Have you decided to redo your deck to better enjoy your outdoor living? One of the first decisions you will have to make is what building materials to choose for your deck project. Is it better to opt for a composite or wood deck? Here are the pros and cons of each.

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Durability

A deck made of pressure treated wood has a lifespan of 15 to 25 years, while a composite deck can last 25 to 50 years. If you want to keep your deck as long as possible, choose composite decking boards. This material does not degrade over time, unlike pressure treated lumber. It is also more resistant to stains and scratches than wood.

The initial investment is greater with a composite deck, but it will remain in better condition in the long run. Wood can crack over time, which is not the case with composite board. Composite will retain its shape and wood grain year after year, whereas natural wood can warp.

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Patio en bois de composite
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Maintenance

A composite deck does not require any maintenance, except for a pressure wash or brush and soap once or twice a year. There is no need to paint or seal it, which also makes it eco friendly.

A pressure treated wood deck requires more care to maintain its luster. Annual maintenance will maximize its life span. The deck flooring should be painted or sealed every year or two.

By choosing composite decking, you will definitely save time. On a beautiful summer weekend, would you rather enjoy your yard or spend time maintaining your deck? Most people would probably prefer to avoid this chore!

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Warranties

Warranties can help give you peace of mind that you won’t have to worry about problems with your deck. Our composite decks come with a 25 to 50-year manufacturer’s warranty. For treated wood, you will not get a warranty other than the contractor’s. If the wood cracks after normal wear and tear, the decking boards will have to be replaced, which is not covered by the warranties.

The increased cost of wood

The biggest advantage of wood over composite is the low cost of wood. However, the pandemic has had a big impact on the price of this material.

The recent increase in the price of pressure treated wood and cedar has narrowed the gap between the cost of a wood and composite deck tremendously. The price of wood has risen dramatically. Since composite is made of both recycled plastic and wood, the cost increase has been less.

Color choices

Wood has the advantage of being able to be stained in the color of your choice. By choosing composite, you will also have a wide range of decking colors. Many composite colors are very similar to those of wood.

Did you know that we offer more than 200 composite decking colors? You’re sure to find one you like!

The style of your home

The style you want to give to your patio can be different depending on the materials you choose. A cedar deck without stain or an IPE wood deck will tend to rot over time. Composite decking offers, on the other hand, resistance to rot and retains much the same appearance, except that the color can fade in the sun.

Because of its rustic look, a wood deck can be a great match for a country-style home. For example, a pine patio will bring a unique touch to your yard. The variations in color and texture that are naturally present in wood planks may also sway your choice in favor of this material. However, some composite shades are becoming more and more similar to natural wood.

For a home with a more modern look, a composite deck will work well. This material makes it easy to create a sleek look with composite decking and railing.

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Escalier de patio en bois de composite
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Surface temperature

In the sun, a composite deck can become hotter than a wood deck. What accounts for this heat difference?

The plastic in composite simply conducts heat better than wood. The plastic in composite simply conducts heat better than wood. During a heat wave, a composite surface in direct sunlight could become hot. This makes it less pleasant to walk on it barefoot.

However, some composites can stay cooler than others. The colors you choose will also affect the temperature of your patio. A dark surface will absorb more heat than a light surface.

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Patio en bois de composite
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Budget

If your budget is limited, a wood deck will be less expensive than a composite deck. However, you will save on maintenance every year by choosing composite. The total cost of a wood deck, including maintenance, could be close to that of a composite deck, depending on the type of wood chosen.

Whether you opt for a wood or composite patio, the quality of the installation will also have an impact on its lifespan. We build every patio meticulously, to give you a quality structure. To find out more about composite and wood, and to plan your patio project, contact our team.

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