Comparison of Composite Decking vs Wood Cost
Outdoor decks can expand living space and provide additional opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, when consumers wish to build or replace a deck, they must make a crucial decision: whether to use wood decking or composite decking.
Both are regarded as excellent deck-building materials, but each has advantages and disadvantages. Some homeowners will select a deck material based on their budget and design preferences. Others may assess the deck’s weather resistance and ease of maintenance.
This blog will cover the various types of decking possibilities and how to determine the cost of each type of deck board. In addition, we’ll take a look at the price difference between wood and composite decking and other information.
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Table of Contents
Composite Decking
What Is a Composite Deck?
Composite decking materials are referred to as wood plastic composite decking or WPC decking. They are constructed from a combination of recycled plastic and wood fibers. Composite decking resembles real wood planks and provides the same level of enjoyment as solid wood.
Depending on the brand, high-quality composite decking boards typically feature a realistic wood grain pattern. Of course, they also provide composite deck boards with grooved and frosted surfaces.
Advantages of Composite Decking
Low Upkeep
One of the most significant advantages of composite decking is that it requires virtually no upkeep. Wood decking requires sanding, staining, and sealing, whereas composite wood decking does not. You only need to clean it twice a year regularly using mild soapy water.
Of course, you may pay a professional to clean your outside deck. Professional deck cleaning costs between $90 to $770, with the majority of people spending around $150.
Long Lifespan
The composite decking material is sturdy and durable, stain resistant, and has a long lifespan of up to 30 years. Because of the substance utilized, it is less prone to insect damage and will not decay or break.
Colorfast
UV inhibitors are commonly used in the manufacturing of composite decking. As a result, composite decking is more UV-resistant than wood decking. This means that composite deck planks do not fade and darken as quickly as wood decks.
You can also stain or paint composite deck boards to change their appearance. You may learn how to stain your outdoor deck and save money on deck care.
Color Versatility
Composite decking planks are available in a variety of colors. This is because wood-plastic composites can be colored during the production process, resulting in the final hue of the composite product. As a result, you can contact composite decking manufacturers to tailor the composite decking you require.
Environmentally Friendly
Composite decking is the right choice if you want to build an eco-friendly home. This is because it is comprised of recycled plastic and wood fiber. The use of recyclable plastic can reduce your plastic waste, while the use of wood fiber can boost the use of trees. As a result, promoting and using composite decking is beneficial to the environment.
When the decking is no longer useful, composite decking boards can be repurposed into new products. For example, composite joists are used to construct the deck’s framing structure. These composite joists are also sturdy and durable, as well as resistant to mold, mildew, and insects.
Price of Composite Decking
High-quality composite decking costs between $15 and $36 per square foot, which is higher than conventional lumber. However, many families find composite decking a good investment for their outdoor living spaces. Maintaining a wood deck can cost up to $1,000 per year. After many years of use, the overall cost of creating a wood deck will be more than that of composite decking.
It’s crucial to note that the structure for composite decking must be strong enough to support the weight of the deck and anything on it. You can pick between a composite joist and a solid wood frame.
However, some composite decking manufacturers suggest utilizing a steel substructure for support, which can cost up to 35% more than pressure-treated wood. When setting a budget for composite decking installation, you must include in the cost of the composite decking material, the cost of the lumber, and the cost of labor in your area.
Wood Decking
Traditional wood has traditionally been the preferred material for outdoor decks. The cost of wood decking varies significantly based on the type of wood. Yellow pine is one of the most inexpensive timbers, although redwood and cedar are more expensive. Decks manufactured from imported woods, such as Brazilian walnut (commonly known as ipe), are significantly more expensive.
Natural wood decks require regular care and upkeep to look attractive and last longer. Every two to five years, wood decks must be sanded, stained, and sealed. Painting a wood deck can cost anywhere from $540 to $1,250, with most customers spending around $775.
Natural wood products, if not treated, are more prone to fading, dampness, and decay. Pressure-treated wood is prone to warping and cracking in the wind and sun. However, with proper care, your wood deck can survive for 15 years or more.
Wood decking is an excellent choice for individuals looking to save money on deck installation. Pressure-treated wood costs $15 to $25 per square foot. Redwood costs between $4 and $6 per square foot, whereas cedar costs $4 to $9 per square foot.
How to Determine the Cost of a Deck
When installing a new deck, you can create a budget by estimating the whole cost of the project. To find out how much a deck costs, follow the instructions below.
- First, measure the outdoor space to establish the size and design of the deck.
- Make a mark on the ground where the deck will be positioned to determine if it is the appropriate size for your purposes. Keep in mind that the size of the deck significantly affects the total cost of materials and construction.
- Consider what deck accessories are required and which are optional. You can save money on outdoor deck installation by reducing the quantity of deck accessories that must be installed.
- Contact a professional deck builder or a local home improvement store to learn about labor expenses and deck material recommendations.
Cost of Composite Decking vs Wood Decking
Composite decking is often more expensive to construct than wood decking. The following chart compares the cost of different decking materials and shows the average cost per square foot for several types of wood and composite decking.
| Decking Materials | Cost per Square Foot |
| Redwood | $4 to $6 |
| Cedarwood | $4 to $9 |
| Pressure-treated wood | $15 to $25 |
| Composite decking | $15 to $36 |
Composite Decking Is Often More Expensive to Construct than Wood Decking
While composite decking is typically more expensive than wood, it is more consistent in price. In recent years, the price of lumber has been volatile. Additionally, homeowners should evaluate the longevity of the deck’s material and how this influences the pricing.
Composite decking materials endure significantly longer than wood. As a result, many individuals assume that installing composite decking is more cost-effective than fixing their wood decks over time.
There Are Numerous Varieties of Wood Decking
Pressure-treated wood is robust and durable, and it may give a deck a traditional appearance. However, you will have to pay for continuous upkeep and have it painted or stained every two to five years. Pressure-treated wood decks are available in a limited number of types and patterns. If a wood deck becomes wet, it can grow mold and crack, splinter, and distort.
Cedar decking is more attractive than pressure-treated wood. It’s stronger and lasts longer, but you still need to stain and seal it to keep it looking new. Similarly, cedar lumber is susceptible to cracking, warping, and mold when exposed to water.
Cedar, redwood, and ipe are evaluated according to the clarity and quality of the wood. Boards with fewer knots, flaws, or mineral stains are graded higher and, naturally, cost the most. It’s worth noting that broader planks than regular ornamental boards would cost more. This is because broader boards require larger logs, which are less prevalent.
The Price of Wooden Decking Changes
The price of wood decking varies with the price of lumber, whereas the price of composite decking materials remains stable. As a result, the price of lumber influences the total cost of creating a wood deck. The cost of various types of lumber varies according to where they are marketed and how much demand there is for them.
Pine is typically the least expensive decking wood. Cedar and redwood are more expensive, while popular exotic woods like Brazilian chestnut and ipe are the most expensive. When compared to the cost of lumber, composite decking boards are rather constant.
Installing Composite Decking Labor Costs Are Lower
Composite decking requires less labor to install than wood decking because the planks do not need to be processed or sealed. Installing composite decking boards typically costs between $10 and $14 per square foot. Natural wood decking, on the other hand, costs $15 to $35 per square foot to install.
There are also a few factors that can cause labor expenses to differ when building wood decking versus composite decking. The addition of steps or deck railings to a deck, as well as the deck’s design, will increase labor costs. In most circumstances, constructing a rectangle deck is the most economical choice.
Complex deck designs and multi-level decks necessitate additional measuring and cutting, which raises labor expenses. Building an outdoor deck on a hill is time-consuming and labor-intensive. The same holds true for installing a deck in an area that must be cleared of rocks, trees, or other vegetation.
Furthermore, labor costs vary depending on the season and the quantity of people working on the deck. Wooden decks must be stained, painted, and sealed before they can be used, which requires additional labor hours.
Different hardwoods require different starting holes to be drilled before joining, which increases the amount of effort necessary. Labor expenditures are typically greater in cities with dense populations and high costs of living than in rural areas.
Composite Decking Requires Less Maintenance
Although composite decking is more expensive to build, it lasts longer, does not stain or fade, and requires no care. Composite deck boards do not discolor or fade as quickly as natural wood decking, and the color lasts longer.
Furthermore, composite material is more weather-resistant than wood decking, so it lasts longer and looks better. As a result, composite deck planks require minimal maintenance. They should only be cleaned twice a year with mild soapy water or a low-pressure washer.
Wood Decks Are More Expensive In the Long Run
A wood deck is initially less expensive, but it will cost more to maintain in the long run. This is because it requires frequent sanding, staining, and board replacement to remain in good shape. To keep a wood deck in good condition, it should be maintained, serviced, and sealed every two to five years.
Hiring a professional for deck care is more expensive than doing it yourself, but homeowners still spend money and time doing it themselves. Everyone should know how to waterproof a deck and repair deck boards that have been damaged by the elements.
How To Choose Composite Decking Boards
If you reside in an area where the temperature is high all year, composite decking boards exposed to the sun can become so hot that walking barefoot is impossible. On hot days, some individuals prefer to place outdoor rugs on their composite decking to keep their feet cool. You can also choose light-colored composite decking boards, which will reduce heat.
If you live near a beach or in a rainy climate, composite decking boards with grooves or 3D wood grain are advised. This prevents the composite decking from becoming slippery when wet.
Wood Decks Can Be Repaired
A worn-out wood deck can be sanded, painted, or stained to look like new again. However, composite deck planks cannot be refinished once damaged and must be replaced. When to repair or replace deck boards is determined by the level of wear and tear, the materials used, and the deck’s overall age.
DIY Deck Installation and Maintenance
People on a restricted budget may decide to build a wooden deck and then maintain it themselves to save money. Composite decking may be a better option for folks who have more money or do not want to maintain a deck.
If you don’t mind spending a weekend every two to five years maintaining your deck, you can save money by doing it yourself rather than paying someone to do it for you. For some people, the appearance of solid wood is a significant advantage of having a wood deck.
Maintaining a wood deck to keep it looking good is only one of the processes. When estimating the cost of creating a wood deck, people should factor in the expense of regular maintenance and repairs. People with more money believe that the more expensive composite decking is worthwhile because they do not want to perform any more upkeep beyond a fast washing twice a year.
Summarizing
The above is the difference between traditional wood decking and composite decking. You must choose the right deck trim material for your situation.
If you have any questions, please contact us immediately. EVODEK has a professional service team that can quickly solve all your questions.
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