Decks, Patios, Porches and Docks - Wood vs Composite

I'm going to be building my first deck. The deck will be approximately 12' X 15' X 3'.

I am debating on whether to use composite decking or wood. This is going to be a plain jane square deck with railing and some steps. Nothing fancy...

What does everyone recommend to use? What would be the price difference on a deck this size? Is the difference worth it?

I read that composite decking "fades" but wood decking you have to stain and what not..

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

You will hear some advertisements or articles state that "composites only cost a little more. Perhaps taking time and maintenance cost into consideration, that is true, but real world, up front costs for 5/4x6 decking per linear foot as as follows:
pt wood $.60
cedar .90 to 1.10
exotic woods like IPE 2.10 -2.60
composites 1.90 to 3.50

There will be "specials" or close outs of products offered at discount stores. Also, there is a fair amount of discontinued products floating around for lower cost. Just keep in mind if a product was discontinued, it generally was for a good reason.

The better composites have a UV formula mixed in. This chemical adds to the cost and helps keep the color. Even with UV protection, they will fade somewhat and you should expect variations in color.

Also, you can't just whack nails into composites or even use most screw gun type screws. generally screws recommended to composites will cost.

when you select some products for comparison, use these factors which should be part of a products specifications to help you decide:
MOE(modulous of elasticity) a higher number means it will feel less springy underfoot.
MOR (modulous of rupture) # lbs necessary to make it break
Screw pullout #lbs required to pull out a screw
MOTE (modulous of linear thermal expansion) all composites will expand. the more it expands, the more gap you have to leave on butt joints. even withtout butt joints, a product might stretch and pop it's screws if the temperature variance is bigger.
Water absorbtion. 24 hr soak test. all composites have some percentage of wood and all will absorb some water. if a product absorbs a lot, it can become water logged looking over the years. it also might develop mold growing down in the fibers, which cause black spots.

ask the salesperson what the specifications are and insist on a published answer. don't let someone blow you off by using words like "minimal" or "really strong". Use the numbers to decide.

The cost difference is not minimal
And, unless your local to me, I really couldn't tell you by how much, as wood prices can vary regionally
Only you can decide if it's worth it
Everything costs more and is harder
Your saws need beefier blades
You can't just hammer in a nail, you'll need a nail gun
The screws are harder to set, and you need special screws

That being said, with a quality composite, the finished product is just beautiful
No splinters, no sanding
And you don't have to worry about staining or painting
(Composite is supposed to fade a bit)
You can get much fancier than you could with 1st time DIYing a wood deck
Maybe it took longer to build, but when it's done, it's done
Bare feet welcome

SHOP!!

Jay_myself mentioned 5/4 PT at about $.60 a foot. You won't find it on the left coast! It's simply not available around here. But we do have redwood. A 2X6 goes for $1.40 /ft., and up, depending on the grade you are looking at.

Slickshift mentions "beefier sawblades". I use 24T Marathon's for everything (in my Skilsaw), and a 60 to 80 tooth carbide in the chop saw. No need to change until they get dull.

Be prepared for sticker shock when you start pricing the railing. It'll cost as much as the decking, depending on what you choose.

Thanks for all the replies..

I was at an auction last night and they had 12' x 5/8" pieces of composite decking going for around $17 per board. My local Lowe's sells them for around $20. Seeing that I'm buliding 12 X 15 I would need around 35 boards..

We are trying to decide if we should just do wood. We like the look of wood better but being that we never had a deck we don't know the yearly maintenance involved.

Can someone tell me what that would be? How hard it is to maintain and keep nice / not splintering?

Thanks

tbird,
I just built a composite deck/porch. I say, if you can tolerate some fade, and suceptibility to scratches and stains, go for it. I went with a driftwood gray because if it fades to silver, I'll like even more. Even with composites, there is some cleaning maintenance involved. There are special deck cleaners and household products can be used. I can't comment on what works best yet. Also, you can seal/stain if desired, but not necessary. As for the scratches, I hear they tend to fade in time. The good news is most (if not all) composites are warranteed against splitting, splintering, rot and termite damage.

Also, I like the natural beauty and warmth of wood, so I chose cedar for my railings. I think its a nice combination, but this would require more maintenance than the composite alone.

Anyway, just food for thought. Goodluck.

jasper

Jasper, thanks for the reply. You don't happen to have any pictures do you?

What size deck did you built? What was your total cost?

THanks

Actually, I had a contractor build a 12'x13' screen porch with composite decking so the cost is N/A. You can see pics at http://photos.yahoo.com/jasper_60103.
-jasper

tbird2340,

Cost is what it is. If you are doing the deck yourself, you are looking at material cost plus your time. That's pretty easy to come up with. Go shopping!

If you are going to hire a contractor to build the deck for you, it's going to cost more. The contractor has to pay his crew, pay the taxes and insurance on his crew, pay his overhead, pay, pay, pay -- There are reasons why we have to charge $80 an hour, or more!! If you are going to hire the deck done, get at least 3 estimates, and ask for references, proof of insurance, etc., etc.

Composite vs. wood -- that's really a no brainer. Which do you like the looks of?? Some places you can get PT wood pretty cheap and it makes a pretty decent deck. But, the farther west you get, the worse the PT looks. On the left coast, we simply don't use it for decking. It's mudsill, and it looks like mudsill. We have redwood, at least on the south end of the left coast. Anyplace east of L.A. or Winnimucca NV, you won't find it.

A composite will last longer than wood, and the maintenance is keep it clean.

Warranty -- I have yet to see the word mentioned in regards to wood. 'Nuf said.

I'll throw my 2cents in here..

Wood decks are cheaper, but you will spend far more time cleaning, staining every few years and replacing problem boards. Composites are more expensive, but all you have to do is pressure wash it off once a year. Cedar is another alternative, but it can cost you even more time then PT in the upkeep department and its more expensive.

Actually, I had a contractor build a 12'x13' screen porch with composite decking so the cost is N/A. You can see pics at http://photos.yahoo.com/jasper_60103.
-jasper

That looks nice! :thumbup:

What size is the deck?

Hellrazor,

"Wood decks are cheaper..." -- That depends on where you're at and what you can get for a decent wood to deck it with. For probably 95% of the U.S., your statement is probably correct. I just happen to live in the OTHER 5%!!

What I can get for PT just isn't suited for decking, and it costs about the same as the less expensive composites -- about $1.75/ft. for a 2X6. I can get redwood -- the other 90% of the country can't. What is called Con Common redwood goes for about $1.40/ft. for a 2X6. I won't use it for decking. (Too many knots, it's sap wood, has too many splinters, ...) Next step up is Con Heart. That about $2/ ft. OK for decking, but there are a lot of composites in that range. Next up is a grade called 'Select', at at LEAST $2.50/ft, up to over $4/ft. The composites around here top out at about $2.40/ft., and Pro Cell (the only vinyl available) is $2.60/ft. IPE is about $3/ft., but the LABOR...!!!!

Just so you would know ;-))

Lefty

That looks nice! :thumbup:

What size is the deck?

12'x13'. Thanks.

-jasper