The Difference Between a Composite Deck and a Wood Deck
When you are building a deck choosing the right material can be very important. In today's society two of the most popular choices of building material are composite and wood. For those that are beginning the process of building a deck here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of using composite or wood material for the job.
Composite
For those that do not know what composite building material is, it is a material that is formed from two or more very different materials. When these materials combine the newly formed materials properties are superior to the individual components. Some common composites are fiberglass (fiber-reinforced plastics) and plywood (engineered wood).
The advantages of most composite decks are that they usually are durable, strong, resist mold and mildew, and can be slip resistant. Not to mention that they tend to be very easy to install and have the look of wood. Composite decks are lower maintenance because they do not require painting or staining.
The disadvantages of composite decks are that they tend to be 1 and a half to 3 times more expensive than regular wood decks. Also, because most composite decks are made with some sort of plastic they are not very environmentally friendly. This also makes it more difficult to refinish a composite deck, so sometimes a 5 year old deck could look 5 years old because of all the scratches and there is nothing the homeowner can really do about that.
Wood
There are many types of wood that can be used to building a deck. The most used wood types are cedar, redwood, and pressure treated wood. Each of these materials has their own unique advantages and disadvantages. But the bottom line for all of them is that they can endure the punishment from the sun, wind, rain, and usually extreme temperatures.
Cedar wood does not need to be finished, and its reddish color fades to a warm silver color that is pleasing to look at. However, it does splinter easily.
Redwood lumber is soft and the color is pleasing to they eye. A redwood deck will resist rot, but will look nicer if you use a sealer. However, prolonged moisture will cause the wood to blacken.
Pressure treated wood are generally low cost, have a long life, and are easy to work with. However, if you do not clean or apply stain or sealer periodically the wood will weather and splinter. They require more maintenance because the wood tends to shrink and you have to check the joints more often so they do not warp.
This article contains a few of the facts about composite and wood deck material. There is more information out there, this just happens to be some of the information.
Composite
For those that do not know what composite building material is, it is a material that is formed from two or more very different materials. When these materials combine the newly formed materials properties are superior to the individual components. Some common composites are fiberglass (fiber-reinforced plastics) and plywood (engineered wood).
The advantages of most composite decks are that they usually are durable, strong, resist mold and mildew, and can be slip resistant. Not to mention that they tend to be very easy to install and have the look of wood. Composite decks are lower maintenance because they do not require painting or staining.
The disadvantages of composite decks are that they tend to be 1 and a half to 3 times more expensive than regular wood decks. Also, because most composite decks are made with some sort of plastic they are not very environmentally friendly. This also makes it more difficult to refinish a composite deck, so sometimes a 5 year old deck could look 5 years old because of all the scratches and there is nothing the homeowner can really do about that.
Wood
There are many types of wood that can be used to building a deck. The most used wood types are cedar, redwood, and pressure treated wood. Each of these materials has their own unique advantages and disadvantages. But the bottom line for all of them is that they can endure the punishment from the sun, wind, rain, and usually extreme temperatures.
Cedar wood does not need to be finished, and its reddish color fades to a warm silver color that is pleasing to look at. However, it does splinter easily.
Redwood lumber is soft and the color is pleasing to they eye. A redwood deck will resist rot, but will look nicer if you use a sealer. However, prolonged moisture will cause the wood to blacken.
Pressure treated wood are generally low cost, have a long life, and are easy to work with. However, if you do not clean or apply stain or sealer periodically the wood will weather and splinter. They require more maintenance because the wood tends to shrink and you have to check the joints more often so they do not warp.
This article contains a few of the facts about composite and wood deck material. There is more information out there, this just happens to be some of the information.