Wood Decking Vs Composite: What to Consider
When considering a decking project, you have to factor in various elements such as cost, durability, and maintenance. If you’re deciding between wood decking and composite materials, it’s important to understand the different materials involved. Timber decking options can be broken down into two different categories: softwood or hardwood. Additionally, there’s the option of composite decking, which is a more recent innovation made from recycled plastic and wood fibres. In this blog, we’ll cover the pros and cons of wood decking and composite materials to help you decide which is better for your project.
Pros and Cons of Real Wood Decking
Wood decking is a popular material choice for both commercial and residential building projects. Due to its ease of use, low cost, and its sustainability factor, it is commonly seen as the go-to material for decking purposes. Wood does provide certain benefits; it is easy to work with and can be stained or treated for a variety of aesthetic effects. Plus, its natural and organic look is very appealing as it blends in seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
As wood decking also typically carries a lower upfront cost than composite materials, it can be an excellent choice for those looking to build on a budget.
On the other hand, wood decking requires frequent maintenance in order to prevent rotting and splintering in the long run, while composite material might require very minimal upkeep overall -so depending on usage preferences and expectations of durability, one or the other may be better suited. That said, with routine maintenance such as power washing or staining, wood decking can retain its vibrancy for many years. Our fencing treatment is one such way to increase the longevity of wood decking without drastically increasing the cost.
Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
Composite decking is a relatively new material that has gained popularity in the past decade. It consists of a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic, which makes it more durable than its wooden counterpart. It also boasts better resistance to moisture, staining, rot, mould and mildew compared to wood. This means that composite decking is extremely low-maintenance and requires almost no effort to keep in good condition.
On the downside, composite materials tend to have a higher upfront cost than wood decking, however it could be seen as an investment over time due to its lower maintenance needs.
Is Real Wood or Composite Decking Better?
When choosing between real wood or composite decking, it is important to consider which material will create the optimal look and feel for your garden. Wood has a timeless classic look that cannot be replicated, while composite decking offers a practicality and versatility that is hard to find with natural materials. At Hassett Fencing, we have an extensive range of wood and composite decking products, so you can easily find the perfect material for your individual space. Whether it’s a wood-composite combination that you’re after or something more traditional, we have the knowledge and experience to help you create the garden of your dreams.