter most to you, such as durability, ease of maintenance, and environmental impact. Our journey through composite decking continues as we explore more aspects.
Conclusion
We’ve taken a deep dive into the world of composite decking. We’ve looked at the installation process, the cost implications, and the long-term benefits. While the initial outlay might be a bit higher, the longevity and low maintenance of composite decking can make it a worthwhile investment. We’ve also seen that professional installation can help ensure the best outcome. So, when you’re weighing up your options, remember to factor in the upfront costs and the time and money you’ll save down the line. And let’s remember the environmental impact. Composite decking can be more sustainable, helping us all do our bit for the planet. This has helped you decide about your decking needs.