A Deck Builder Weighs In On All You Need to Know About the Aesthetics, Affordability, and Maintenance Of These Materials

Simultaneously building value and increasing the functional space of your property, decks are a wonderful addition to most homes. A great deck enhances your lifestyle and the enjoyment of your home and outdoor living area, creating a beautiful space outside where memories can be made.

If you’re installing or updating your deck, it’s important to know what your options are. Natural wood and composite decking come with their own benefits and considerations, so let’s take a look at both options as you plan your project.

The Basics Of Wood and Composite Decking

Composite decking is made from wood fibers encased in plastic.
Traditional wood decks are often built with redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated pine, the most cost-effective option. With the timeless appeal of wood, these decks provide a good return on investment for your home.

Pros Of Installing a Wood Deck

  • Natural beauty: Wood decking is a popular choice to add warmth and character to your outdoor living space. Homeowners love the beautiful texture and timelessness that comes with the look of natural wood. Additionally, many find that choosing a wood deck creates a look of authenticity and continuity with nature in your outdoor space.
  • Better price: Wooden decks usually provide a more affordable option when compared with composite, making them a budget-friendly option for many homeowners seeking a deck solution with the right price tag.
  • Easy replacement: If parts of your wood deck get damaged or deteriorate over time, a professional deck builder can easily replace individual boards, making maintenance easy and manageable.
  • Cooler surface: During hot summer months in the Kansas City metro, decks can get to high temperatures that are unpleasant to walk on and can even become dangerous for bare feet or pets. Wood decking tends to be significantly cooler when compared with composite decking.

Cons Of Wood Decking

  • Maintenance: In order to keep your wood deck in the best possible condition, you will need to stain, seal, and refinish the wood every one to three years to protect against deterioration, fading, and rot. While maintenance isn’t required too frequently, it is necessary to keep your wood deck in great working condition and extend the lifespan of your deck.
  • Prone to rot and insects: Without proper maintenance, your wood deck can be susceptible to rot, decay, and insect damage. This is especially the case during wetter seasons where the humidity and dampness provide the optimal conditions for wood rot. Even pressure-treated wood will eventually rot.
  • Fading: Over time, wood decking can fade due to UV exposure and weather conditions. While regular maintenance such as staining and refinishing can help your deck maintain its appearance, the maintenance requirements are important to consider.

Pros Of Installing a Composite Deck

  • Durability: Manufactured with plastic fibers, composite decking is hardwearing and highly resistant to rot, insect damage, and discoloration. Composite material provides a strong surface that retains its structural integrity over time, a huge benefit for a deck that must withstand the changeable and extreme weather of Kansas and Missouri.
  • Low maintenance: Unlike wooden decks, composite decking does not require staining, sealing, or refinishing to maintain its appearance and structural integrity.
  • Appearance: Due to the man-made materials used to create composite decking, this decking option retains its color and appearance over time with minimal discoloration from fading or stains. Additionally, composite decking can often come in a range of colors and finishes to go with any desired style, or match your home’s vinyl siding or deck railings.

Cons Of Composite Decking

  • Hotter surface: Composite decking often retains more heat when compared to wooden decks. This can make walking on the deck hot and uncomfortable for household members and pets, so it’s something to be mindful of.
  • Less natural look: Although composite decking offers great faux wood designs, it may not accurately replicate the authentic look of wood to everyone’s satisfaction.
  • Upfront cost: Composite decking usually comes with a higher price tag than traditional wood decks. While setting you back a higher initial cost, it is important to note that its longevity and relatively low maintenance can often recuperate the initial cost of a composite deck.

Our Deck Contractors Can Build Your Dream Composite or Wood Deck, No Matter What You Need

Wood decking is a beautiful choice that provides a classic, natural aesthetic for your outdoor space – often at a great price. While you must consider the maintenance requirements to keep your wooden deck in the best condition, proper treatment such as staining and sealing can effectively prevent weathering, deterioration, and insect problems.

Composite decking is a practical and attractive choice that offers a durable, low-maintenance decking solution that is resistant to fading, rot, insects, and damage. Although composite decking might set you back a little more initially, it often proves a smart investment due to its longevity and negligible maintenance costs.

Whichever deck material you choose, you’re taking a step to improve your home, add functional space, and increase the value of your property.

Great Plains Exteriors is Kansas City’s trusted deck builder for composite and wood decks, treating your project with the attention, professionalism, and exceptional customer service you deserve.

For more information or to book your free consultation, call us at (816) 994-3725.