Is A Composite Deck Worth The Money?

It Requires More Maintenance Than A Patio

High-end composite wood decking may cost more than low-quality materials, such as concrete. The overall cost of your deck depends on the size of the area you’d like to cover. It also helps to consider the resale value of a deck vs. patio and the benefits your new platform will provide for your living space. If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction.

If you do PT wood or even composite decking, I think one thing people neglect is that the underside is not properly done. For instance if its deck over another deck, is it properly waterproofed ? Are stringers being used that give it adequate ventilation, etc.

However, the next homeowner may not feel the same way as they may see it as a chore rather than a passion or hobby. A new homebuyer may view pressure treated wood deck as a structure that requires a lot of maintenance to create a long-lasting appeal. This can be a deal-breaker on the sale depending on the condition and size of the old deck.

Timber Decking & Fencing: The Drawbacks

• When the first composite decking materials were introduced in the 1990s, it was eyed as being the next evolution of the deck-building industry.
• Studies published in the Forest Products Journal in showed that this was not the case.
• The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot.
• Eventually, science found a way to improve the durability of natural wood and people started using pressure-treated wood to build their decks, giving them a sturdier investment.
• Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process.

Most manufacturers offer fade and stain warranties of up to 25 years. If you can find a product that goes beyond this timeframe, then that material should jump to the top of the list of preferences for your composite decking. When you’re in that situation, the use of hidden fasteners can become a disadvantage rather quickly. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question. This disadvantage is the reason why most homeowners opt for the standard installation even if they want a clean look. If you accidentally spill hot cooking grease on your composite decking, then there is an excellent chance that the plastic in this product will melt. You won’t want to grill on this deck either for the same reason.

Which Type Of Composite Decking Should I Pick?

The average size of a deck is 400 square feet which means a 20’ by 20’ deck built with high-quality composite material could be priced around $5,600. This same deck built with pressure-treated pine lumber may go for around $3,000. However, the cost difference can be erased after 2-3 years of routine maintenance. MoistureShield carries a nice mix of capped and uncapped composite decking. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to what their products are really capable of. Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb. Just like the mold, this issue is unpredictable and hard to understand which decking will have problems and which will not.

Slip-resistant properties also make composite decking the perfect choice to use around swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. As well as not having to worry about maintaining your deck to look good, you can also not worry about any accidents or injuries occurring as a result of splitting deck boards or slips.

Composite decks allow you to simply sit back and enjoy the benefits of having a deck in your Colorado Springs home. Composite decking is more resistant to pests and rotting, which are two of the biggest causes for premature deterioration of a deck. The fact that it combines plastic and wood ensures that it will last slightly longer than average, too. The composite decking also comes in a variety of grains and colors. The colors don’t deteriorate either, meaning that they’ll look the same as the day you had it installed. Composite decking is created to resist fading, scratches, staining, mold, or warping. These decks are safe and comfortable especially for families with kids and pets.

They carry both 4-sided and 3-sided composite boards with solid and grooved profiles. You’ll also get standard lengths and widths across each series, but their Symmetry and Horizon collections are their flagship products. These boards are capped on top, so they are protected from all sides. There are eight colors to choose from between the two and three colors each from Fiberon ProTect and Sanctuary series, the next steps down from a budget standpoint. Composite decking may have grown in popularity over the past decade, but it’s still considered a specialty product by many retailers. That means you can have trouble finding it on the shelf, which makes good brands hard to identify. With that in mind, here are some of the best composite decking brands available for homeowners and contractors in the U.S.

What Is A Composite Deck?

However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner. Composite decks are designed to resist fading, scratches, staining, mold, or warping. They are safe and comfortable especially for families with kids and pets. Wet planter pots, dropped grill tools, and spilled food is no match for newer composite decking materials. They offer an unprecedented combination of stain, fade and mold resistance because of their exclusive protective shell and ability to withstand high-traffic. Some DIYers may not mind about the required upkeep for their pressure-treated wood decks.

You won’t have that problem if you choose composite decking instead. The only thing you need to do with the product is to clean it periodically with some soap and water. That means you can spend more time enjoying the deck instead of taking care of it. This advantage applies in all environments and terrain options as well, so every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use. There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood.

Is Trex Decking Worth The Price? We Say Yes!

The newer one may be better, but the last one had lots of problems. These decks really do well in covered applications as well. Most composite decks are usually backed up with lengthy warranties because of their enduring good looks and ability to withstand heavy traffic. This results in the assurance of lasting beauty which offers additional peace of mind. A composite deck is visually pleasing as it can be designed to match the look and feel of exotic hardwood or traditional timber. It comes in a wide variety of styles and designs to help you determine what works best for your outdoor living space.