Composite vs Wood Deck Options: Which is Right for Your Project?

Outdoor decking has become a quintessential feature of modern homes, extending living spaces into the open air and providing a platform for relaxation and entertainment. When it comes to decking materials, the choice between composite vs wood deck options can be a pivotal decision for homeowners.

At Capitol City Lumber, we understand the significance of this choice, which is why we offer a diverse selection of both composite and wood decking materials. Whether you’re drawn to the durability of composite decks or the timeless appeal of real wood decks, we’ll help you find the perfect deck material for your project.

What is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is comprised of a blend of wood fibers, often sourced from recycled materials and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) resin. Composite decking materials are a modern alternative to a traditional wooden deck, offering a durable and visually appealing backyard deck for your home. 

Advantages of Composite Decking

Building a composite deck offers a multitude of advantages that appeal to homeowners seeking a low-maintenance, long-lasting decking solution:

• Durability: Unlike real wood decking, composite PVC decking is resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage, composite deck boards well-suited for outdoor environments exposed to moisture and insects.
• Low Maintenance: Unlike wood decks, composite deck materials do not require staining, sealing, or painting to maintain their appearance. Regular cleaning with soap and water is typically all that is needed to keep composite boards looking pristine.
• Variety: Materials for composite decks are available in a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, allowing homeowners to customize their outdoor spaces to suit their aesthetic preferences. 
• Longevity: Composite decks can provide decades of reliable performance, offering homeowners peace of mind knowing that their outdoor living space will remain beautiful and functional for years to come.
• Environmentally Friendly: A composite deck is made up of wood plastic composites, reducing the demand for virgin timber and minimizing waste. 

Exploring Wood Decking

Wood decking has long been a cherished choice for homeowners seeking to enhance their outdoor living spaces with a touch of natural beauty and warmth. Compared to other materials that can feel “plastic-y” at times, wooden decks often offer an extra sense of grounding which helps some to further appreciate nature from the comfort of their porch or deck.

Types of Materials to Build a Wood Deck

Wood decking materials come in various types, each offering unique characteristics and aesthetic qualities:

• Pressure-Treated Lumber: Pressure-treated lumber is the most common and affordable option for wood decks. It resists rot, decay, and insect damage, making it a durable and popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners.
• Cedar: Cedar decking is known for its rich color variations and resistance to decay. While cedar wood decks tend to be more expensive than decks made of pressure-treated pine, their longevity and aesthetic appeal make the choice a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.
• Redwood: Redwood decking is renowned for its rich color, straight grain, and exceptional durability. With its natural resistance to decay, the red wood species offers unparalleled longevity and beauty. While redwood decking may come with a higher price tag, its timeless elegance and sustainability make it a popular choice.

Wood Decking Pros

Some of the benefits that real wood decking offers is a range of advantages that appeal to homeowners seeking a traditional and authentic outdoor flooring solution:

• Natural Beauty: The natural grain patterns and rich hues of wood deck material add character and charm to outdoor spaces, creating a welcoming environment for relaxation and entertainment.
• Customization: Wood decking can be easily customized to suit individual preferences and design styles. 
• Ease of Installation: An outdoor deck made of solid wood materials is relatively easy to install, making it an ideal choice for DIY enthusiasts. 
• Repair and Refinishing: Unlike composite decking, which may be limited in its ability to be refinished or repaired, real wood decks can be easily restored to its original beauty with sanding, staining, or sealing.

Choosing Between Composite vs Wood Decking

Deciding between a composite vs wood deck is a significant choice for homeowners. Understanding the key factors that influence this decision can help you determine which decking material is best suited to your backyard.

Budget

Composite PVC decking typically comes with a higher upfront cost compared to wood decking. While the initial investment may be greater, composite decking often proves to be more cost-effective in the long run due to its low maintenance requirements and longevity. However, if you’re working within a tighter budget, wood decking may be the more affordable option upfront, allowing you to allocate funds to other aspects of your outdoor project.

Aesthetics

Composite decking offers a wide range of colors, textures, and finishes, allowing you to customize your outdoor space to reflect your personal style and design preferences. Whether you prefer the look of natural wood grain or the sleek appearance of modern composite materials, there is a decking option to complement any aesthetic vision. On the other hand, if you appreciate the timeless beauty and warmth of natural wood, traditional wood decking may be the ideal choice for creating a classic and inviting outdoor environment.

Maintenance

Composite decking is known for its low maintenance characteristics, requiring minimal upkeep to keep it looking beautiful and pristine. In contrast, wood decking may require regular staining, sealing, and painting to maintain its appearance and structural integrity. If you prioritize ease of maintenance and want to spend less time on upkeep, composite decking may be the preferable option for your project. 

Environmental Impact

Composite decking is often made from recycled materials, reducing the demand for virgin timber and minimizing waste. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly decking option that reduces your carbon footprint, composite decking may be the preferred choice. However, if you prefer the idea of using natural, renewable resources and want to support sustainable forestry practices, wood decking is a great option.

When to Choose Composite Decking for Your Project

Here are some scenarios where composite decking may be the best option for you:

• Higher budget available
• Desire for low maintenance requirements
• Concerns about rot, mold, or insect damage in the environment
• Preference for a wide range of color and texture options
• Living in areas with high humidity or insect activity
  

When to Choose Wood Decking for Your Project

Wood decking remains a classic choice for outdoor spaces. Consider wood decks over composite decking when:

• Working with a limited budget
• Aiming for a natural, warm aesthetic
• Willingness to perform regular maintenance tasks such as staining and sealing
• Desire for easy repair and refinishing options
• Residing in cooler climates where heat retention is not a concern

Contact Raleigh’s Experts on Composite and Wood Decking

Ready to bring your outdoor vision to life with the perfect decking solution? Our team of outdoor wood experts at Capitol City is here to help. Whether you’re leaning towards the durability and versatility of composite decking or the timeless charm of wood decking, our knowledgeable staff can provide personalized advice and guidance to ensure your decking project exceeds expectations. 

Contact us today to explore our extensive selection of wood options in Raleigh, NC and take the first step towards creating the outdoor oasis of your dreams. Get started by calling us at 919.832.6492 or filling out the contact form below.