Wood Decks vs Composite Decks: Your Complete Guide
Wood decks vs composite decks: If you are building a new deck or replacing an old one and you are not sure whether to have it constructed of wood or composite, here is some pertinent information to help you make your decision:
If you are looking for a company in the Waterloo region to professionally install any type of deck you want, including wood or composite, contact us.
Wood Decks vs Composite Decks
1. Cost Comparison
Wood decks vs composite decks: The price you pay will depend on the size, style, and materials you choose
The cost of installing any type of deck depends on a number of factors such as:
The size of your deck
The material that it is made from
The design your choose (ground level, multiple levels, etc.)
Any added features you want (ie. built-in seating, decorative insets, etc.)
Whether you hire a professional or do it yourself
Type of foundation you choose (helical piles, concrete, etc.)
Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for wood decks vs composite decks.
Wood Decks:
Wood decks cost on average between $4 and $13 CAD per square foot to purchase wood decking material. You could expect to pay anywhere from $1,600 to $19,000 CAD or more to install your wood deck. The average price is usually around $8,500 CAD.
Composite Decks:
Composite decks are usually more expensive than wood decks to install. They run between $13 and $20 a square foot to purchase composite decking material. You will pay anywhere from $7,725 to $14,368 CAD to install a 12 X 24-foot deck.
2. Maintenance
Composite decks require very little maintenance
If maintenance is a huge consideration for you, then here is some helpful information about what you will need to do to maintain each type of deck.
Wood:
Wood decks require more maintenance than composite decks do. If you make your deck from pressure treated wood or from a higher quality wood such as cedar, then you will have less maintenance. This is because cedar is naturally more resistant to rot, mildew, and insects.
You will need to stain or paint your wood deck about every two to three years. If you have a south-facing fence, you may need to do it more often as exposure to UV light will damage the coating sooner.
You will also need to inspect your deck on a regular basis to check for signs of rot or mildew especially if you have high humidity where you live. You should also check it after a prolonged period of rain.
If you see signs of mildew, you should treat it with a mildew cleaner or with a solution of dishwashing liquid and warm water. It is also a good idea to clear any old leaves or dirt from around the base of your deck to keep it from growing mould in that area.
Composite:
Composite decks require much less maintenance than wood decks. They never need to be painted, sanded, stained, or sealed. You should, however, sweep them clean of leaves and other debris and wash them down periodically.
Some composite materials can still fade or stain, so check to see if the company that you are considering offers a stain and fade warranty.
3. Aesthetics
There’s nothing quite like the natural beauty of wood
Wood and composite decks are similar in appearance, however wood has some advantages that may be important to your decision.
Wood:
Even though composite deck boards have come a long way in mimicking the look of real wood, they still fall short. The only way that you can get the full beauty of a natural wood deck is to make it out of natural wood.
Wood decks are incredibly versatile and can be customized to your exact specifications. You can choose from an almost limitless range of stains or paints to create the perfect look that you are going for
Composite:
Composite decks look more like wood than vinyl decks. This is because they are made with actual wood chips. If you want a deck that looks close to wood without all of the maintenance, then composite is a good choice.
Even though composite decks don’t come with the option to choose any colour or stain imaginable like a wood deck does, you can get a much wider range now than when they first came out. As they are becoming more popular, so are their design options.
4. Durability
Wood decks vs composite decks: Usually a composite deck will last longer
Installing a deck is a relatively large investment, so you want to make sure that it will last. Here is a comparison of the durability between wood decks vs composite decks.
Wood:
Wood is a very durable and sturdy building material for decks. Even though wood is a very strong material, it usually won't last as long as a composite wood deck. However, if you properly take care of your wood deck, it can last for many years.
Composite:
Composite deck materials are extremely durable. Composite boards are made from both plastic and wood chips. The wood fibres in the boards help to improve the plastic's stiffness. This makes them less likely to move as temperatures go up and down.
However, if the wood fibres haven't been completely encapsulated into the plastic, the resulting composite material could be prone to cracking, warping, or even rotting.
Some higher-quality composite boards have a hard plastic shell bonded to the exterior that makes them more durable. This coating will make the material less likely to stain, fade, get scratched, or mould. It is a good idea to check to ask whether the composite material you are purchasing has this type of protective coating.
5. Installation
Wood decks are usually easier to install than composite
Unless you are very handy, it is best to get a professional to install your deck. This is particularly true about composite decks.
Wood:
Wood is one of the easiest building materials to work with, so a wood deck is easier to install. If you have the proper equipment, you can cut it to any length you need and quickly screw it into place.
If you aren't familiar with installing a deck or if you don't have the proper equipment, though, it is best to have a professional do the installation for you.
Composite:
Most composite boards are designed with a tongue and groove shape. They can also be screwed down similar to wood. Composite boards can be bent (if you heat them), routed, and ripped which also makes them easier to work with than PVC boards. However, wood is much easier to cut than either composite or vinyl.
For Professionally Installed Wooden & Composite Decks, Contact Citywide
With Citywide Fences & Decks, you will enjoy personal service like no other. If you are looking for the best wooden or composite decks at an affordable price, contact Citywide.
Our expertise and unmatched customer service have earned us a reputation for the finest craftsmanship, professionalism and friendliness in the industry. Not only will you appreciate your new deck, but you will also enjoy working with us.
The services we offer include:
Citywide Fences and Decks is a locally owned and operated business based in the Kitchener, Waterloo region. We have been proudly serving our community with the best quality services for more than 13 years. Contact us to get started.
What our customers are saying…
“A very highly recommended Company to complete your landscape/Deck needs & wants! Great communication, skills & know-how. Sod install last season, unbelievable Deck build this year. Prompt to quote, friendly & very reliable. Cost effective. Really, we can’t say enough good things to justify the work they do. Future projects ahead from them, for us!”
— Matthew Zlak