Table of Contents
Is composite decking better than wood?
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. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for.
How long do composite decks last?
Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.
Is composite decking good or bad?
While composite decks won’t rot and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage. Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished.
What are the problems with composite decking?
Common complaints from homeowners include their composite decking board swelling, shifting, warping, and shrinking. The cause of this isn’t exactly clear, but it’s suggested that the composite nature of the decking leads it to be much more sensitive to temperature and humidity swings as well as sun exposure.
Does composite deck get hot?
But how hot can composite decking get in the sun? One study found that in direct sunlight, composite decks can reach temperatures from 34° to 76° F hotter than the surrounding air. On an 80° day, that could mean a deck surface temperature of more than 150°.
Is composite decking slippery when wet?
Composite decks are not slippery even when there is water on the surface. The problem, however, is when there is an accumulation of both ice and water on your composite decking. Aside from being the cause of accidents, ice, and the removal of it, can cause some damage to your patio.
Can you put a gas grill on a composite deck?
Yes, Gas grills are safe to use on a composite deck. Composite decking is designed to a minimum of Class C fire rating similar to wood decking. As an extra layer of protection, people will often place a grill mat or pad to protect the decking from both heat and spills.
How do you maintain composite decking?
Tips for Composite Decking Care Redirect Downspouts. Don’t let rainwater runoff from your roof splash down on your composite decking. Ventilate the Underside of your Deck. Minimize Mulch. Use Woven Rugs. Unclog Gaps in Boards. Sweep Often. Remove Dirt and Salt. Scrub Grease.
Which is better PVC or composite decking?
PVC is much harder and more scratch resistant than composite decking, which is good news if you have a large dog or heavy patio furniture. All these benefits don’t come cheap, however: PVC decking will cost you about $10 per sq. ft. Some companies offer a limited lifetime warranty.
Is composite cheaper than wood?
The lowest cost per square foot for a pressure treated pine deck sells for about half the price of composite, $23 versus $30 installation, respectively. Even high-end wood like cedar and redwood still come in under the price for the lowest composite decking.
Why is composite decking so expensive?
The first reason why composite decking is expensive is that they’re not an expenditure. They’re an investment. They require much less maintenance over time as compared to normal decks. Composite decking materials are designed to be resistant to mold, mildew, and rot.
Does composite deck warp?
Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.
Can composite deck get wet?
Composite decking is not waterproof but is water-resistant. Composite decking will absorb water if submerge or rained on for an extended period of time.
Why is my composite deck peeling?
Sunlight Issues The surfaces of the decking boards can mottle and splinter, and the edges can peel. Fading and discoloration is another undesirable effect of sunlight, but it is possible to correct fading by painting and staining the decking, provided you use the proper materials.
Can you power wash composite decking?
PRESSURE WASHING YOUR COMPOSITE DECKING Pressure washing is not usually recommended for composite decking. Pressure washing too close or using too much pressure can be ruinous for your deck. Composite decking material is softer than natural wood and therefore can be “etched” more easily.
What is cheaper wood deck or composite deck?
Typically, wood decking is lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance.
What is better composite or pressure treated wood?
First is pressure-treated lumber, which is inexpensive Southern Yellow Pine boards that are chemically treated to resist mold, rot and insect damage. Because they are made with a considerable amount of plastic, composite boards will not rot or suffer from insect damage.
