Is Composite Decking Worth The Cost?

Is Composite Decking Worth The Cost?

It’s true. Composite decking is more expensive than your standard timber decking. So what’s with the heftier price tag, and is it worth forking out the big bucks?

The answer is yes. It is worth it. Although composite decking has a pricier upfront payment, the value of that extra cost is revealed over the course of your deck’s lifetime as you pay little in the way of maintenance and upkeep, making it a better investment in the long-term.

Unlike wooden decking, which needs to be re-stained at least once a year to maintain its integrity and to prevent it from bleaching and losing its rich, deep tones, composite decking requires virtually no maintenance. All you need to do is give it a blast with the hose, soap it up, and wipe it down once a year. That’s it. No extra costs. Very little work.

Furthermore, composite decking never splinters, has better traction when it’s wet than wood does, and it’s fire-resistant, meaning it won’t go up in a fiery inferno if it ever happens to be exposed to flame. All of this equates to composite decking being less hazardous than wooden decking, and safer to use in outdoor settings around your home.

In addition to this, composite boards are considered an eco-friendly alternative to wooden boards because they are comprised almost entirely from recycled products such as sawdust and reusable plastics. This means they aren’t harvested directly from a forest and, therefore, don’t contribute to preventable impacts on the environment such as deforestation. In other words, a little extra cash in exchange for helping the environment might make this a more appealing product to the eco-conscious consumer who is concerned about the impact their spending might have on our earth.

In other words, although composite decking might cost you more in the short term, it definitely gives great bang for its buck in the long term. This is why composite decking has experienced a surge in popularity over recent years, and will continue to gain popularity as it becomes available in more colours, designs and ranges than ever before.

Which type of composite decking should I pick?

Visual appeal is important — after all, you will be spending a lot of time on your deck — so the style of composite decking you pick should be contingent on the style of your house. You want your deck to look and feel like a natural extension of your house, so don’t go with mismatched colours and styles that you might later regret because they look tacky and don’t complement the overall look of your home.

Furthermore, don’t pick a dark colour if the deck is going to be exposed to direct sunlight. Sure, go ahead if the deck is to be installed under a nice shaded, leafy area, but if you put it out where the heat from the sun can be absorbed into it, you’ll have to slip on some thongs if you hope to walk on it. This is because composite decking can get super hot when it sits in the sunlight — probably it’s only other major disadvantage other than its price tag.

Nevertheless, if you need to install your deck in an exposed area, you can always opt for a lighter colour which will counteract a lot of the heat it accumulates. There are a wide range of colours and tones available, and definitely one that will suit your needs.

At the end of the day, the type of deck you choose should be determined by your budget (make sure it’s affordable and within your price range), it matches the design of your home, and that it will be installed in a shaded area (or otherwise choose a lighter colour less likely to absorb the heat).

It’s also a good rule of thumb to make sure you consult a professional for advice around the most suitable type of decking for your home, as well as checking out reviews and testimonials from other consumers who can vouch for the better products and guide you away from the lesser ones.

It’s better to read about others’ horror stories before writing your own one by getting a product that you’ll later regret having paid for. Do some research and reap the rewards!