While wood decks have been the reigning champ when it comes to deck building, there’s a new technology changing the way homeowners build their decks. At The Deck Supply, the rumble of the century is brewing to decide the best materials to build your future! We have so many options to choose from, but only one will reign supreme in your neighborhood.
So, which side are you on? The battle between composite vs wood decks is coming to a showroom near you. Get the inside scoop from our dexperts to decide the top contender for your next build!
Tale of the Tape Measure
Before any bout in the ring, the tale of the tape can give some great insight into who’s the strong favorite. The stats of your favored fighter are just as important as the details behind your preferred material. So, The Deck Supply is sharing the tale of the tape measure to compare wood vs composite decks.
Wood Decks
In this corner, we have the fan-favorite material with deckades of experience as the reigning champ. Since the early 50s, wood decks have historically been the primary choice of homeowners wanting to elevate their outdoor living.
With almost infinite support and accessories, modern wood decks can be customized to your exact needs. However, there are some historical shortcomings with this material. Let’s review the tale of the tape measure.
Price
With so many options, wood decks have a price point that can fit almost any budget. A typical pressure-treated softwood board can cost anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot. The price of your wood deck can vary depending on the quality, species, and intended use of your materials.
Durability
According to Timber Tech, the average lifespan of a wood deck is 10 to 15 years. That’s with proper maintenance and regular inspections every 6 to 12 months. To properly maintain your wood deck, you’ll need to protect it against mold, rot, and warping due to moisture. In any environment, wood will rot over time because, after all, it’s natural!
Availability
Wood is one of the most readily available materials in the world. With tens of thousands of lumberyards across the US, you’re never too far away from a supplier. While this may sound like a blessing, it can also be a curse. Not every lumberyard has experts that can help you find exactly what you need. Having options is great, but unless you’re a home improvement pro, you shouldn’t gamble on the quality of service.
The Deck Supply is a sure bet because of our decades of experience and deep industry ties. We help contractors and DIYers build the future of high-quality decks every day. To decide between wood vs composite decking, check out our top wood deck supplies!
Recommended Wood Deck Supplies
Ease of Installation
Unless you want to go all out, building a wood deck isn’t rocket science! That’s why some homeowners choose wood over composite. Professional-quality decks take a lot more than some screws, lumber, and a free weekend, though! So, while wood is a great entry-level option, DIYers should always consult a trusted expert before charging up those drill batteries.
Signature Move
Every heavy hitter in the ring has their go-to signature move that they’re known for. In this case, wood decks have a signature move that’s hard to beat! The classic look and feel of a high-quality wood deck is unmistakable and extremely hard to replicate. When your feet feel a smooth, high-quality wood deck, it’s hard to imagine anything better!
Biggest Drawback
However, every champion fighter has their shortcomings. In the battle of wood vs composite decks, wood materials have a weak point that’s hard to overlook. The ever-increasing cost of maintenance is the biggest downfall of wood decks.
Not only do you have to seal, stain, or paint every year, but you also have to replace and resurface warped boards over time. Sure, the initial cost may be easier to swallow than composite materials. But in the long run, the lasting quality of your deck will be decided by the price you’re willing to pay.
Composite Deck
In this corner, we have one of the biggest game-changers in the home improvement industry. Composite decking is changing the way homeowners build and maintain their decks all over the world.
Compared to wood options, composite is a relatively new concept, but its unique properties have thousands of homeowners making the switch every year! At The Deck Supply, our experts highly recommend this material. But to decide between wood vs composite decks, look to the tale of our tape measure!
Price
We won’t lie to you, the initial price of a composite deck may be hard to swallow at first. According to Trex, composite decking can cost anywhere from $15 to $30 per square foot, including the required substructures, hardware, and fasteners. Even if that seems too rich for your blood, keep in mind that regular maintenance costs for composite decks are a fraction of what you can expect with a wood deck.
Additionally, The Deck Supply’s close ties to our suppliers allow us to price our solutions at the lowest possible rate. Depending on your project, composite may be the more affordable option in the long run!
Durability
Keeping maintenance costs low starts by using the most durable materials on the market. Unlike wood components that have to be resurfaced and replaced almost every year, composite decking doesn’t need to be resurfaced, and it rarely needs to be replaced. This is because of the ultra-durable qualities of bonding agents and PVC coatings used in our top brands.
Availability
Your run of the sawmill lumberyard typically won’t carry composite decking materials. While composite decking isn’t completely uncommon, it’s still a specialty material that you should only buy from an experienced supplier. The Deck Supply is one of the earliest adopters of composite materials in the Midwest.
As our trusted brands continue to evolve and improve, we now exclusively carry composite decking solutions! So, as you weigh the pros and cons of wood vs composite decks, our trusted dexperts are a great resource to help you decide. Give us a call to talk over your options!
Ease of Installation
Due to composite decking’s ultra durable construction, installation isn’t always as straightforward when compared to wood options. Composite decks are a little more involved when it comes to installation, but don’t let that scare you away! Our trusted brands have plenty of resources available to help DIYers and pro installers alike. To see a few of the materials you’ll need to build your composite deck, read our related article!
Good, Better, Best Composite Decking Materials
Signature Move
In the rumble of the century happening in our showrooms, composite materials have a signature move that wood decks can’t beat! Most of the solutions we offer are designed with the ultimate sustainability in mind. The construction of composite materials allows our favorite brands to use over 90% recycled materials in their production process!
Composite boards are made of fine wood fibers tightly joined together by bonding agents. This eliminates the need to strip and surface a piece of lumber for every component of your project! At The Deck Supply, we believe decks should be sustainable, durable, and beautiful. That’s why composite decking is our top contender when it comes to wood vs composite decks.
Biggest Drawback
With so many innovations in favor of this material, it’s hard to find a flaw that takes composite out of the running for our customers. As deck builders consider wood vs composite decks, our dexperts see that the initial investment is the most common hurdle.
Currently, the majority of composite decking components are slightly more expensive than their wood counterparts. However, some of our favorite brands are already making composite more accessible by optimizing production and installation!
The Dexpert’s Decision
So, there you have it! The tale of our tape measure doesn’t lie, but at the end of the day, the material you choose is entirely up to you. If you’re facing a split decision in the bout between wood vs composite decking, it’s best to consult our dexperts. Here’s our advice that may help make the decision easier:
It’s tough to beat the classics.
We totally understand if you want to stick to what’s familiar! There’s something about warm planks on your toes on a summer night that just feels right. So, if you’re looking to save some money up front and don’t mind the maintenance, why not enjoy the classic look and feel of a wood deck? The Deck Supply has all the fasteners, accessories, and advice that a classic deck deserves!
Composite is the future.
If you’re looking to level up your deck game, there’s one clear choice. Composite decks last longer, require less maintenance, and are designed more sustainably than any wood option available. In the ultimate deck supply smackdown, composite decking is quickly becoming the people’s champ because of its unbeatable return on investment!
Expert Advice, Professional Products
No matter what material you choose for your deck, The Deck Supply is here to help build your deck better. While we make professional-grade products accessible to everyone, the real reason customers trust us is our quality of service.
We’ve been helping contractors and DIYers build better decks for over 20 years! So, when it comes to deciding the right materials for your project, trust the pros that know. Call us today, visit us in person, or get a quote in just a few clicks!