THE PROS AND CONS OF COMPOSITE AND WOOD DECKS

Consider all the options before making your decision

What are the Pros and Cons?

We are often asked what the pros and cons are of composite decking compared to wood decking. Although budget is usually the top priority when a customer is deciding on investing in a deck, it is important to look at the long-term costs associated with building a deck and not just the upfront initial installation costs.

Trex® & TimberTech® Composite Decking

Pros

  • Low-maintenance
  • Rich, deep palettes that mimic the look for real wood
  • Recycled products

  • Soft, splinterless comfort that will never rot

  • A smart investment 

  • No staining or painting

  • No rotting, splintering, or warping

  • No harmful chemicals

  • Ability to curve deck boards and railings

  • Ease of install of deck lighting

  • Fade & Stain Resistent

  • 25 Year – Lifetime Limited Warranties as outlined on www.trex.com and www.timbertech.com

  • Can be installed in the winter months

Cons

  • Usually double the upfront cost compared to basic pressure treated pine decking

  • Not able to change the color of the decking in the future

Wood Decking

Pros

  • Lower upfront cost

  • A larger range of color options to stain the wood

Cons

  • Can splinter, warp and rot over time

  • New wood needs to be stained or sealed within 60 days from installation and sooner for fall deck installations

  • A full cleaning, sanding any splintered wood and re-staining required annually to prolong longevity of wood

  • Difficult to curve wood decking

  • Harder to install lighting in wood decks

  • Not as environmentally friendly

  • Needs to be installed in the warmer months to ensure staining or sealing before winter

  • No warranty

  • Average lifespan of a wood deck is much shorter at about 10-15 years in our climate when properly maintained or less than 10 years if not properly maintained with annual cleaning, sanding and staining

Build Your Dream Deck

Check out all our RSB videos.

OUR CLIENTS SAY

If we could give RSB an A+, we would. Their professionalism, timeliness, attention to detail, clean-up and general all around demeanor was remarkable. It seems that these days, it’s hard to find a company that reminds you of the way businesses used to be. These guys were just very easy to work with and came through with everything that was discussed.  Although they specialize in Trex® composite decking, we prefer the look of real cedar and RSB hand picked the deck boards from their lumber supplier. You will not go wrong by choosing RSB for your deck work.

Larry, Long Grove, IL

Don’t wait any longer. Relax and enjoy your dream deck this year!

Contact Rock Solid Builders today for your free estimate.

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