Pros and Cons of Deck Composite Materials vs. Treated Wood

When you are looking at building a deck one of the most important elements that you need to consider is what material to build the deck out of. A traditional deck is usually made out of pressure treated wood but there are a wide variety of other materials available like composite deck material. In today’s blog we will be looking at the pros and cons of deck composite materials vs. treated wood.

Treated Wood

Treated Wood is probably the most well-known and widely used material for building decks. Compared to composite decking it offers lower upfront costs and offers a classic, natural look and feel for your deck. Wood also offers you the ability to change its look overtime by using stains and paint, which isn’t possible with composite decking.

On the downside, treated wood has less longevity and requires more maintenance than composite decking often lasting only 10 to 20 years and requiring regular resealing. Treated wood is also prone to splintering over time, which affects both the look of the deck and increases the chance for injury when using it. Treated wood is also in danger of warping and rotting when exposed to significant moisture.

Composite

Composite Decking is decking made from a combination of recycled wood and plastic that is then formed into deck boards. It is available in a wide range of colors and styles so you can find one that matches the aesthetic that you are looking for. As it is made from recycled materials and is extremely long-lasting it is somewhat more environmentally conscientious than treated wood. It is also extremely durable, being moisture, rot and pest resistant, and easy to maintain, requiring little to no extra work after it is installed and it can be cleaned with soap and water.

On the downside composite materials can be more expensive up front but many adopters find that it is worth the expense in the long run. It also lacks the natural beauty of wood and while the ability of composite boards to mimic wood has come a long way it is still just an imitation of the real thing. Lastly once it is installed that’s what it looks like, the decks look can’t be altered with stain or paint.

We hope we have been able to provide you with some useful comparisons between treated wood and composite materials. If you have any questions about various deck materials, please feel free to contact us.

Deck Experts, based in Surrey, BC, are professional deck builders with a long track record of success. We offer free estimates and long warranties and can build or fix any deck around. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about decks, please call us at (604) 626-7100.