The great debate for years has been about which deck material is best. Composite materials versus natural wood have stirred up a conversation that involves cost, upkeep, and style preference. While real wood is the traditional option, composite decks are becoming popular in Fairfax because they offer homeowners more freedom with design and maintenance. There are a few differences between the two materials.
Composite Decks
Composite decking has become extremely popular among homeowners due to its low-maintenance composition and stylish options. The boards themselves are made from a combination of wood and plastic to create a truly durable and versatile material perfect for your outdoor living area. We only trust reputable brands like Trex, Azek, Fiberon, and Deckorators to provide our customers with deck materials. Trex, for example, has engineered a high-performance composite shell that resists rotting, staining, and cracking, so you and your family can enjoy your space for years to come.
Cost
The initial price tag of your composite decking will vary, and our deck contractors can help you determine your build costs and the lifetime costs. First, the size of the space plays a significant role in how much a composite deck will be as the materials are sold by the square foot. Our team will assist you in selecting the correct materials for your project that best matches your budget. We can help cut costs by building a composite deck on an existing structure if the footings and joists meet safety standards. The experts at Distinctive Deck designs will do a thorough inspection of your current deck to determine if it can be updated with a new surface or require further construction.
While composite decking materials have a higher initial price more than real wood, it makes up for it with the lack of maintenance required. You don’t have to spend time and money staining and sealing a composite deck because it is prefabricated to be more durable against the elements and far outperforms real wood. The protective outer shell keeps water and debris out, helping the materials to last significantly longer over the life of your deck.
Maintenance
The upkeep required for a composite deck is one of the most enticing elements. Homeowners no longer need to plan their summer weekends around sanding or staining their decks. Composite decking boards come pre-treated to prevent cracking and staining, making it ready to use once it’s installed.
Clean up is as easy spraying with a garden hose. For the more stuck-on gunk, hand scrubbing with warm, soapy water does the trick to bring your deck’s surface looking like new! Heavy-duty pressure washing will ruin the finish and void your product warranty.
Real Wood Decks
Whether you prefer the appearance of real wood, or you’re intrigued by the lower initial cost, there are a few reasons to consider a traditional wood deck, such as the lower up-front cost of materials and better accessibility to replacement materials. However, there are other things to consider before settling on traditional wood.
When budgeting for a deck, we always encourage our customers to look past the initial cost of real wood. It appears much lower than composite decking at first – and that can convince people to use real wood when constructing a deck. Unfortunately, there are hidden costs that pop up as soon as the first year passes, and most of the time these costs are unavoidable. This includes the costs required to seal and stain the deck before you and your family can enjoy the space. These chores must be completed often to keep natural decks in good condition. Not to mention real wood is more susceptible to warping or rotting without proper care. If your deck starts to fail, it could mean a summer spent indoors while it’s repaired, rather than spending time with family and friends in this outdoor space.
At the end of the day, this debate boils down to saving time and money and simply enjoying your outdoor living space more than ever. At Distinctive Deck Designs, we believe composite decking is the perfect option for Fairfax homes. Get the most out of your space without worrying about tedious and expensive maintenance. To start your custom composite decking design, contact us today!