Composite vs Treated Lumber: What is the Best Option?

Composite Pros

Composite decking requires much less attention and maintenance than traditional wood. Which means tat enough though the initial cost to purchase is higher, the deck will end up costing significantly less in the long run.

No staining is necessary. No sealing is necessary. No sanding is necessary. Even better, most composites are scratch resistant! Yes, you heard me correctly!

Another great benefit to composite compared to wood is that products like Trex, Timbertech, and Dekorators composites are more durable than traditional wood.

Trex products for example, are stain, scratch, fade and mold resistant. They guarantee their composites.

These boards are no made so well they will not warp or crack like wood can. You won't have to worry about splinters.

Homeowners often worry about sustainability and eco-friendliness options, and that is the #1 reason why we recommend choosing composite! These products are made with mainly recycled materials. Trex Transcend and Trex Enhance composite decking options are made with 95% recycled materials. Timbertech options are made with up to 80% recycled materials!

Treated Wood Pros

A less expensive option is Treated Lumber. Just keep in mind that over the life time of a wood deck, you'll end up spending more on maintenance. The look and feel of real wood is another reason why many go wit treated lumber over composite decking. While some composites beautifully replicate the look of natural wood grain, color choices are often limited. With wood, you can choose from dozens of stain options to get the exact shade you desire!

How to Make the Choice

While you're trying to decide which decking material is right for you, it helps to think about several factors.

• How will you use the deck? For decks that don't get a lot of traffic, wood could be the way to go. However, if you plan on entertaining often, or if the deck is pool side, you may consider the moisture exposure your deck will receive. Composite may be the route to go for you.

• If you plan to sell your home soon, then ongoing maintenance is less of a concern, which means that you can safely choose treated lumber.

• If you are not planning on selling, how will you tackle maintenance? Do you have time? Hiring a contractor to maintain a deck can get pretty pricey.

In the end, the choice boils down to your needs for the deck. Maintenance throughout the decks life is something you'll need to consider, and you'll also need to think about your budget, both now and long term. Wood decking is cheap initial investment but choosing composite you won't have to factor future expenses like sanding, stain, and sealing or the biggest expense, time!