Choosing a decking material can be a tough choice due to the differences between wood and composite decking, and the price point. In this post we’ll lay out the considerations when looking at deck material options and help you decide what’s best for you.
Deck Material Decision: How Long You Will Stay at Your Current Location?
If you think you will only be in your current home for another five to ten years, then the cost of a composite decking material like Trex may not be worth it for you.
However, if you are planning to stay in your location longer than 12 years, the cost of Trex reaches a breakeven point. The lifespan of Trex decking is 25-50 years depending on the style chosen (but most of the styles have a 50-year warranty). Composite decking is 90%+ recycled wood pulp and the rest is recycled plastic, making it incredibly strong and durable. If you are in your forever home, composite decking material can be a solid choice for the long-term. Just think how nice it would be to not have to replace it.
Related read: Top 10 Questions About Trex
Are You Willing to Perform Maintenance on Your Deck Over the Years?
A deck is highly used, walked upon, and exposed to the weather elements. What kind of maintenance are you willing to do on your deck over the years as it ages and weathers? If you are handy and don’t mind refinishing or repairing your deck over the years, a wooden deck might be right for you. Especially if you aren’t staying in the home forever.
If you do go with wood, ensure your decking contractor uses quality lumber that will last. At Integrity Fencing we use appearance grade wood for our decks and fences. This ensures that the finished product has fewer blemishes, knots, and fewer problems overall. A quality cedar wood deck is striking.
Related read: Why You Want Your Contractor to Use Quality Lumber
Do keep in mind that even if a homeowner is diligent about maintaining and staining a wood deck, it has the potential to last only about ten years. And that still depends on how thick the wood planks are, and the type of sealant used.
Conversely, if the thought of having to work on your deck makes you groan, you will thank yourself later for choosing a long-lasting and durable decking material such as Trex. As Trex likes to say in a phrase they coined, “Why Wood You??”™
Are Wildfires a Risk in Your Location?
Another benefit of Trex is that it carries a Class B fire rating. This comes from the ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials which places testing materials into three different classes. Flame spread classifications used for building materials are:
- Class A – Fire exits, interior finishes
- Class B – Walls and ceilings of small rooms
- Class C – Finish materials in large capacity rooms (over 300 people) and exterior use for wood decking
Trex’s Class B rating means the risk of a fire spreading on it is reduced compared to wood decking. This is why many homeowners choose Trex for their fences when they live in an area with fire risk or back up to open space. Wooden fences can catch fire out in the yard, and then quickly bring the fire right up to the house.
Will You Have a Pool or Hot Tub Next to Your Deck?
If you have a pool or hot tub incorporated into your deck, you will want to think about the safety factor of the surface around it. Composite decking can be quite slick when wet (it depends on the amount of plastic within it) and when you add children or those with mobility issues to the situation, it can be dangerous. A brand of composite decking by Deckorators is a slip resistant surface for use around pools and hot tubs. If you’re leaning towards composite decking, ask your deck builder about the different types of composite decking available, and their attributes.
If you don’t like the idea of composite decking that contains plastic and thus is a bit more slick when wet, a wooden deck may be a better choice.
Are You Concerned About Hot Decking Material on Feet?
If you have a southern or western facing deck in full sun, or if you have small children or pets, a deck that feels cool on the feet might be important to you. Some composite deck types stay cooler than others. It depends on the ratio of wood to plastic in the composite. However, composite decking that feels cooler is at a higher price point. Or, you can simply choose a lighter color to achieve a cooler deck surface.
In general, wood decks feel cooler on the feet than composite, due to the lack of plastic material in the planks.
The Best Decking Material for Your Home
If you’re looking at deck material options, consider all of the points in this article and your choice should be clear. A wooden deck can be beautiful and perfect in the right situation, but if longevity and lack of maintenance is important to you, composite decking could be the right choice.
Related Read: 5 Things to Consider Prior to Working with a Deck Builder
