We have come up with 7 reasons why composite deck boards are better options than simple pressure treated lumber.

Aesthetics

Composite boards come in a large variety of long lasting, fade resistant vivid colours. As well, you can include different widths to help create interesting design options. Wood can be painted or stained, but it’s time consuming and rarely last more than a few summer seasons.

No Maintenance

Composite deck boards will not crack, splinter, warp or fade. Actually, some manufactures offer up a 50 year fade warranty. The only maintenance a composite deck will require is the occasional power washing, and after that it will look brand new, even years after installation. Pressure treated lumber comes with no warranty. Wooden decks begin fading immediately after installation. Sanding, stripping and repainting on wooden decks is required at least every four years to maintain a reasonable good look.

Good for the Planet

Composite boards are made from recycled plastics. Trex, the giant manufacturer of composite boards claims that every 500 square feet of decking contains over 140 000 plastic bags. Timbertech claims to have recycled 500 million pounds of recycled plastic in 2019. And, a composite deck will last for 30 – 50 years. This alone is a great reason for choosing composite over wood.

Stain Resistant

Let’s face it, spills are going to happen. Whether a glass of wine, ice cream cone or spills from the BBQ, It’s going to happen. With a composite deck, no big deal. Just wipe it up. With a wooden deck this little mishap will stain forever. Some composite manufacturers are now offering up to 50 years warranty against stains.

Pet Friendly

Just like the staining scenario, your pet is going to urinate or poop on your deck. With a composite no huge big deal, just hose it off and it is gone. With a wooden deck run the risk of the wood absorbing this mess and will become a scent trap. Living with dogs I can tell you this is just a fact. As well, large dogs will scratch a pressure treated deck. I have attached a picture which shows this very clearly.

ROI

There is no denying the cost of a composite deck will be more than that of a pressure treated deck. However, a composite deck will last more than 30 years with a full warranty backing that claim. A wooden deck studies show needs to be maintained regularly and that by the nine year anniversary that same wooden deck will have cost the same as would a composite deck have cost. Same studies show a wooden deck will need to be replaced 2 ½ times before the composite deck will need replacing.

Fasteners

This easily could be lumped into aesthetics but I feel it should have its own section. Composite decks come with hidden fasteners so you no longer see any surface mounted screws. This market includes many options now. With wooden decks for the most part screws are installed directly onto the face of the deck board. It is just not as visually appealing as the new hidden fasteners.

If you would like to continue this conversation further, please leave a comment below or connect with us on Facebook. I would love to hear your thoughts. And as always, feel free to give us a call 

today to see how we can make your backyard oasis come to life. 

Call: (289) 338-9741 

Email: admin@stoneorchardlandscaping.com 

Until Next Time,  

Mark

Images courtesy of Trex and TimberTech