Wooden Decking Compared to Other Types of Decking: Which Holds Up?

Wooden decking is a wonderful way to add comfort, beauty, and glamour to your home without spending a lot of your money. Wooden decking is something that, if done properly, can last you and your home for a lifetime. However, when it comes to the discussion of whether wooden decking is the best choice for your home – or whether there are other composite deck materials that are better – this incredibly important question can be answered only by thoroughly comparing wooden decking against the most popular composite deck materials.

Wooden Decking vs. Composite Deck Materials

Besides the choice of wood, the next popular option is that of composite deck materials, which are made out of recycled materials that are then combined with wood waste. Most composite decking materials are, in fact, made from a blend of wood industry by-products, such as wood fibers and sawdust, and some form of plastic, such as polyethylene or PVC. These composite deck materials look like wood, and can come in an assortment of colors. Although they work fantastically for decking, they will typically not be suitable for handrails unless they are reinforced substantially.

Composite decking materials are credited because they have an engineered resistance to rot and insects, and are also able to avoid cracking, splitting, or weathering like other natural woods. The cost of these forms of decks are often more expensive than one such as pine, in some cases even twice the cost; however, a homeowner stands to save thousands on maintenance costs over the deck’s lifespan. The leading drawback as of yet on composite decking is that stains can be a major problem. Molds and mildew are also common enemies of composite decking.

Wooden decking requires a lot of maintenance, such as sanding, resealing or painting, in order to maintain the desired look and to hold up over time. Treated wood does retain certain resistance properties, but will eventually give in to rot over time. This decking should be sealed or re-stained at least every couple of years, in order to help maintain its look, as well as prevent rot.

Also, over the course of time as wood weathers and loses moisture. By using stains and sealers you can help to stabilize this moisture loss and maintain the look of the wood. In untreated wood, stains and sealers can also help to prevent decay.

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