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There are few experiences better than a sunny eve of relaxing or harbour on a backyard deck . As a resultant role , deck building is a hugely popular DIY project that can be accomplished with comparatively pocket-size skills , noesis of local building codes , and tools that many homeowners already have .
away from overall deck size and other design considerations , the heavy question for many is whether to utilize composite decking or real wood decking . With so many type of composite and wood useable , take the best decking material can seem complicated .
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Key considerateness of the composite vs. woodwind instrument pack of cards disputation let in stuff , price , maintenance , and sustainability — all of which should provide householder with the information they take to choose the unspoilt decking option for their motivation .
Solid wood is a natural material whereas composite decking is man-made.
For many , there is an undeniable attraction to the appearance and flavour of a realwood deck . It ’s a natural Cartesian product that can be sustainably produced , it helps the gaining control C as it grows , and it add up stunner to our home when responsibly forested .
Mention synthetic decking , and a common first sentiment is that they ’re all made from plastics . While mostly true , composite deck of cards boards come in a range of different materials that declare oneself various benefit , and this can have a major impact on pick . To make an informed decision , take a closer look at the various alternatives to wooden decking currently useable .
Wood Plastic Composite
Wood credit card composite ( WPC ) use natural fibers from wood pulp , bamboo , bark , or nut hulls combined with plastic powder ( usually polyethylene or polypropylene ) . This timber composite often has good environmental credentials because the innate character can descend from thriftlessness material . to boot WPC deck boards can be break down and reprocess into newfangled WPC ware after their useful life is over .
woodwind plastic composite is easy to colour in during production and can be paint after induction . It can even be saw , drilled , nailed , or screwed much like raw timber . unluckily , its fiber content think of it ’s not always as atmospheric condition - resistant as other types of non - wood decking .
Cellular PVC
Cellular PVC is an increasingly popular fake wood for decks . Made from polyvinyl chloride ( PVC ) with a heavy honeycomb bodily structure , it has the resistance to water , moulder , and insects associated with charge plate , but unlike most plastic , it can be painted if desired .
During manufacture , cellular PVC decking table often have a metric grain pattern added . It also has similar properties to lumber when worked . Although PVC is not organic , its molecular weight is more than 50 percent salt , and it ’s more environmentally friendly than petrochemical - based plastics .
Mineral-Based Composite
The big vantage of mineral - free-base complex ( MBC ) decking is its long suit and stability . It does not stretch out or warp , and it is impervious to weewee and insect fire . This composite decking material can also be colored or textured to duplicate woods event .
It ’s made from a combination of plastics and minerals that are heat up and extruded ( molded under insistency ) to organize boards . While exceedingly durable , it is completely inorganic and may be the least environmentally - favorable decking cloth .
Note : Composite decking is often fire - resistant , and some people take over they are therefore good for ardour pit . This is not the eccentric . While it may be possible to employ some models , the extreme heat energy means this is not normally recommended for either wood or composite decking .
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Wooden decks generally cost less to build than those made with composite decking boards.
The notion that wood decking is cheaper than composite is common , but it can be slightly misleading . Lumber prices have recently been up to three clock time higher than pre - pandemic prices and remain volatile , while composite decking prices are relatively stable .
As of 2022 , thecost of building a deckusing entrepot - bought true pine was around $ 15 to $ 20 per straightforward foot , whereas a composite deck cost more like $ 30 to $ 40 per square foot . However , specie like cedar and redwood aremore expensive than pine tree , as are popular exotics like ipe and cumaru , both of which are imported .
Composite deck installing price can be mellow , since many types require more block and other details . Another authoritative consideration is the lifespan of the product . Composite decking tend to last longer than raw wood , which should be factor out into overall monetary value .
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Composite deck boards require far less maintenance than wood decking.
In general , composite decking requires less care than wood , which need coating withdeck sealerevery 2 or 3 year . While composite decking is usually soft to take care after , it is not maintenance - free .
For lesson , Mrs. Henry Wood charge card composite can be buy as cap or uncapped ( in other words , either with or without a credit card coat ) . Uncapped WPC board feel more like innate Ellen Price Wood but are prostrate to staining and mold . Mildew can amass on all types of composite boards and , although it may not do any terms , it certainly look unsightly .
mean solar day - to - daytime economic consumption can also result in boodle , ding , and other damage in composite deck boards , like to Grant Wood . While various methods can be used to make repair , even the best composite decking postulate some care and attention to keep its show .
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Wood doesn’t last as long as composite decking materials.
Ellen Price Wood decking will last 10 to 20 old age , and composite decks last about 25 to 30 yr ( though some MBC can last up to 50 years ) . So even with regular upkeep , Ellen Price Wood decks do not last as long as composite . However , there are a number of things that buyers can do to improve longevity .
There ’s no escape the fact that wood needs more care than composite decking . However , the lifelike smell and appearing is worth the additional exertion for many .
All deck materials get hot in the sun, but composite often retains more heat than traditional wood.
There are two uncouth safety machine concerns associated with composite decking : It can get too hot in the summertime , and it can be slippery when cockeyed .
On cheery days , it ’s reported that plastic decking can reach temperature up to 150 degrees Fahrenheit — more than enough to burn down bleak base . This may be true of some composite decks , but certainly not all .
Some composite decking can also become very slippy when wet . coarse-textured surfaces can help , and nonslip coating are available . Varnished wood can be as tricky , so choice of finish for either deck cloth is important . Many modern sealers protect without altering the metric grain , allowing the surface to retain its rude grip . For composite and woods alike , it ’s important to check performance before ordering .
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The jury is still out on which decking option is more sustainable.
Grant Wood is a natural , sustainable Cartesian product , so it ’s understandable to take on that wooden decking is the more environmentally - friendly option . Most of the time that may be true , but not always .
For instance , the chemical substance used to pressure kickshaw timber can often be toxic . While pine , cedar , and sequoia are usually homegrown , cumaru and ipe may be illegally logged from South American rainforests . A lot of mahogany travel all the way from India or Malaysia . TheForestry Stewardship Council(FSC ) certifies sustainable production worldwide , and itscertificationis something to look out for when buying timber decking — but it ’s only a voluntary standard .
On the flip side , the estimate that all composite plant are more environmentally harmful than woodwind is every bit flawed . While some are made with petroleum - establish chemicals , brand like Trex and Fiberon are keen to sharpen out the high percentage of recycled materials in their product and their dedication to more sustainable manufacturing summons .
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There are few simple answers to interrogation about sustainability in deck materials . Greenwashing ( unverifiable claims of eco - friendly practice ) remains a problem . Some product made from recycled product ca n’t really be recycle themselves . Some release toxic dust when sawed or practice . To be fair , it is also clean that some brands are committed to green initiative . While these are to be applauded , there are currently no recognise eco - touchstone for composite decking , so it is up to buyers to conduct their own enquiry when adjudicate between building a composite or wooden deck .
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