How much is composite decking vs wood decking?

On average, the pressure-treated wood decking installation cost per square foot is between $15 and $25. The price of a cedar wood deck is $30 or more per square foot. The composite decking installation cost from 30 to 45 US dollars per square foot.

Traditional wood decking

Pressure-treated wood decking is the original and most common choice for decoration. It is durable, economical, and can be used for 10 or more years if properly maintained.

How much does the wood deck cost?

The price of wood decking depends on the type of wood and the size, and to some extent, the difficulty of installation.

Buy pressure-treated lumber such as southern yellow pine to spend approximately $15 to $25 per square foot. And approximately US$25 to US$30 per square foot to buy high-end wood such as cedar and mahogany.

Both prices include material and installation costs. At the low end of these price ranges, you get basic deckings without benches or railings.

Advantages of wood decks

●Look -wood decking has a natural surface. Natural texture brings unique attraction to people. Some people think that wooden decks are more attractive than composite decking materials.

●Price-The cost of wood decking is usually lower than that of composite deck material. The price of pressure-treated pine is half the composite decking. While the price of high-quality wood such as cedar and mahogany is slightly lower than that of composite deck material.

●Service life-Traditional wooden decks have a relatively short service life and can be used for 10-15 years under good maintenance. Expensive Brazilian hardwood decks can be used for 20-30 years.

Disadvantages of wooden decks

●Maintenance-Most deckings require sanding, thorough cleaning, and staining or sealing every two to five years. If left untreated, wooden decks will fade and eventually rot.

●Wear and tear-your decking are always likely to chip or warp, especially in harsh weather. Pressure-treated wood is particularly susceptible to warping.

Composite Decking

Composite boards materials are manufactured using a combination of wood fiber and plastic. The deck boards are designed to look like wood, And the composite wood deck has a variety of styles and colors for people to choose from.

What is the cost of composite decking?

The composite deck boards installation cost is usually about $30 to US$45 per square foot. For a 16×20-foot deck, the price ranges from 9,600 to 14,400 US dollars. If you want to add features such as railings or benches to your deck, the cost will be more.

People may ask why composite decks are more expensive than natural wood decks? This is because composite decks basically require no maintenance, have a longer service life, and lower maintenance costs.

Advantages of composite decking

●Maintenance-Composite materials require less maintenance. It never needs sanding, sealing, or dyeing. Only need to wash with soapy water to keep the appearance bright.

●Durability-The composite material is stain resistant and can withstand inclement weather. It will not chip or rot.

●UV resistance-composite decking will not fade or brighten over time like natural wood. They retain their original color for many years.

Disadvantages of composite decking

●Plastic feel-Although the surface of the composite deck imitates natural wood grain, it will still look unnatural when viewed at close range.

●The high price-The initial cost of a composite deck is higher than that of a cheap wooden deck, so many people have concerns about this.

●Unable to repair-When the composite deck begins to show signs of wear, you cannot repair or repair it. The only option is to replace it.