Deck Replacement? Many Options!

One of the first questions your professional handyman will ask as part of the deck-designing process is: What type of material do you want to use? Your first thought might be wood, but composite lumber also has its benefits. Never heard of composite lumber? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both decking materials to help you choose what will work best for your particular deck design.

Wood

Cedar and pressure-treated woods are your options in this area. Cedar, with its deep red, looks the most natural and proves rot resistant. It also doesn’t absorb moisture. The same holds true for pressure-treated woods, but they come in a wide range of grades. If you do opt for pressure-treated wood, choose the higher grades, which often are kiln-dried before and after being pressure treated.

Composite Lumber

This material most often features a composition of recycled plastic and bamboo fibers, wood chips or sawdust. It also resists rotting and warping due to moisture. Some common brands are AZEK, TimberTech and Trex.

Cost

Pressure-treated wood costs the least with cedar costing about 3 times more. Composite lumber costs the most.

Maintenance

Cedar requires pressure washing and resealing every one to two years, but no matter how well you maintain cedar, it will fade. It also requires somewhat delicate use, as cedar is a soft wood that gets easily dinged. Pressure-treated wood, on the other hand, cleans easily and holds up well to abuse. Again, opt for the higher-grade pressure-treated woods for the best results. Composite decking requires the least amount of maintenance, as it can be cleaned with a regular hose and sprayer.

Lifetime

A cedar deck will last 15 to 20 years, with decks built close to the ground or in the shade lasting on the lower side of that range. Certain pressure-treated decking products come with a limited lifetime warranty, and composite lumber decking products typically offer a limited 20-year warranty.

When choosing a decking material, keep in mind the upfront costs as well as the long-term maintenance costs. Overall, spending more upfront may be the best long-term investment.

One final thought, if you strive to use only eco-friendly products in your life, a composite lumber will best suit your style. Most composite materials are made from recycled products.