Are you trying to decide on a new deck material? Natural wood decking and composite decking are two very different materials which come with their disadvantages and advantages. Let’s take a closer look at the main differences between the two materials.

Cost

You’ll get what you pay for, and that’s a fact when it comes to selecting a decking material. Wooden decks are cheaper than composite decks upfront, but you’ll wind up paying more for the maintenance later on. If you’re on a strict budget, wooden decking may be your best bet, but if you have a greater budget, you should consider investing in a Trex composite deck. While it will cost more to install than a wooden deck, you will spend less in the long-term keeping it maintained.

Durability

Wooden decking is susceptible to termites, warping, splintering, and rot. It’s not an ideal option if you expect the deck to be in consistent contact with water. Wooden decking also isn’t stain-resistant and is vulnerable to fading after extended sun exposure. Given those factors, the average life of a wooden deck is around 10 to 30 years.

Composite decking on the other hand, isn’t prone to those things. Since it’s composed of long-lasting, durable materials, it’s possible to expect to enjoy composite decks for up to 50 years. They hold up well in rough weather conditions and are resistant to stains.

Maintenance

While natural wood decking gives off a gorgeous aesthetic, it requires lots of work in upkeep. An average homeowner spends approximately 16 – 32 hours per year staining, painting, and cleaning wooden decks. Even with constant maintenance, wooden decks still deteriorate more rapidly than composite decks.

Trex composite decks don’t require constant refinishing. In order to keep it clean, you simply must spray the decking with soap, then gently scrub it using a soft bristle brush. On average, homeowners spend about 2 – 4 hours per year maintaining a composite deck.

Are you in need of custom deck installation services? If the answer is yes, please feel free to get in touch with Chattanooga Exteriors right away at (423) 389-4283.