When planning an outdoor decking project, one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is choosing the right decking material. Traditional wood decking, such as timber decking and hardwood decking, has been a popular choice for years due to its natural beauty. However, these days, you have a lot more options and composite decking is becoming a favourite for many homeowners due to the numerous benefits that can save you money in the long run.
And today’s article is just about that – the costs of decking, and how composite decking can save you money (and time) in the long run. Basically, we want to answer the question – is composite deck cheaper than wood?
We want to make sure you understand the cost benefits that come with choosing composite decking, so this article will be a two-parter – this first part, we’re going to talk about upfront costs and long term savings – including about maintenance factors. In the second part of the topic, we’ll talk about composite decking installation, and the importance of high quality composite decking materials.
Table of Contents
Upfront Costs vs. Long-Term Savings
Everyone loves a bargain, especially when it comes to DIY and home projects.
However, when looking into the costs of building a deck, many people focus on the upfront costs of materials and installation and forget about the long-term maintenance cost aspects.
So, if you’re wondering whether timber or composite decks are cheaper, we’re going to break down the factors you need to consider.
Initial Upfront Deck Costs
When it comes to the initial deck materials costs, composite decking materials typically have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional timber decking. This is because composite boards are made from advanced composite materials, such as recycled plastic and wood fibres, and are designed to offer enhanced durability and longevity.
However, while composite decking might be more expensive upfront, the long-term savings make it a cost-effective investment.
Long-Term Savings
Wood decks and timber decks require regular maintenance, including staining, sealing, and treating, which can be costly and time-consuming. Over time, these upkeep and labour costs add up, leading to significant expenses.
In contrast, composite decks require very little maintenance, saving homeowners both time and money. Composite timber decking is resistant to common issues such as rot, mould, and insect damage, which can be expensive to address in traditional wood decks.
Composite decking boards from reputable manufacturers (like us here at WoodEvo) are built to last. They resist fading, warping, and splintering, ensuring a beautiful deck surface that remains intact for years. This durability reduces the need for repairs and replacements, translating to long-term cost savings. Unlike timber, which may need to be replaced more frequently due to wear and tear, composite decking offers a longer lifespan and sustained performance.
A Little More on Maintenance Costs
One of the most significant advantages of composite decking over traditional wood decking is the reduction in maintenance costs. While wood decks and timber decks require regular upkeep, composite decking offers substantial savings in this area.
Minimal Maintenance Requirements
Composite decking requires very little maintenance compared to natural wood or timber decks.
Traditional wood decks need frequent staining, sealing, and treating to protect against weathering, rot, and insect damage. These tasks not only incur material costs but also labour costs, whether you do it yourself or hire professionals.
Composite timber decking, however, is designed to withstand the elements with minimal upkeep. Simply cleaning your composite deck boards with soap and water is usually sufficient to keep them looking new.
Cost of Regular Maintenance
Maintaining a wood deck involves ongoing expenses. Products like stains, sealants, and treatments need to be purchased regularly, and the labour involved can be significant. Over time, these costs add up, making wood decks more expensive to maintain.
Composite decks eliminate the need for these regular treatments, translating to considerable savings over the lifespan of your deck.
High-quality composite decking is built to last. These composite boards resist common problems faced by wood decking, such as warping, splintering, and fading. This durability means that composite decks require fewer repairs and replacements over time, further reducing maintenance costs.
By choosing composite decking, homeowners can enjoy a beautiful, low-maintenance outdoor deck without the ongoing expenses and labour associated with traditional wood decking.
Do you want high quality composite decking?
That’s where we’ll wrap up part one of how composite decking saves you money. Stay tuned for part two – where we discuss installation.
But, if you’re already convinced that composite decking is for you, get in touch with our team at WoodEvo – we’re composite decking specialists and our decking boards are available Australia-wide.
Visit our showroom or get in touch with us here.
Ready to find out more about saving money when you choose composite decking? Read part two here.
