Wouldn’t it be great to have a back deck this summer? Nothing is better than grilling and hanging out with your family on the deck when the weather is warm. With spring in full bloom and summer right around the corner, it’s time to call a home improvement contractor to discuss your options. William Kyrtopoulos and the builders at B&D Home Improvement can answer all your questions and get your home addition ready for grilling season.

One of the first things you will have to decide is what material to use. All decks use treated lumber for the framing, but you have the option of wood or composite materials for the surface. So which is better? Read on to find out.

Wood vs. Composite Decks

Wood

Wood is the most popular option for decking because of the initial cost savings. Wood is much cheaper than composite and comes in a variety of different types to suit any budget or style. Options include standards such as pine and mahogany, as well as more exotic woods such as bamboo and teak. The higher the grade of wood, the more durable and expensive it will be. Heavy woods such as mahogany and ipe are relatively low maintenance and aren’t prone to cupping, splitting, or cracking, unlike pine and other soft woods. Still, wooden decks have to be re-stained every two years, and sanded and stripped about every six years.

Composite

Composite decking is typically made of a mixture of very hard plastic and wood particles. It is very durable and can be finished to look like wood or more natural materials. While composite materials cost more upfront than wood, they are much more low maintenance. No refinishing required, you just install the composite slats, and you’re done. You’ll have to wash the deck occasionally to prevent mold and mildew, but you won’t have to worry about refinishing it. Still, it is not a lifelong material—composite decks can fade, get scratches, and warp over time and will have to be replaced.

Looking to build a new deck? If you’re in North Branford, East Haven, Prospect, Bethany, or Meriden, call B&D Home Improvement at (203) 239-1974 to discuss your project. Visit them online to view samples of their work and to find out more information.