It’s that time of the year when your outdoor deck needs replacing or requires a touch-up to revive it once again. Either by hiring and working with contractors or going solo on the job, you are faced with one major decision: which type of decking will be best for your outdoor space? With all the information going around, it has been established that it all comes down to two commonly used materials; composite decking vs wood. The next thing is to figure out which of these is best suitable for you in terms of various factors that we will consider.
It is well known that composite cladding is the trendier option, and many have switched to it due to its various benefits. Nonetheless, there is a reason why some choose to stick to the traditional wood cladding. We will discuss all of this in the following article. Below are the pros and cons of composite cladding and wood, so you can choose which one is right for you.
Maintenance
A more long-lasting alternative to wood has been invented: composite cladding. This type of decking is proven to require less maintenance. In comparison, timber suffers from staining so you will need to paint it to shield the surface against stains and moisture in the air. You will also have to replace areas that begin to decay. On the other hand, composite cladding only needs your usual dusting, sweeping and occasional clean. Your composite cladding decks are also entirely free from having to be sanded down from time to time or oiled.
Affordability
There is a price to pay for better durability, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. Whilst composite decking is costlier, it can still be affordable. Many consider the price for composite decking as an investment due to its valuable functionalities and fewer maintenance costs. However, the fact remains that wood is far cheaper and is still the go-to option for many on a tight budget.
Appearance
One cannot deny that wood has its own charm. No matter how close to wood it is in appearance, composite decking can have an artificial feel to it. Your wood decking will have that rustic aesthetic and organic appeal you cannot find in composite cladding decks. Wooden decks can easily complement your garden designs. There are many to choose from with their unique timber hues.
Alternatively, you can find composite cladding in various shades, options and colours. This can be useful when you wish to apply themes and designs of your garden to match your decking.
Surface Temperature
Wood is famously known for its advantage against the sun and generally sunny weather. Composites can overheat, which may result in an uncomfortable walk outdoors. The high heat absorption is due to its density. This may limit your ability to walk barefoot on your deck.
In contrast, wood may seem advantageous for summers, but it becomes a massive problem in wetter, more humid seasons as wooden boards absorb moisture. This usually has unpleasant results like decaying, splintering and cracking, leaving you no choice but to invest in more expensive maintenance, or even replacements.
Environmental Friendliness
Composite cladding is made from recycled materials making it very environmentally friendly. The use of recycled wood fibres ultimately means the cutting down of less trees. As stated before, composite uses a smaller percentage of timber and more recycled materials, making it more eco friendly than timber, which has to be treated with harmful preservatives.
In addition to being environmentally friendly, composites are also more user-friendly due to their lack of splintering. This is useful for children and pets with sensitive feet, as they may safely play and roam outside.
To conclude, when it comes to your outdoor decking, there are various material options that you can choose. As a result, it can be challenging to decide which one you should go for. The dilemma is usually between composite and wood decking, as both are great options. When it comes to maintenance, composite decking stands out because it requires less of it due to its durability. Composite cladding is also the more environmentally friendly option since it is made of recycled materials. On the other hand, wood decking is more affordable, at least in the immediate short term. Both have their own charm regarding appearance, and it is up to your personal preference to choose the one for you. Composite decking also can overheat quickly, potentially making it uncomfortable in summers, but conversely, wooden decking can get damaged in rainier seasons.
We hope this article proves insightful and helps you choose the suitable decking for you. Thank you for reading!
