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Deck Materials

Decks are primarily made out of two categories of material: wood and composite. Wood comes in many different types and treatments, while composite products can be composed of aluminum, vinyl, wood fiber, or plastic. Here is a simple chart to help you understand the major differences between the two.

Comparison of Decks by Material Type

Wood Composite
Aesthetics Wood is known for its natural beauty. It richly complements any home. Because of its versatility, wood can be cut in any shape to make virtually any design. Composite decking comes in a variety of colors that mimic the appearance of natural wood. They resist fading and damage and will maintain their appearance longer. Additionally, they are often installed using low-visible fasteners, giving the deck a professional look.
Maintenance Natural wood requires annual cleaning. It also needs periodic resealing and staining to maintain its beauty. Resealing and staining also serve to protect the deck from weathering and insect damage. A wood deck can last for 20 years or longer. Composite decking requires minimal maintenance. Because of its unique construction, composite materials protect your deck from weathering, moisture decay, insects and UV damage. A periodic washing with just soap and water is all that is needed.
Attributes With proper maintenance, wood decks can look great for years to come. Some woods, like cedar, increase in beauty as they age. Composite decking requires very little maintenance. It will resist decay and warping and look great for years to come.
Cost Wood is less expensive than composite. However, maintenance costs could add up over the years. Composite decking costs more than its wood counterpart.