Why Composite Decking Is Better Now Than Ever Beforebuilddirect Blog

Composite Wood For Decks

Of course, it has its pros and cons to consider before you commit. At Ridgeline Decks our goal is to create beautiful decks that will stand up to the harshest weather conditions and provide our customers with years of enjoyment. With that in mind, we believe that a well-constructed deck starts with using the highest quality materials. They look like composites, but these boards are actually 99 percent virgin PVC plastic, very different stuff from the polyethylene-wood mix found in most composites. Everything you need to finish a deck—fascia boards, railings, balusters, treads, and posts—is made in matching colors using the same composite material. Run-of-the-mill boards start at $4 per square foot, while the premium products that closely resemble tropical wood run up to $7.20 per square foot.

If you are thinking of removing your old wood deck and are on a budget, then treated lumber or cedar may be the best option for you. If however, you have a large budget and want to experiment with a long lasting and durable product then you might want to consider composite decking. This is a huge advantage to those who hate to spend time and money treating and maintaining their wood decks. We all know that patios provide a wonderful space to enjoy the warmth and relaxation of spring, summer, fall and depending on where you live, winter.

Once supply and demand equalize, building slows, and the lumber supply chain catches up, we should see prices come back down to normal levels. Through it all, Fisher Lumber remains committed to you, our loyal customers, friends we've yet to meet, and our entire community. We are happy to answer any questions, address any concerns, or just provide a little insight. Leland Fisher Lumber is full-service lumber and hardware supplier. We’ve serviced homeowners and professional contractors in Montgomery County, Howard County, and Frederick County since 1894! Whether you want to remodel your home or upgrade your business, we have the professionalism and expertise to make any architectural vision come to life. Timbertech– Timbertech offers low-maintenance decking and railing solutions.

Wood Decking

So when your looking at the pros and cons of composite decking, take the time to make the decision is the right for you. The fact is, there are many products on the market depending on your location. As for materials, most composite products are manufactured from wood by-products, such as sawdust, wood chips or recycled plastics. Often, combining synthetic and organic materials seems to capture the best of both worlds , and creates a durable product that looks and feels similar to wood decking. When the first composite decking materials were introduced in the 1990s, it was eyed as being the next evolution of the deck-building industry.

Products & Services

The manufacturer is proud to say no tree was cut down in the making of their products. In fact, they’re one of the major plastic film recyclers in the United States. We offer a variety of specialized lumber and exterior framing materials for the quality, strength and stability you need. Your outdoor space should reflect your project's personality and style. Exterior Source provides professional installation of seamless gutters and decking to help protect your home.

Keep in mind that the less your wood costs, the more maintenance it tends to require. While real wood has advantages for the initial installation, the downsides emerge over time. Wood requires more maintenance than composite wood, so it takes more time and more money over the years. There’s no better peace-of-mind knowing that your outdoor investment will look good for years to come. This is usually mentioned as the largest disadvantage of composite products. IN fact, they can be anywhere from 50 to 100 per cent more than standard treated lumber, though this varies based on your location. While many people select lumber options because they are more affordable, they must recognized the increase cost of labor that should also be considered.

Putting Together An Outdoor Living Look

At Exterior Source, our Trex composite decking is made of 95% recycled materials, including plastic packaging, reclaimed wood and sawdust. Outdoor living spaces add value to a home because they add space, style, seclusion, and a new area in which to entertain guests. A deck is a vital investment that will benefit you for years to come. Composite decking, in particular, is popular among homeowners because of its durability and easy maintenance. Leland Fisher Lumber partners with Trex, Azek, Fiberon PVC and Timbertech to install the perfect composite decks for homeowners. Keep reading to gain knowledge about the benefits of composite decking.

• The price differential also depends on the wood species chosen versus the brand of composite decking, and local market conditions.
• You will realize ten years down the line that it is generally cheaper to have composite decking and not wood decking.
• The decks actually consist of recycled materials like plastic bags, wood scrap, and others.
• However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance.
• Despite the initial cost of purchasing composite decks being higher than that of wood, the maintenance is very minimal and easy.

Manufacturers can simulate the look of exotic hardwoods to give homeowners options that they normally wouldn’t have the ability to afford when building a deck. Additionally, wood decks are known to splinter or warp due to the elements or normal wear and tear from use. However, on average, a well-cared for deck can last up to 20 years or more.

Are you considering adding a deck to your Eastern Washington or North Idaho home? Contact the professionals at Ridgeline Decks to discuss your options. We will help you create a customized outdoor living space that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. Many choices – Composite decking comes in a variety of colors to match any exterior and complement the curb appeal of your home. Composites have few maintenance needs, so you'll have plenty of time to take care of the ones that do crop up.

With Trex, you don’t have to make a compromise between looks, performance and maintenance requirements–you can have it all. Thanks to its protective outer shell, Trex can be cleaned using a simple solution of soap and water, resists fades and stains and won’t warp, crack or split. The outer surface can also resist normal scratches caused by chair legs, boots or your pets’ claws.

You will realize ten years down the line that it is generally cheaper to have composite decking and not wood decking. There is no environmental impact needed to sustain the composite decks. The decks actually consist of recycled materials like plastic bags, wood scrap, and others. They can therefore give your house a good look and finish for years without any need for renovation. When you’re in that situation, the use of hidden fasteners can become a disadvantage rather quickly. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question.

Why entrust your decking construction to amateurs when you can work with the pros? Licensed and insured contractors give you piece of mind and make the job easier. They also have access to high-quality materials that can help you make the most of your investment. In fact, this home addition can help reinvigorate your outdoor space.