Composite Decking vs Treated Lumber Decking
Posted on: April 1, 2021
A deck adds an excellent aesthetic value to the outdoor of any house. They make an outstanding venue for outdoor parties and can be used as a nice chilling space. While building a deck, one of the most crucial decisions is choosing the material that is to be used in it. This article discusses the major differences between Composite Decking and Treated Lumber Decking to help you decide what works best for you. But first thing first, let’s understand why deck contractors prefer wooden decks.
Benefits of Wooden Decks
- Gives you natural look
- They are strong and durable
- They are available in variety. So you can choose.
- They are affordable
This article discusses the major differences between Composite Decking and Treated Lumber Decking to help you decide what works best for you.
Comparison: Composite Decking and Treated Lumber Decking
Material:
Composite is a material prepared by mixing wood, plastic, and some other stuff to bind everything together. It is a human-made material.
Treated Lumber is made by chemically treating woods like southern pine and western fir, which are less durable to make them rot, insect, and environment resistant.
Costing:
Composite Decking costs comparatively higher than most of the other decking material options. It can cost anywhere between $20- $38 per square foot. Treated Lumber is at least two to five times cheaper than Composite Decking. The price range of Treated Lumber Decking is $15-$25 per square foot.
Durability:
Composite is not a natural material; it comes with UV resistance, rot resistance, and insect resistance. Hence, it does not get damaged easily and may last up to 50 years.
Although the durability of Treated Lumber is better than other wood materials, it is still wood and hence, susceptible to sun damage and rotting. Therefore, it is less durable than Composite Decking and can last up to 25-30 years.
Maintenance:
Composite Decking is comparatively low maintenance. You do not need to stain, paint or replace sections regularly. However, they are not completely maintenance-free as they require regular washing and collecting debris.
The high-maintenance of Treated Lumber is probably its biggest disadvantage. They require regular water sealing, pressure washing, and staining to last even for 30 years.
Appearance:
Although it is made to look like wood, Composite is not natural, and it shows. If you are someone who would want the feel and look of wood in your deck, Composite Decking might not impress you much.
Whereas, Treated Lumber is ultimately wood even with the chemicals. It gives the proper feel of a wooden deck with better durability.
Splintering and Checking:
Environmental effects like snowfall, rain, and scorching sun rays can cause the Decking in the outside to split or checks.
Since Composite Decking does not involve natural wood, it has the advantage of not having splinters or checking. It is probably the biggest advantage that makes Composite Decking much more durable and low maintenance.
Treated Lumber, however, causes the problem of splintering or checking, but it can be controlled to a certain extent by applying waterproofing and maintaining it properly.
Impact on Environment:
Composite Decking is the perfect choice for someone who wants to have a deck and still do their bit for the environment. The composite decking material is generally made from recycled wood and hence is an environment-friendly option.
Takeaway
Treated Lumber Decking is generally made from fast-growing pine trees and is a comparatively more environmentally friendly option. Nevertheless, it still causes deforestation and hence less environment friendly than Composite Decking.
These were the major differences between Composite Decking and Treated Lumber Decking. We hope that by now you have decided which one to go for.
If you are looking for a professional deck contractor get in touch with us at – (410)-472-5590. Trademark Constructor is known as a well-known deck contractor delivering satisfactory services and beautiful decks.
