Wood decking has been the material of choice for decks for as long as anyone can remember, and many people still choose wood over composite materials to give their decks the classic look and feel of natural wood. Even with the rising cost of composite materials, wood is often considered the lower-cost option when building or replacing a deck. However, it’s not necessarily true that wood is always the better choice in terms of initial cost – especially considering you’ll have to factor in maintenance costs over time as well. Let’s take a closer look at why this might be so…
Wood Decking May Not Be As Cheap
Annual Maintenance
Wood decking requires annual maintenance, which includes staining and sanding. The cost of annual maintenance varies depending on the type of wood you use and how often you maintain your deck. Composite decks require no annual maintenance because they are made from plastic or resin boards. In addition, komposittrall typically last longer than wood decks due to their durability.
Mold, Mildew & Rot
Wood is susceptible to mold, mildew, and rot, as well as insect infestation which can all lead to expensive repairs. Worse yet, the structure of a wood deck is vulnerable to being weakened by water damage due to its natural porosity. Plastic decks are impervious to these issues because the plastic material can’t be broken down by water or insects. However, composites are more expensive than wood at first purchase but they typically pay for themselves within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance.
UV Protection
In the first year, composite decking needs to be resurfaced to protect it from UV rays. This process is quick and easy, taking only a day. In contrast, wood needs to be treated annually with stain or sealant in order to prevent weather damage. The annual treatment of wood also involves sanding and refinishing every three years or so. On average, composites last around 15-20 years before needing any type of maintenance. All these factors contribute to why you should factor the cost into your final decision on whether or not wood decking is worth it for your home.
Warping & Splitting
The main reason why wood may not be as cheap is that it can warp and split. This is due to the moisture content of the wood and how much it has been exposed to heat and cold. The best way to fix this issue is by using plastic decking, which is a composite material that will not warp or split like wood decking. Plastic decking is also easier to clean and does not require annual maintenance. With all these factors in mind, some would say that composite decks are actually cheaper than wood decks if you plan on keeping your deck for over 2 years.
Aesthetics
Wood decking is a classic material for outdoor furniture, but it does have its drawbacks. Plastic deckings are more durable and cost-effective. Composite decking is made from recycled materials, which means less waste going into landfills. It also has a low maintenance requirement and can be finished to look like komposittrall problem. With so many benefits of composite decking, it’s no wonder that it costs less in the long run than traditional wood.
Conclusion
Although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance. Additionally, composites are more durable and provide better long-term protection against natural elements. On a similar note, many homeowners who live in warm climates will find that their wooden decking needs to be replaced on a regular basis due to insect damage and decay caused by the humidity.
Furthermore, over time, water seeping into even the best wood decking will cause deterioration due to rot; however, this risk can be mitigated with an aluminum deck coating which prevents water from penetrating deeper into the wood’s surface. Finally, all weatherboards such as cedar also need to be treated periodically with sealant or stain as it ages which may increase costs over time compared to composite materials.
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