Composite vs Timber: Which Decking Option Suits Your Needs?
28 September 2020If you are like most Australians, you love to enjoy the outdoors even when you are at home. An ideal way to accomplish this is by installing a deck onto your house. Today, you have a choice of materials to use in this type of project, namely composite or timber decking. Each one has its unique characteristics and care instructions. Which one is better for your deck? Read our comparison on composite versus timber decking to learn additional facts, so you can make an educated decision for your deck.
Price Comparison
The cost of a composite deck will vary slightly depending upon the brand of composite a construction company chooses to install. However, the average cost of this decking material is about $350.00 a square metre. You also need to know that composite material for decks come in the colour that you desire without the need of sanding or staining.
Timber decks cost less than composite ones do, at least, initially. They range from $200.00 a square metre if you select pine timber to $320.00 a square metre for various hardwood choices in decking. Wood decking requires sanding, staining and sealing to achieve the desired finish and colour.
Maintenance Requirements
It is easy to maintain composite decks throughout their lifespan just by spraying them off with water. Pressure washing also is possible. No sealant is ever necessary for this type of decking.
Wood deck material does require periodic cleaning in the same manner as the composite material does throughout the year. However, timber decking also needs re-staining and re-sealing occasionally during its lifespan.
Longevity
The difference between the composite and timber decking is quite evident when comparing their lifespan. Composite decks last 25 years or more while timber ones last up to 15 years before needing replacing.
Aesthetic Appeal
Both materials produce an eye-catching deck since composite has the look of natural wood. You cannot base your decision on this point since these materials run neck and neck with each other here.
Disadvantages
Composite material for decking has two downsides. One is that it costs more initially to install and two is the fact that not all composite decking contains 100-percent natural substances. However, composite can contain recycled materials.
Timber decking costs more per year to maintain than composite does for the most part. Also, since its lifespan is shorter than the lifespan of composite, you get less of a return on your investment. We must point out that if you are looking for an all-natural material for your deck, though, timber is the one that offers this feature. Turn to Prestige Construction & Design for further facts about composite versus timber decking to know which one is right for you. We specialise in decks along with other construction projects.
