Pros And Cons Of Composite Decking Vs. Wooden Plank

Are you wanting to make a long-term investment in a high-quality deck that looks great? There are several choices, with composite decking and wood decking being two of the most popular. Both materials offer benefits and drawbacks. You can decide which choice is best for you by weighing the benefits and drawbacks. Below, we contrast wood decking vs. composite decking so you can make an informed choice and build a deck you’ll love for years to come.

Pros And Cons

Materials 

A variety of hardwood species, including jarrah, Merbau, blackbutt, and others, can be used to make a wooden planks. The location of your deck, the amount of sunshine it will receive, and your preferences for look, texture, and color will all affect which wood is ideal for decking.

Composite decking is created by mixing plastic and wood fibers, which are then bound together with binding chemicals. The finished product has a lot of useful features that the component ingredients alone don’t have. Just as with wooden planks, you should think about the environment, the weather, and your aesthetic preferences before selecting whether composite decking is ideal for you.

Appearance 

The natural beauty and richness of the material, which other solutions can’t match, is one of the main reasons why people select träplanka. The color spectrum can be anything from rich reds to brilliant golds, depending on the species you pick. Some species, like jarrah, age nicely even without routine oil recoating, and many people appreciate the old wood’s naturally worn appearance.

Although most composite decking can be clearly separated from real timber, it is created to replicate the appearance of natural timber. That’s because compared to genuine wood, most composite boards appear more uniform in terms of color and texture. It’s crucial to weigh your alternatives because less expensive brands might come out as garish and unappealing.

Installation 

Because the composite boards are delivered in a single length, often longer than 4.2m, composite decking is frequently simpler to construct than wooden planks. Contrarily, timber boards are typically delivered in a variety of lengths, which might lengthen the installation procedure. Composite decking is not as flexible as real timber and may need extra supporting pieces during installation.

Maintenance

The reduced maintenance needs of composite decking are one of its key benefits. Although most composite decking doesn’t need painting, staining, oiling, or varnishing, certain models do require sealing to preserve the decking’s color. Before buying your decking materials, it’s crucial to comprehend the required care.

To maintain its look, wood needs extra upkeep. Some species require cleaning and oiling less regularly, but the largest impact is exposure to the sun. UV rays will gradually strip the wood’s natural color pigments, giving the appearance of aging. Always inquire with your wood supplier about the recommended upkeep schedule and procedures for your wood decking.

Strength & longevity

Composite decking is said to be quite sturdy and will endure for a very long period with little upkeep. wooden plank can also be highly durable when looked after properly. Hardwood choices like jarrah, ironbark, and burned ash perform better and survive longer than inexpensive ones like treated pine.

Some hardwoods like blackbutt and spotted gum are inherently fire resistant, making them a great choice for locations that are prone to bushfires. Jarrah and ironbark are two types of wood that are inherently resistant to termites and rotting, while pacific teak works well in coastal locations where high salt levels are a problem.

Liveability

Timber decking that has been properly maintained is typically more user-friendly and comfortable to walk on than composite decking. Composite decking can get so hot that it is impossible to walk barefoot on it when exposed to the sun’s heat. Timber, on the other hand, is cooler to walk on during the summer because it better controls heat. the wooden plank that is not properly maintained can deteriorate structurally and possibly shatter. This issue is not present with composite decking, which also requires little upkeep to maintain its good looks.

Ecological impact 

Timber is a renewable resource that has a minimal carbon impact. Transport emissions can be greatly reduced by using local timber species like jarrah, blackbutt, and spotted gum.

Composite decking’s plastic components are non-renewable resources. Some manufacturers employ recycled plastic components which lessen their environmental effect considerably. Composite decking is more difficult to recycle than wood at the end of its useful life, and the recycling of komposittrall emits more carbon dioxide.

Wood vs. composite decking: which is best for you?

Composite can be the best choice for you if you’re seeking a highly durable, low-maintenance solution. Lumber decking could be a better choice, though, if the appearance, liveability, and sustainability of natural timber are essential to you.

We only provide durable, high-quality wood decking in a variety of wood types. Marineplank, Classicplank, and Metroplank are three of our premium wooden plank profiles that have been meticulously created for unparalleled durability and beauty. We are eager to collaborate with you to realize your idea.

Read more: Is Composite Decking More Durable Than Wood Decking?