How long does composite decking last?
Composite decking is one of the most durable decking materials on the market. Composite decking lasts, on average, 25-30 years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking. This is partly due to it being made from materials that are resistant to weather, rot and insect damage.
Which decking material is right for You?
Deciding which decking material option is right for you comes down to both personal and practical tastes. There are many types of popular decking materials to choose from, including wood, composite and exotic woods.
What is the best type of composite decking?
While it’s always up for debate in terms of what is the best type of composite decking, one of most popular choices for decking boards are capped composite boards. Capped composite decking boards consist of a mixture of wood and plastic that comprise their core.
What is composite decking made out of?
Pros: Composite decking materials are made primarily from wood fibers and recycled plastics, and are among the fastest-growing decking options available today. Since they’ve been artificially created, they won't warp or splinter, and they also don’t get affected by rot or insects.
What is the longest lasting decking material?
What is the best material for a deck?
Which is better for decking: cement or wood?
What Affects Cement Durability?
What is the most durable deck material?
PVC decking is also the top choice for long-lasting, durable deck boards. Much of this owes to PVC's water resistance. It's moisture-absorption that causes most of wood decking's durability issues: warping, splitting, cracking, mold, mildew, rot, and insect damage.
What is the best low maintenance deck material?
Pressure treated wood, cedar, and redwood are great choices for wood decking. These are the least expensive yet high maintenance options. Traditional wood decks easily fade when exposed to weather conditions.
What is the most durable wood for decks?
Using Cedar for decks is one of the most popular options because of it's durability and resistance to moisture. Although cedar is a soft wood, it resists rot and insect infestation better than most other wood.
How long will a composite deck last?
between 25 and 30 yearsComposite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.
What is the most maintenance free deck?
Modern, low-maintenance deck products like vinyl have become the material of choice for homeowners who don't want to spend time and money maintaining a wood deck. Wood decks need to be sanded and either painted or stained every few years to keep the wood from deteriorating.
What is the best material to use for an outside deck?
Many homeowners opt for natural wood decking, whether it's cedar, redwood, or tropical hardwoods. These durable materials, which have a traditionally beautiful appearance and rich color, resist rot and insects.
Does pressure-treated wood last longer than cedar?
Longevity. Cedar decks last 15 to 20 years, compared to 10 to 15 years for pressure-treated wood.
What kind of wood should I use for an outdoor deck?
Pressure-treated lumber is the best wood for outdoor decks when it comes to upfront costs because of its easy accessibility. However, pressure-treated lumber — and indeed, all types of traditional wood decking material — require the aforementioned rigorous, costly maintenance over time.
Is cedar or pressure-treated wood better for decks?
When it comes to comparing treated wood vs. cedar, pressure-treated wood is the sturdier and more weather-proof of the two. It's highly resistant to insect attack and rot, and special versions rated for “ground contact” can be buried in soil and will continue to shrug off decay for decades.
What are the disadvantages of composite decking?
Cons of Composite Decking Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. It could cost 15 to 20 percent more for composite material than pressure-treated pine. Composites aren't natural. No matter how much effort goes into making composites look like wood, they're not.
What is better TimberTech or Trex?
The only difference between Timbertech and Trex is that Trex provides their customers a 25-year warranty for staining and fading whereas Timbertech offers their customers a 30-year warranty. Their warranties are quite similar including the restrictions that govern the warranties.
What are the problems with composite decking?
Composite decking has a high rate of expansion and contraction due to temperature swings. It actually moves greater distances and more unexpectedly than traditional wood. When the boards expand and contract, they may split, delaminate, and peel. The movement can cause your decking to shrink, warp, twist, and bend.
What is the difference between PVC decking and composite decking?
What's the Difference? PVC decking is made from 100% recycled plastic while composite decking, is made from a blend of wood fibers and plastic products. Both products feature a “cap,” which is an extra, added layer of protection that helps make them more durable and longer-lasting.
Is composite decking low maintenance?
Fiber cement decking is a new product thought to solve some of the issues of composite decking materials. It's very durable, requires little maintenance and it's available in a wide range of colors and stains.
What kind of deck boards should I use?
Redwood, cedar, and cypress, as well as the exotic species, are good choices, but since most decking boards from domestic woods are sapwood and not rot-resistant, you should treat them. For the deck surface, you can use 2x4s, 2x6s, or 5/4x6s.
What is the best wood for a deck?
Pressure-treated lumber is the best wood for outdoor decks when it comes to upfront costs because of its easy accessibility. However, pressure-treated lumber — and indeed, all types of traditional wood decking material — require the aforementioned rigorous, costly maintenance over time.
How long does a deck last?
How long does decking last? There is no single answer — as the average lifespan of a wood deck is different from that of a composite deck — and it all comes down to material durability and maintenance .
What is the most common deck material?
Traditional wood has historically been the most common deck material, but innovative engineered decking is becoming more popular thanks to its superior material composition and minimal maintenance needs .
How Often Should Wood Decks Be Replaced?
Wood deck boards are typically the first to need replacement. However, oftentimes, when replacing the deck boards, issues with the substructure also become apparent, so it’s recommended to replace both the substructure and surface together.
What is TimberTech decking?
What: TimberTech PRO ® and TimberTech EDGE ® capped composite decking feature advanced capping technology made with fully engineered polymers that lock out moisture and UV rays — while locking in rich color.
Why do you need an annual deck inspection?
An annual deck inspection allows you to catch problems early when they are still reparable. Combine an inspection with your maintenance schedule to consistently keep tabs on deck health.
How long do composite boards last?
Capped composite: Industry experts agree these boards can last 25 to 30+ years.
What is board made of?
Boards comprised of a mix of organic and non-organic material
What is the longest lasting decking material?
The longest-lasting natural decking material is Ipe, lasting over 75 years. The longest-lasting synthetic decking is TimberTech AZEK having a 50-Year Limited fade and stain warranty, which translates into the longest expected lifespan of all synthetic decking.
How long does wood last on a deck?
So, if you remove the wood from the decking, it should last forever, or at least longer then any other decking containing wood. Giving us the promise of decking lasting 50 years or more.
How long does composite decking last?
The wonderful thing about composite decking is it will last 25 years or more without little maintenance, a blend of wood fibres and plastic minimizing the need for maintenance. To keep its beauty, it still needs to be regularly clean, but without demanding sanding and staining.
How long does pressure treated decking last?
This is partly deceiving as pressure-treated decking can last over 40 years. But I must clarify a few things, explaining why I say 15 years when it can last over 40. Most pressure-treated decking is pine treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA) or alkaline copper quat (ACQ), which is toxic to fungi and insects.
When did composite decking start to be installed?
Capped composite decking started being installed on decks around America in late 2008. So, it doesn’t matter if its Trex or TimberTech or any other composite decking, we don’t really know how long it will last. Tests give us a good sense, but time will only tell if it truly lasts 25 or even 30 years.
Do disposable plates last?
Disposable plates, cups, towels and bags, there are too many things that just don’t last in our lives. Decks should not be one of them, especially with all the work and money required to build a deck. You want a deck and decking that will last.
Is composite decking synthetic?
Here lies the trouble with composite decking, actually all synthetic decking. These are warranties based on lab testing. Which is all fine and dandy, giving a sense of how long the decking will last but without real-life testing.
What is composite decking made of?
Composite decking, from brands such as Trex and TimberTech, is made from a blend of recycled plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, or PVC) mixed with wood fibers (like wood chips or sawdust). Not only does the durable synthetic material resist warping, it also holds strong against rot and insect infestations. Composite decking is available in a wide variety of colors and styles, including looks that mimic natural wood, none of which require sealing, sanding, or staining unless you absolutely want to change the color later on. On the flip side, dark-colored composite decking can get extremely hot in direct sunlight; mold and mildew can grow in shady, cool, or damp areas; and the surface can be quite slick when wet. (It’s best to allow adequate time to air-dry between lightly scrubbing down the surface and inviting guests out on the deck in order to avoid any slips.)
What is aluminum decking?
Often used near swimming pools and lakes, aluminum decking is a long-lasting and low-maintenance material. Most options feature a baked-on, powder-coated, or anodized finish that stands up to harsh weather conditions. Aluminum is extremely resistant to mold, mildew, and staining, and it also won’t rust, rot, crack, or peel over time. What’s more, most aluminum decking comes with a non-skid textured surface that prevents slips and falls. Surprisingly, most varieties of aluminum decking manage to stay cool even on the hottest days. However, this combination of benefits makes it one of the most expensive options, second only to some varieties of natural wood. The price—as well as the distinct industrial appearance—isn’t for every homeowner.
What are the factors that determine the best decking material?
Ultimately, finding one that suits your space comes down to a compromise of four key factors: budget, climate, ease of maintenance, and overall aesthetic. Start your construction process by considering these five most popular picks for the best decking material—we’ve got the pros and cons for each.
What is pressure treated wood?
Often made from a southern pine infused with a chemical to make it resistant to rot, moisture, and insects, this widely available decking material is generally the least expensive option—certainly among wood decking materials —and therefore the most widely used. Homeowners enjoy pressure-treated wood for its durability and visual similarity to natural wood. It’s an ideal option for do-it-yourself construction because, unlike natural wood, it’s easy to cut and fasten with nails or screws.
How much does exotic hardwood cost?
Some exotic hardwoods cost more than $20 per square foot! And without proper maintenance, it tends to fade or crack, so keep your investment in tip-top shape by pressure washing and re-sealing every couple of years. Photo: istockphoto.com.
Does plastic decking need to be sanded?
Just like composite decking, plastic is durable and easy to maintain, requiring regular cleaning with just a garden hose or bucket and mop. Plastic will not warp, crack, or split over time, and it’s impervious to moisture, rot, decay, and insects. What’s more, the surface does not need to be sanded, stained, or sealed.
What is the best material for a deck?
Exotic hardwoods like Ipe wood are another excellent decking material option. The advantage of hardwoods is suggested right in their name – they’re hard. Their dense composition makes them resistant to infestation and rot. They also contain natural tannins that work similarly to the chemicals added to pressure-treated lumber.
How long does Trex decking last?
With minimal care, high-quality materials like Trex Composite Decking can last for 25 years. There are many manufacturers and color options to choose from when selecting composite materials, so the cost of composite decking can vary widely – as much as $8 to $12 per square foot.
How much does PVC decking cost?
When compared to wood, PVC decking has a much higher upfront cost, around $10-$12 per square foot, depending on the manufacturer. As with any longer-lasting building material, the increased cost of materials can be mitigated over time by the savings of reduced maintenance.
What color is PVC decking?
Aesthetically, PVC provides a wider range of options than ordinary lumber. You can find color options for brown, gray, white, tan, or even patterns that mimic the grain of wood. Solid PVC decking has been manufactured for over 20 years and has improved in both formulation and aesthetics over that time.
What is composite decking?
There are many types of composite decking . In general the word “composite” means different materials combined to make a new finished product. Most commonly low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and wood are used together, but some products use rice hulls, high-density polyethylene and other combinations of various materials.
What is the most important decision you make when building a deck?
Choosing a decking material is arguably the most important decision you’ll make while building a deck. Different circumstances call for different types of decking, and each option has its own unique aesthetic appeal, maintenance requirements, and other important considerations to keep in mind when choosing.
What factors go into choosing deck material?
From cost and appearance to maintenance and installation, many factors go into choosing deck material options. If you want to make the best choice for your own deck, it helps to be fully informed about your options. Take a moment to learn more about decking materials here.
What is the longest lasting decking material?
Aluminum and Steel. Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.
How long does a wooden deck last?
It is the most economical and least expensive out of decking materials with a lifespan of an average of 15 years but with proper maintenance can last decades. Proper maintenance can average annual costs of $450.
What is a deck building project?
Building a new deck is an exterior remodeling project that will increase property value and has a high ROI (return on investment). Your budget for a new outdoor area will ultimately guide your choice of decking materials, the size and functionality of your deck. The decking material will the biggest price factor when installing a new deck and below you’ll find the 5 most popular decking materials to choose from.
What is the most expensive decking material?
Steel decking material used to build a deck or staircase. 5. Concrete and Stone. This is the most expensive while being the most durable decking material out of the 5 that we have discussed.
What is composite decking?
Composite deck boards are generally pressed with a pattern or a wood grain and come in a wide range of shades and colors. This decking is low maintenance (no need to weather-proof or paint) and slip-resistant.
What is the best material for a deck?
Deck Materials. 1. Pressured Treated Wood . Pressured Treated Wood is the most common decking choice, wood is natural, strong, easy to install, and feels good under bare feet. But it also requires an annual cleaning and can rot, splinter, and warp. Even though all wood naturally weathers to a gray color, it should be cleaned ...
How long does HDPE last?
This material is easiest to install with most manufacturers offering 50-year warranties on HDPE material that last about 30 years. There is no cost of maintenance for this material.
How long do composite deck boards last?
Composite decking lasts, on average, 25-30 years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking. This is partly due to it being made from materials that are resistant to weather, rot and insect damage. Comparatively, traditional wood decks have an average lifespan of 10-15 years with routine annual maintenance depending on the quality of wood used and the effects of different climates.
How long does capped composite decking last?
Decks made from capped composite boards can last for at least 25 to 30 years.
What is Composite Decking Made of?
Composite decking boards are made out of recycled or reclaimed materials , with polyethylene (HDPE or LDPE) plastic or PVC (polyvinyl chloride) mixed with wood fiber, rice hulls or other fillers, as well as a blend of chemical additives.
What is capped composite decking?
Capped composite decking boards consist of a mixture of wood and plastic that comprise their core. These boards are then “capped” coated with a sturdy polymer coating. This protective synthetic shell helps protect the wood fibers inside the composite from mold, mildew, rot, and the elements.
Why is composite decking considered a good material?
Over the years, composite decking has proven its value, evolving into a go-to decking material for more homeowners and commercial contractors alike because of its long-term benefits, low maintenance and durability.
What is decking investment?
A deck is an investment that adds value to your home, whether you choose natural wood or composite materials. And while cost is often the primary consideration when planning a deck project, it’s equally important to understand the value of what you’re getting.
What is hidden clip on composite deck?
Composite deck boards now boast a feature called the “hidden clip system” for easy fastening. The end result is a more convenient and seamless deck installation that you and your family will enjoy for many years to come.
What is the best cedar for decking?
And note that all types of cedar aren’t the same: The four best grades of cedar to use for decking are architect clear, custom clear, architect knotty, and custom knotty (listed from clearest to most knotty). So the nicer you go, the more it’s going to cost you.
What is composite decking made of?
Pros: Composite decking materials are made primarily from wood fibers and recycled plastics, and are among the fastest-growing decking options available today. Since they’ve been artificially created, they won't warp or splinter, and they also don’t get affected by rot or insects.
How much does cedar cost per square foot?
Cons: The main issue is the price, averaging at about $3.75 to $5 per square foot. And note that all types of cedar aren’t the same: The four best grades of cedar to use for decking are architect clear, custom clear, architect knotty, and custom knotty (listed from clearest to most knotty). So the nicer you go, the more it’s going to cost you.
What is decking in a pool?
Decks are a place for reflection as much as recreation whether it's surrounding an in-ground swimming pool or as a balcony extension in the front or backyard, but the options when embarking on a design can feel overwhelming.
How much does a composite wood floor cost?
They can be on the pricier side depending on the company you pick—around $7 to $10 per square foot —and you have to make sure that you choose a reputed, high-quality company.
Is pressure treated wood safe?
In the past, pressure-treated wood was treated with chromated copper arsenate, a suspected carcinogen. Now, though, it’s treated with less toxic chemicals, making it relatively safe for the home.
Is it cheaper to install grass on a deck?
Grass. Pros: Contemporary, natural, peaceful, and colorful, turn your deck into a grassy lawn. It's also cheaper to install than others if you seed (think: 8 to 30 cents per square foot !) Cons: Keep in mind that grass needs sun exposure to thrive.
What is the longest lasting decking material?
When it comes to decking materials, cement is the longest-lasting deck material on the market. It is created to withstand the extreme weather ranging from storms to the bitter cold of winter, and nothing short of time or human excavation will wear it down.
What is the best material for a deck?
Now that you have decided cement is the right material for your deck, you may wonder how you choose the proper cement. Different cement types are best for various projects, and your needs will decide what kind of cement you need personally.
Which is better for decking: cement or wood?
Cement may be the longest-lasting deck material, but a long lifespan does not always equal a better decking material. Depending on where you live, your needs, and any other personal factors, you will decide whether or not cement is best for you.
What Affects Cement Durability?
You will want to keep certain factors in mind when taking care of your cement decking to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Cement is durable, but you can make sure it lasts even longer by keeping the following in mind.
