Composite vs Wood Decking: A Comparative Guide
Key Takeaways
- Wood offers natural beauty, while composite decking provides durability and low maintenance.
- Wood is cheaper upfront, but composite can save money over time with lower maintenance costs.
- Wood requires regular upkeep, whereas composite is designed to be low-maintenance and long-lasting.
- Composite decking is more resistant to water, insects, and splinters, making it a durable choice for outdoor spaces.
- Wood stays cooler and is easier to work with, but composite offers a splinter-free surface and is more resilient to damage.
Building your perfect outdoor space in Orange County often starts with picking the right decking material. Whether you want a small, cozy backyard patio or a big area for parties, choosing between wood and composite decking is important. Both have good and bad points that can change how your outdoor area looks, feels, and lasts.
It’s helpful to think about the good and bad parts of each kind of decking. Things like how much it costs, how easy it is to take care of, and how it looks are all important. This guide will help you decide if you should hire a pro or do it yourself.
Thinking about using wood or composite decking? Let’s look at the costs, how long they last, how they look, and how much work they need. We can help you find the best decking for your Orange County backyard patio.
Wood vs. Composite Decking: What’s the Difference?
When picking between composite and wood decking, it’s helpful to know what they’re made of. Wood decking is usually made from trees like cedar, redwood, or pine. People like wood because it looks natural and feels good.
Composite decking is made by people. It’s a mix of old wood and plastic. This makes it strong and able to handle bad weather. It can also look like real wood but needs less care.
Knowing what they’re made of can help you choose the right one for you. Do you like the natural look of wood or the easy care of composite?
Comparison Table
Feature
Wood Decking
Composite Decking
Material
Natural wood (cedar, pine, teak)
Recycled wood fibers and plastic
Types
Softwoods, Hardwoods
Capped, Uncapped
Looks
Natural grain, warm tones
Wood-like, variety of colors
Cost
Lower initial cost, higher maintenance
Higher initial cost, lower maintenance
Maintenance
Regular staining, sealing required
Low-maintenance, simple cleaning
Water Repulsion
Prone to water damage
Highly water-resistant
Insect Damage
Susceptible to termites, insects
Resistant to insects
Splinters
Can develop splinters over time
Splinter-free
Ease of Work
Easier to cut and shape
Requires specific tools, denser material
Surface Temperature
Stays cooler in direct sunlight
Can become hot, especially in darker colors
Wood vs. Composite Decking: Different Kinds
Both wood and composite decking come in many types. Each kind is different in how long it lasts, how it looks, and how much it costs.
Wood decking can be softwood, like pine, which is cheaper but doesn’t last as long. Or it can be hardwood, like teak or ipe, which is stronger and lasts longer but costs more.
Composite decking has two main types: capped and uncapped. Capped has a special coating to help it last longer and look better. Uncapped is still strong but doesn’t have that extra layer of protection.
Knowing the different kinds of wood and composite decking can help you find the best one for your needs in Orange County.
Wood vs. Composite Decking: How Do They Look?
How a deck looks is up to you. Some people like the way wood decking looks with its natural colors and patterns. It can make your backyard feel close to nature.
Composite decking is made to look like wood. It comes in many colors and has patterns that look like real wood. But some people think it’s not as real as real wood.
In the end, you should choose what you like best.
Wood vs. Composite Decking: How Much Does It Cost?
How much something costs is important. Wood decking, especially the cheaper kinds like pine, costs less at first than composite. But over time, wood can cost more because you need to take care of it by staining and sealing it. You might also need to replace some boards.
Composite decking costs more at the start but usually costs less to take care of. It lasts longer and doesn’t need as much work. So, even though it’s more expensive at first, it might save you money in the long run.
Wood vs. Composite Decking: Taking Care of It
How much work you want to do is important. Wood decking needs a lot of care. You need to clean it, stain it, and seal it often, especially in places like Orange County where it’s sunny and wet.
Composite decking is much easier to take care of. You just need to wash it with soap and water. It won’t fade, scratch, or stain as easily.
If you want to spend more time enjoying your deck and less time working on it, composite might be the better choice.
Wood vs. Composite Decking: Water and Bugs
Wood decking can soak up water, which can make it rot and grow mold. Composite decking is made to push water away, so it’s better at staying dry.
Wood decking can also get bugs like termites. Composite decking is made from a mix of wood and plastic, so bugs don’t like it as much.
Wood vs. Composite Decking: Splinters and Comfort
Wood decking can get splinters over time, especially if it’s not taken care of well. Composite decks are made so they won’t have splinters.
Wood decking can be cooler to walk on, especially on hot days. Composite decking can get hot in the sun, but some new kinds are made to stay cooler.
Composite vs. Wood Decking - Let West Hills Masonry Help
Choosing between composite and wood decking ultimately comes down to your specific needs and preferences. If you value the natural look and feel of real wood and don’t mind regular maintenance, wood decking could be the right choice for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance, durable, and insect-resistant option that still offers a variety of aesthetic choices, composite decking might be the better option. It’s a particularly good choice for homeowners who want to enjoy their outdoor living space with minimal upkeep.
Professional hardscape contractors like West Hills Masonry help you make the right choice. We consider factors like the climate of your area, your budget, family requirements, and others.
Contact us to elevate your exterior!