“Wood decking or composite decking, which is better for my outdoor space?”
This is one question every homeowner who wants a deck is faced with.
For you to know the answer to that question, you will have to consider the benefits of both wood and composite decking and what they can bring to the table in the long run.
You should consider how much they cost and how much it costs for their maintenance.
Then you will be able to make informed decisions on which material is preferable for you.
In this article, we will explore the cost and maintenance expenses of both wood and composite decking, allowing you to choose for yourself which is much better for your decking project.
Wood Decking
Wood decking boards made from pressure-treated wood, i.e., hardwood, cedar or redwood, are generally very cheap.
Hardwood like Iroko, European oak, etc. costs £55-£60 per square meter. Imagine you have a land space of 20 square meters; that would cost you about £1100 plus installation.
Cheap, right?
But it gets all frustrating and tasking when it comes down to maintenance. That’s when the true ownership cost comes into the picture.
No matter how pressure-treated the wood is, it can only last at most 10 years, and before 10 years elapse, it’s possible for the wood to crack, start creaking, or get worn out due to the action of insects on the boards.
This means you have to spend money on insecticide regularly and also plan to change your decking boards in its 8th or 9th year.
Furthermore, wood decking is prone to fading and splintering; therefore, you have to freshen the stain on the deck regularly. This also means that you have to buy stains regularly to keep your deck looking neat and beautiful to behold.
When your deck begins to splinter, it becomes unsafe, therefore making it difficult for you or your kids to spend time outdoors. This can lead you to change the deck boards even before the 10 years elapse, all because you want to ensure a safe environment in your home.
With all these said and put into consideration, it is obvious that the maintenance expenses of wood decking are outrageously high compared to its purchase price.
Therefore, your cost of ownership will be higher than the cost of buying the decking boards.
Composite Decking
Composite decking materials are generally more expensive than wood decking because they are made of both natural wood and plastic.
Because of the recent technologies in manufacturing industries, composite decking comes in different textures, grains, and colours, making them differ in prices.
The price may be extremely high depending on the quality of decking boards you opt for but the average price range for composite decking is £125- £200 per square metres.
When the price of installation is added, the cost will be doubled but the maintenance expenses will be very low, literally next to nothing.
The most you would be spending money on regularly is soap or detergent for the cleaning of your deck because, mixed with water, that’s all you need for your deck’s maintenance.
There will be no need to change your decking boards even after 20 years because they will continue to be strong, neat and beautiful. Composite decking lasts even longer than that.
They are resistant to fading, rot, insects, and mould with no splintering or need for sealants.
Hence, there is no need to spend money on buying new stains regularly; besides, composite decking comes in various colours so you can get the colour of your choice; therefore, there would be no need for stains.
Its surface is smooth but resistant to slip, making it safe for habitation. This means you can walk or dance around bare feet on your deck without fear of falling when the surface is wet from rainfall.
It also provides an avenue for the use of hidden fasteners so that the scenario of nails protruding to the surface of the deck can be avoided.
This means you don’t have to spend money to remove or change nails regularly or pay extra money to make your deck slip resistant, as is the case when wood decking is used.
All these maintenance expenses mentioned for wood decking are eliminated when composite decking is used, thereby giving you an opportunity to cut down on monthly expenses and have more money in your savings account.
Conclusion
It is obvious that composite decking, although initially expensive, has fewer maintenance expenses.
Hence, it’s a worthwhile investment and a cost-effective option for your property.
Nevertheless, you can always choose wood decking if you don’t care about the maintenance expenses.
Remember, it’s your home and your bank account, so go for what pleases you the most.
