Composite vs. Wood: Which Decking Material Fits Your Lifestyle

In recent years, homeowners have rediscovered how to enjoy their own outdoor space while staying at home. It highlights the importance of creating a beautiful and inviting outdoor space. Many homeowners have invested in building and improving their home’s deck space to connect with nature within the comfort of their own home. However, the key to any home improvement is finding the right option. When upgrading a deck, it is essential to choose a deck material that best complements your lifestyle. Two of the most popular decking materials in Tennessee are composite decking and wood decking. While both are suitable for a deck, it is essential to compare the materials to make an informed decision.  Let’s explore how unique these two materials are.

1. Longevity and durability

Composite materials can last around 25 to 30 years. Composite decking is made of highly durable engineered materials—a mixture of wood and plastic—that can resist moisture and UV rays, extending your deck’s lifespan while maintaining its rich color. It is composed of a high-performance blend of organic wood fibers that last longer than ordinary wood. Traditional wood decking materials can typically last 10 to 15 years, depending on how well you maintain your wooden deck. Hence, in terms of longevity and durability, a composite deck is a more practical choice for homeowners than a traditional wood deck. However, it is essential to understand the factors that affect the wood’s longevity and durability. Here are some of these factors:

a. Climate

Being exposed to varying climates in Tennessee—from hot to rainy—wood can easily deteriorate.

b. Usage

Heavy foot traffic can cause early wear and tear to the wooden deck. Built-in seating and storage are recommended to avoid harsh furniture dragging, such as tables and chairs, which can cause damage to decks.

c. Wood Quality

Good-quality wood for your deck, such as Cedar, generally lasts longer than cheaper wood options.

d. Poor Construction

Poor artistry in deck construction leads to faster deterioration of the built deck. Hiring expert deck builders will help you achieve a longer lifespan for your deck.

e. Regular Maintenance

Regular cleaning, deck re-staining, and necessary repairs are basic after-care of your wooden deck, which can extend its lifespan for years. Softwoods must be regularly treated with chemicals to prevent moisture and pest damage.

Fig. 1. Wooden deck re-staining and re-painting in Brentwood, TN by Modern Handymen & Remodel

2. Maintenance time and costs

While no deck is maintenance-free, having an outdoor deck that stands the test of time without constant upkeep is every homeowner's goal. It allows homeowners to save time and money by maximizing the decks to their full potential. As composite and wood decks are popular decking materials in Tennessee, let us compare their maintenance time and cost.

a. Composite Deck

As composite materials are generally durable options for outdoor decks, the initial installation cost ($30-$60 per square foot) can be higher than wood, around Composite decking only requires occasional cleaning with soap and water, pressure washing or maintenance whenever necessary, making it a more cost-effective option for homeowners with an estimated maintenance cost as low as $10 to $200 per year.

b. Wooden Deck

Wooden decks require more frequent cleaning and more labor-intensive maintenance, such as annual sanding, sealing, and staining, to preserve their structural integrity and visual appeal. While the installation cost of wooden decks is lower ($23-$42 per square foot), their maintenance costs can be as high as $400-$1000 annually to keep the deck looking good and safe.

Fig. 2. A more frequent modern deck board replacement 

As you weigh the options for choosing the right decking material, pay close attention to its maintenance time and cost, as they add up over the years as you use your outdoor deck.

3. Eco-friendly options

Using eco-friendly materials in construction is encouraged to reduce our carbon footprint. While natural wood can be the most eco-friendly deck material as it is ultimately biodegradable and comes from well-managed forests, composite materials can also be a sustainable option for homeowners. Many companies in Tennessee are known for repurposing scrap materials into more sustainable materials, such as composite deck boards. Composite decking is made from up to 95% recycled and reclaimed materials. This eco-friendly innovation uses plastic waste and industrial wood scrap, such as sawdust. Since composite decks require minimal maintenance and cleaning, homeowners use fewer resources and chemicals in their deck upkeep, fostering a sustainable and safe environment throughout the deck's lifespan.

4. Appearance and color choices

While design and construction define the appearance of outdoor decks, the quality of your chosen material significantly contributes to its aesthetic appeal. Both composite and wood decks offer unique beauty and appeal, depending on your preferences and customized style.

A wooden deck offers variety and the authentic beauty of natural wood grains, such as hardwoods and bamboo. Wood is the best option as a deck material if you want to change your deck’s appearance now and then. You can swap in a new color or stain if your taste changes over the lifespan of your deck.

Meanwhile, suppose you are a determined deck owner who knows what you want. In that case, a composite deck offers a wide range of hues, tones, colors, textures, and patterns that mimic the beauty of natural wood. The diversity of aesthetic choices for composite deck materials offers a stylish look that lasts for years.

Fig. 3. An earth-toned composite deck in Tennessee

5. Upfront vs. lifetime investment

A well-maintained deck elevates your home’s curb appeal, increasing your home value significantly. Choosing the right material for your deck is like investing your money and time in what matters in the long run.

Homeowners are instantly drawn to affordable upfront solutions, such as wood, for their deck installation. However, some weigh its maintenance costs alongside its upfront costs to ensure long-term durability and sustainability. In choosing the best deck material for you, it helps to take a closer look at how much you will spend on keeping your deck beautiful all the time over the years. Some sustainable options, such as composite decks, can be more expensive to install than traditional wood. Still, the lower maintenance costs make them a wise investment for the years to come. As Decks.com presented a cost comparison of these two popular deck materials, look closely at which best fits your lifestyle.

As we understand how our material preferences impact our deck’s appearance and lifespan, it is equally important to install them with quality workmanship. Modern Handymen & Remodel offers trusted handyman and remodeling services across Tennessee, with a 4.9-star rating. Over the years, Modern Handymen & Remodel has built its name on quality craftsmanship and excellent communication on every project, from simple handyman jobs to large-scale remodels. As deck improvement is one of our popular projects, our team of passionate and expert deck builders will help you decide the best deck material that suits your lifestyle. From expert recommendations to implementation, we can help you in every step of your outdoor deck project. Call us at 615-200-8071 and get in touch with our deck experts. Find your perfect outdoor deck material—start your deck project with us now!