Wood and composite materials are two options that are commonly used for residential decks because of their different benefits. Choosing the right material for your deck can impact how long it lasts, how many repairs are needed, and how reliable the deck is when used by multiple people. Ensuring a structurally sound deck doesn’t just come down to the decking material, but the material can impact its visual appeal and overall value.

At Elevated Deck & Fence, we offer both wood and composite materials for your deck, but we know that every customer is unique. Offering both materials allows us to serve different homeowners and businesses and meet different needs without compromising quality. In this blog, we will share some of the pros and cons of composite and wood decks to help you make an informed decision before installing a new deck.

Which Requires The Least Amount Of Maintenance?

All decking materials will require some maintenance to achieve longevity. Your decking needs proper cleaning and minor repairs, regardless of how well you take care of it. Natural wood will need staining, cleaning, and sealing to defend against natural elements, which will need to be completed every year. Composite decking does not need these maintenance tasks to remain durable and stands up well to snow, rain, and sun exposure. Cleaning off debris after a storm or minor repairs to composite may be required, but take significantly less time to complete than wood decking. 

If you have time for the yearly maintenance and can enjoy the look of natural wood, you may be ok with a wooden deck. Busy homeowners, homeowners with kids or pets, or those with demanding jobs will benefit more from composite decking.

Typical Cost Of Each Decking Material

When you complete an addition on a home, having a clearly defined budget is important if you want to avoid financial strain. Choosing a decking material that fits in your budget is the best way to help homeowners avoid going over budget. Wood is typically cheaper to purchase initially, but the ROI is higher for composite materials. The species of wood or the brand of composite materials you choose, the cost can vary. Once you choose a deck installation company, make sure to ask their technicians what their pricing is and how they can help you find an option within your budget.

Material That Is Best For Heavy Moisture

Composite is the clear winner when it comes to handling moisture. The synthetic material has a lower risk of mold, mildew, and other bacterial growths that can come from humid or wet climates. Wood decking can be sealed to help repel moisture more easily, but if this sealant starts to chip, water could become trapped and lead to mold growth and unsightly stains. Heavy snow, rain, or high humidity can be extremely damaging to wood because there is often no reprieve. Composite won’t soak up the moisture, whereas wood will take the moisture deep into the core of each board.  

Which Material Has A Cooler Surface Temperature?

Wood decking has historically been seen as having a higher surface temperature during the summer months. New technology has helped provide a shield for all different types of decking to reduce heat absorption. With more composite decking having this cooling technology, it is typically 35% cooler than other decking materials. 

While all decks heat up, reflective pigments, hollowed-out boards, and protective coatings can drastically reduce the heat absorption. Choosing a lighter shade of composite deck will help reduce the surface temperature. Lighter woods and lighter stains will also help reduce the wood deck’s overall temperature.

Decking Materials From Elevated Deck & Fence

Elevated Deck & Fence offers composite and wood decking options to our customers. Our Idaho clients can benefit from our durable and visually appealing decking materials installed by the best professionals in the state. Elevated Deck & Fence knows that the climate of Idaho can be relentless, which can cause major wear and tear on your decking. Choosing the right decking material can be challenging, but our team can help you find an option that fits your home style and withstands all natural elements.

In addition to decking, we also offer a range of fencing options to help provide privacy and security. From classic styles to modern planks, you can find the option that fits your property and enhances its value. Reach out to our team to get started on your decking project today!