Natural Wood Vs Composite Deck Material: Which is Best for Your Patio?

Both natural wood and composite decks can bring functionality and beauty to your home. Whether you opt for wraparound terraces or simply want a small deck for dining out above your backyard, the professionals at Prince William Home Improvement can help you design a home addition that meets all your needs. Once you’re satisfied with the design, the decking professionals build and install your deck, exceeding local codes wherever possible to ensure a long-lasting, quality structure.

Before you can move forward with your new deck design and installation, though, you have to compare deck materials to decide what material you want for your deck. Natural wood and composite lumber are both popular choices. Learn about the pros and cons of each deck material so you can make the best decision for your residence.

The Pros Natural Wood Decking

Natural wood is a timeless choice for decks. Woodgrain brings a gorgeous look to the outside of your home, and you can choose to stain or paint the deck to meet your aesthetic needs. When properly cared for, real wood decking can also last for years or even decades, though you may have to replace certain areas of your deck periodically due to weather damage or other issues.

Disadvantages of Wood Decking

Maintenance requirements are perhaps the biggest disadvantages associated with natural wood decks. Even if you choose pretreated lumber that is meant for outdoor use and can stand up to the rigors of weather and time, you may need to apply protective coats or stains periodically, which could require sanding and the removal of previous finishes. And if you choose to paint your wooden deck for aesthetic purposes, you can expect to need to reapply paint every few years. In areas where weather conditions are particularly harsh, such as where ice, sleet or hail are regular occurrences, the paint may need to be touched up or reapplied more frequently.

Composite Decking Benefits

Composite decking can bring a lot of the same benefits to your residence without some of the disadvantages of natural wood. Composite wood decking from companies such as Trex has a beautiful wood look and is more low maintenance than natural wood. Trex composite decking comes in a variety of tones to match the style of your home.

Unlike natural wood, Trex and other composite materials do not require periodic painting, staining, or replacement. Where wood may rot in places without the proper care (and even with the proper care over very long periods) composite decking products will not. It’s also not prone to damage from wood bees or termites and is resistant to splinters and warping. All that’s required to keep Trex composite decking looking great for years is a good wash annually or at the beginning and end of the warm season.

Aside from requiring less maintenance, another benefit of Trex decking is how it is put together. Instead of being built solely with screws and nails, our Trex decks utilize hidden fasteners, so the surface of the deck is free of extra joints, holes, or rough spots.

The Cons of Composite Decking

The downside to using composite decking material is having to choose from their color selections. While companies such as Trex have a wide variety of colors and tones, you have to stick with it. Natural wood deck boards, on the other hand, can be painted and stained to your specific color or tone choice, giving you endless possibilities.

In conclusion, choosing between natural wood and composite decking depends on your personal preference, budget, and maintenance needs. Natural wood decking offers a classic and authentic look, while composite decking provides durability, low maintenance, and a wide range of color options. Both materials have their pros and cons, and it is important to weigh them before making a decision.

Our Home Improvement Experts Are Here To Help

At Prince William Home Improvement, we offer a variety of decking options and can help guide you through the selection process. If you’re ready to add a deck to your yard but don’t know where to start or what kind of material might work for you, contact our team or give us a call at (800) 799-7944 today.