How can you know which type of decking to choose? They both have pros and cons that you need to consider before making a final decision. This article will cover the basic differences between composite decking vs timber decking, so you can make an informed choice on which one to choose.
Table of Contents
What is wooden Decking?
A lot of Australian homes now have wooden decking in place of other decking materials. There are many styles and types to choose from, and it’s easy to see why many people prefer wood over other types of materials. So what is wooden decking? What is it made of? We’d like to briefly compare it to alternatives such as composite decks.
Wooden decking is a floor decoration material formed by drying and processing natural wood. It is a floor directly processed from solid wood. It has the texture of natural growth of wood, is a poor conductor of heat, can play the role of warm in winter and cool in summer, comfortable on feet, and safe to use. It is an ideal material for outdoor flooring for patio and gardens.
What is composite decking?
Homeowners, builders, and architects all over the country are favoring a decking product that’s new to the scene. Composite decking boards aka eco-decking , it’s made of recycled wood, making it the most environmentally-friendly product in the industry. It can be used to construct just about any type of deck and there are virtually no limits to the type of design. Rather than old-fashioned deck boards made of wood, composite deck doesn’t require any special tools or skills. And, the benefits it offers to the environment are greater than that of traditional hardwood decks. Continue reading for pros and cons.
Materials comparison between wooden decking and composite decking
Both materials are waterproof, which makes them perfect for outdoor settings. However, composite decking tends to be more maintenance-free than timber decking because it doesn’t need staining or sealing.
It also resists fading better than wooden decking does. If you want to use your deck every day all year round, then composite is a good option as it’s less likely to get damaged from wear and tear than timber is. Another benefit of composite over wood is that it will last longer under pressure: while wooden planks can sometimes become warped or bent due to weather conditions, composite decking boards can withstand high amounts of tension without damage.
Appearance comparison between wooden decking and composite decking
Like timber decking, composite decking can be stained, painted or left natural for a more rustic look. The light colour on a composite deck doesn’t fade as easily as timber, so it’s often more resistant to sun damage.
And while both types are equally easy to clean, if you don’t like scrubbing your deck, composite is your best bet. Its solid surface can be hosed down without damaging it; wooden planks need to be cleaned with a soft broom or brush.
Cost comparison between wooden decking and composite decking
Composite decking used to be more expensive than wooden decking, however due to the price increase of wood, the wooden or timber decking price is almost the same as composite decking in many cases.
Cost differences are largely influenced by size (the larger your deck, generally speaking, the more expensive it is), whether or not you opt for extra features like gazebos or built-in benches/fireplaces. One thing to note is that most people still save money on composite decks because they last longer than wood, as well as requiring less maintenance over the long run.
Maintenance comparison between wooden decking and composite decking
It has been reported that a wooden deck can last up to 25-30 years if it is maintained correctly. It will likely need to be stained or oiled to maintain its good looks during that time, but you don’t have to do anything about nails popping through. When you’re shopping for composite decking materials, ask how long they last under similar conditions. Don’t trust marketing materials: First-hand experience will always be your best judge. If possible, speak with someone who has had a composite deck installed recently.
Environmental impact between wooden decking and composite decking
Wood is one of Earth’s most common natural resources, but cutting down trees to build decks comes with some environmental drawbacks. Deforestation is a major contributor to climate change because trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow, so fewer trees means more greenhouse gases.
Some wood composite decking manufacturers take an eco-friendly approach by using recycled materials in their products or sourcing wood from sustainable forests that are managed without harming local ecosystems. Decks constructed with plastic composite material don’t require sanding or other refinishing procedures after installation, reducing your energy consumption during each season. It takes more time to build a wooden deck than a plastic deck.
