Are composite deck boards worth the money?

Outdoor decks expand your outdoor living space and increase the value of your home. Adding an outdoor deck to your patio is one of the best investments you can make. Composite decks have been embraced by more and more homeowners. However, composite decks are more expensive to purchase than pressure-treated wood decks. So many homeowners have this question, is composite deck boards worth the money?

Let’s take a look at the cost, maintenance, and use of composite decking to see if it is worth the money.

The Cost Issue

High-quality composite decking is more expensive than traditional pressure-treated lumber. Composite decking typically costs between $10 and $15 per square foot. Wood decks, on the other hand, typically cost between $3 and $15 per square foot. That means building a 20-by-20-foot outdoor deck. Composite decks cost between $4,000 and $6,000. Wood decks can cost between $1,200 and $6,000. In terms of construction costs, composite decks are more expensive than wood decks.

But the cost of a deck is not just the cost of construction, it also includes the cost of subsequent maintenance. With natural wood decking, annual maintenance and repairs are very important. Properly maintained, your wood decks can last 25 to 40 years. If your deck is not well maintained, its lifespan may be reduced to 10 to 15 years.

For wood decks, you will need regular maintenance work such as sanding, staining, and sealing every year or two. The average cost of such maintenance work is $1 to $3 per square foot. That is if you have a 20-by-20-foot outdoor deck. Then on average, you’ll spend $400 to $1,200 every two years. This is an additional expense to maintain a wood deck.

Composite decks do not require as much maintenance as wood decks and are usually cleaned twice a year. If your composite deck has no obvious stubborn stains, then it only needs to be cleaned with soapy water. If there are hard-to-clean stains, then you can use the manufacturer’s recommended cleaner. Therefore, when

wood decking goes through several years of routine maintenance, the cost will exceed that of composite decking. In addition to that, the maintenance-free nature of composite decking material allows you to have more time to enjoy your life instead of maintaining the maintenance of your wood deck.

Why choose composite decking?

Some DIY enthusiasts may not mind the maintenance required for a wood deck. But the next homeowner may not want to spend too much time on it. That’s why a high-quality composite deck is more attractive to potential buyers. At the same time, composite decking has more advantages than other decking materials.

Excellent Durability

Composite decks are excellent at resisting water and scratches. They are safe and comfortable, and will not chip or warp. They are especially suitable for families with children. Thanks to their unique protective shell, composite decks offer an unprecedented combination of stain and mildew resistance.

Long-lasting appearance

Most composite decks are backed by a long-term warranty. Because they have a good look that lasts, your outdoor living space will stay beautiful for a long time. Composite decking is visually pleasing as a man-made composite material. It can be designed in various types of wood grain finishes and colors to match your home more appropriately.

Environmentally Sustainable

Composite materials are made from a mix of recyclable plastics and wood fibers. On the one hand, promoting composite products can deal with hard-to-degrade household plastic waste. On the other hand, the use of composite products can improve the utilization of tree resources and reduce the cutting of trees. Therefore, promoting the use of composite products can also contribute to environmental protection.

There is no doubt that the construction cost of composite decking is more expensive than that of wood. But after years of use, the total cost of composite decking is less than that of wood decking. At the same time, the multiple benefits of composite decking, as well as its striking similarity to natural wood make composite decking an excellent choice for outdoor decoration.