How to Choose The Best Decking Material: Is Composite Really Better Than Wood?

How to Choose The Best Decking Material: Is Composite Really Better Than Wood?

Deck on water; best decking material

Choosing the best decking material for a dream outdoor oasis isn’t always easy. While color and finish are clearly important, the base material used to construct the deck itself is the most consequential.

Composite is almost always better in the battle between composite deck boards and treated wood deck boards. It’s more durable, has a greater variety of colors and finishes, and provides the longest lifespan for decking projects. For many, it’s the best decking material.

That said, individual homeowners and clients may see things differently. Even though it’s a superior material, engineered deck boards aren’t cost-effective in every case, at least in the initial investment.

Pros and Cons of Wood Decking

wood decking material

Wood decking dominates the decking market, with over 70% of the decks built in the United States made from it. Many homeowners enjoy their wood decks and appreciate the patina that weather leaves on the material. Contractors working with wood also understand that selling a deck to a client using wood is better than not making the sale at all due to cost. 

When harvested appropriately, wood is a sustainable and renewable resource. It is the backbone of the residential construction industry, and it’s a popular choice for good reason.

Maintenance

Wood decks require annual maintenance, including cleaning, staining, and sealing. Without regular attention, treated wood deck boards lose their luster and leech chemicals into the surrounding environment. Hardwoods that aren’t pressure-treated won’t have the same issues, but they’re also much more expensive and not commonly used.

Durability

The primary drawback to using natural wood decking materials is their shorter lifespan when compared to composite decks. When first installed, wood deck boards have a warm, natural glow that many homeowners find appealing. Even with regular maintenance, the wood dulls and degrades over time. 

Generally speaking, the average lifespan for a deck built with commonly available wood is 15 to 30 years. Lower initial costs make way for increased maintenance and repair/replacement costs as the material breaks down.

Appearance

Wood decking materials in the United States are generally made from one of several popular hardwood species. Redwood, Cedar, Mahogany, and Ipe are all valued for their rich colors and naturally variegated patterns.

Cost

Despite their natural beauty, hardwood lumber can be challenging to find due to supply chain issues. Scarcity can elevate the price per square foot, making natural wood decks more expensive. According to one expert, annual maintenance costs can range from $5600 to over $12,000 in a 10-year period.

Stepping into the gap left behind by heritage hardwood species is a cheaper alternative. Pressure-treated Pine (PTP) is popular because of its affordability and availability. Treated with an alkaline copper solution, PTP resists rot, pests, and fungal growth. Cheaper than hardwood, its light blonde coloration and even grain make it a popular choice for decking and other building applications.

However, if a homeowner wants something that lasts a lifetime, composite is the best decking material.

Common Types of Wood Decking

Choosing which wood species to use in a natural deck build will impact the initial installation and maintenance costs. Additionally, sustainability is a necessary consideration, as different types of wood are more replaceable than others.

Softwoods

Fast-growing coniferous trees like pine are a popular choice for natural wood decks. Because they grow quickly, their fibers are less dense and more susceptible to water penetration if untreated. Wood producers use a pressure treatment technique to protect pine planks from the most common sources of decay, but they require regular maintenance, which can be expensive.

Hardwoods

Slow-growth hardwood species are also popular but feature a hefty price tag. Ipe, Mahogany, Teak, and other tropical hardwoods have dense fibers and are more pest and weather-resistant without regular maintenance. Hardwood decking is significantly more expensive than softwood, and its prices are similar to composite options.

Pros and Cons of Composite Decking

composite decking material

Composite deck boards are fabricated from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics to form a more durable, consistent deck material. Available in a vast range of colors and finishes, these boards are easy to care for and don’t break down as quickly, if ever.

In the early days of composite decking, products were uncapped, leaving some wood fibers exposed to the elements, which led to mold and decay. Contemporary composites are capped on at least three sides, and some higher-end manufacturers offer fully capped boards. The plastic shell encases the board’s core, providing more protection. 

Maintenance

After the initial installation, composite decking materials require virtually no regular maintenance, making them the best decking material. Occasional cleaning is necessary, but no sanding, staining, or sealing is required. 

Durability

Because composite decking is sealed from the elements by a plastic shell, the boards are impervious to damage from the weather. Pests can’t damage them and won’t leech chemicals into the surrounding environment like some treated wood products. 

Unlike wood products, composite manufacturers frequently include warranties, which can be handy if something goes wrong.

Appearance

Composites have made strides in aesthetics in recent years. Early versions of the product didn’t look natural, but that’s changed. Now, deck boards include variegated colors, patterns, and textures that mimic natural wood decks. 

Cost

The initial cost of installing a composite deck is higher than that of a traditional wooden deck. Because of the manufacturing costs, composite materials may cost $5 to $15 more per square foot than wood. However, homeowners may see that number and decide it’s worth the lower initial cost. 

Maintenance costs are where the long-term investment in a composite deck pays off. With almost no regular maintenance, homeowners see savings over the deck’s life, making composites the clear winner.

Common Types of Composite Decking

Composite decking falls into two primary categories: capped composite and capped polymer decking.

Capped composite decking contains a core incorporating recycled materials, including wood and plastic. Manufacturers use wood fibers and sawdust mixed with recycled plastic to form a rigid core. Boards are either capped on three or four sides to prevent moisture from impacting the core. 

Capped polymer decking has a PVC core and a plastic cap on three or four sides. The synthetic core contains no organic material and can withstand harsh environments. Because it doesn’t contain any organic material, manufacturers typically offer much longer warranties, some up to 50 years. 

Solid Deck Boards

Solid deck boards have a square side profile and are intended for use with traditional fasteners. Contractors will either drill through the face of the board or use a specialized tool to install screws into the side for a fastener-free finish.

DeckForce® Exterior Screws are the perfect choice for both wood and composite solid deck boards. 

Grooved Deck Boards

Grooved composite decking material

Grooved deck boards are intended for use with hidden deck clips, which leave a smooth, fastener-free finish. Grip-Rite Ninja® Hidden Deck Clips make installing wood and composite grooved deck boards fast and secure.

Fastening Solutions

Traditional Fasteners

How to Choose The Best Decking Material: Is Composite Really Better Than Wood?

When installing wood or composite deck boards from the top, traditional screws are best. Wood deck boards can use a bugle-headed fastener for a secure fit. DeckForce Exterior Screws have a wedge lock head for a more secure grip with superior protection from the elements.

How to Choose The Best Decking Material: Is Composite Really Better Than Wood?

DeckForce Exterior Composite screws feature high-low threads to minimize the amount of material displacement during installation. Clear-out threads remove excess material, and the undercut trim head was engineered to keep the board’s surface smooth and clean.

Hidden Deck Fasteners

Grip-Rite<sup>®</sup> Ninja<sup>™</sup> Hidden Deck Clip

Hidden deck clips leave a fastener-free finish when used with grooved deck boards. This class of fasteners can provide a superior hold, even in high-wind areas, and are generally faster to install since they don’t require pre-drilling. 

Grip-Rite Ninja Hidden Deck clips are compatible with grooved deck boards from most major manufacturers and feature a coated stainless steel fastener for marine applications.

Use Grip-Rite Fasteners for All Your Decking Installation Projects

Whatever your decking material, Grip-Rite will help you get the job done right. Our DeckForce line of screws is ideal for use with most solid profile deck boards, and we offer a range of colors to match most major manufacturers. Grip-Rite Ninja Hidden Deck Clips are purpose-built for precise and versatile deck building. Faster than traditional fasteners, they make grooved deck board installation a breeze.  

We’ve packed these products with features to make your project move quickly, saving time and labor. You’ll love how effectively our fasteners provide a secure hold in your decks.

Find out Where To Buy Grip-Rite products near you.

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