Composite decking, an alternative decking material to wood, has been around for decades. Though wood can withstand the test of time, it requires an immense amount of care to ensure that it does; otherwise, wooden decks tend to deteriorate, losing their structural integrity and stability over time.
Composite decking materials provide homeowners with maintenance-free decking solutions that are weather resistant, durable, and long lasting, without the annual upkeep associated with traditional wooden decking.
Average Lifespan of Composite Decking vs. Wood Decking
Wood Decking
There’s no argument against wood being a fiercely reliable and affordable decking material, which is why it’s still heavily used in deck construction. A wooden deck can certainly last upwards of 25 years, as long as you annually perform the following maintenance steps:
- Clean
- Sand
- Stain or Paint
- Treat and Seal
This level of maintenance is high for most homeowners who want to spend more time grilling and entertaining on their outdoor decks than devoting that time and effort to its upkeep. If you choose wood for its classic beauty, be ready to put in some elbow grease and additional cost towards your deck, as neglecting this maintenance will quickly cause wood to rot, warp, and splinter, which drastically jeopardizes the durability and safety of this decking material. Unfortunately, this maintenance can become pricey over time. Therefore, it’s important to consider future costs when determining which material is best for you.
Composite Decking
An increasingly popular decking material, composite decking has changed the decking game for many homeowners. Composite decking materials are efficient and durable, and they easily last an average of 25-30 years, without the need for the above yearly maintenance.
While the initial cost of composite is typically higher per square foot than wood, it’s a maintenance-free decking material, which means there will be no sanding, staining, or sealing required, which saves you time and money by eliminating the future maintenance costs to preserve your deck’s integrity. A simple wash with soapy water will keep grime, mold, and pollen from building up, which keeps your composite looking sharp.
Benefits of Composite Decking
To help grasp the many benefits composite decking can offer you, it’s helpful to know what makes up the material. Composite decking is made from a mix of wood fibers (i.e. leftover sawdust, etc.) and polyethylene (i.e. plastics, like grocery bags, containers, etc.) that are heated to bond together. Because composite decking utilizes recycled materials, it’s considerably a greener option than other decking materials.
Along with its eco-friendly characteristics, composite decking materials also have other benefits that are worth noting. While some manufacturers may differ in what their composite features, the best composite decking will have the following benefits:
- UV protection
- Scratch resistant features
- Longer warranties
- Several color and texture options
- Less cost over lifespan of deck
- No maintenance required
- Easy to clean
UglyDeck.com Offers Maintenance-Free Decking Solutions
At UglyDeck.com, we’ll work closely with you to understand your needs, so we can recommend the best products to help you achieve your decking goals. As a Twin Cities top deck building company since 2005, we love the freedoms our maintenance-free decking options offer customers. And our experienced team can help you at any stage in your deck-building process, from creating a design plan and selecting materials to full installation.
We encourage you to visit us at one of our showrooms, like our new North Dakota location, where you can experience these stunning maintenance-free decking materials in person, get a feel for the different railing styles and decking accessories available to you, and ask a member of our team any questions you may have.
If you’re ready to get started, contact us today with your decking goals, and we will provide you with a free consultation and estimate. We would love to help you create an outdoor deck that gives you the space and time for the ones you love!
