Though both wood and composite decks offer a natural look that gives a house a warm, inviting feel, the main difference lies in their materials. Wood decking mainly uses lumber with the three most common types being redwood, cedar, and pressure-treated wood. Composite decking, on the other hand, uses materials made from recycled plastic and wood fibers. Despite the composite option not being made from purely natural materials, it comes in different colors that mimic real wood variants. Below is a guide to help you select the right one that best suits your needs. 

What to Look for When Choosing Between Wood or Composite Decking

1. Durability

Composite decking is durable and is not susceptible to rotting, splitting, and cracking. Real wood, however, is susceptible to damage from termites, lysine, beetles, and other nesting insects. While this is not an issue with composite materials, they cost significantly more to both install and produce than most wood types.

2. Ecological Sustainability

Using real wood for construction contributes to forest control, as many lumber companies plant a tree for every one they cut down. However, composite materials are much more sustainable, as they consist of recycled plastic, which decreases the material’s footprint in the ocean.

3. Aesthetic Appeal

While this factor is subjective, most people prefer the natural look and feel of real wood. Wood has more color variations and eye-catching natural grain. It can also be stained and painted in dozens of different colors. While composite decks lack natural wood creases and prints, the material is also available in a variety of stains and colors to choose from on a smoother surface. 

4. Maintenance

Wood decks require seasonal sanding, staining, and sealing to maintain their look and quality, depending on how snow, hail, and sun rays affect them. Composite material maintenance isn’t as labor intensive as wood. This material only requires an occasional wash with a hose to get rid of dirt. 

For your wood and composite decking needs, Freres Building Supply offers everything you need, including trusted brands like Trek® and Azek®. Servicing customers across Marion County, OR, for the last 70 years, this company is the go-to shop for hardware, fencing, lumber, and other building materials. Call (503) 769-2879 to schedule a service or visit their website to view their inventory.