Wood vs. Composite

Dorner Decking and Renovations will install either type of deck for the same labor rate. The only difference in the cost of your custom deck will be the price of the chosen materials.

Advantages of a Composite Deck

Composite decks come in many different colors and patterns. Several quality vendors are available, each offering their own unique style. Not only are we experienced in working with this wide range of materials, we are also here to help our customers select the ideal material to compliment their home.

Composite decking offers many different styles of railing and lighting that an average wooden deck could not support. For example, many manufacturers produce sleeves which can be used to conceal wiring. On a wooden deck, this wiring would have to be exposed, limiting your lighting selection to solar or battery powered solutions.

Maintenance and Repairs

Composite decks are often advertised as maintenance free, meaning you do not have to periodically apply stain to your deck. However, sun light and weather may discolor your composite deck.

When accidents happen and a board needs to be replaced, matching the color of the new board to the existing boards can be difficult due to weathering. Only time will permit that board to fade to the color of the surrounding boards.

Note: If you plan to cook on your composite deck, it is suggested to place a mat under your grill to avoid burning or melting the deck material. Keep in mind this mat will block the composite material from the Sun, which will result in a patch of deck that is a different shade from the rest.

Advantages of a Wooden Deck

Plastic and metal tend to expand and contract during seasonal changes, which may require periodic adjustment. Wooden decks are not as susceptible to this expansion and contraction due to climate changes.

Although there are many different composite deck patterns that simulate wood grain, nothing can duplicate the look and feel of natural wood.

Maintenance and Repairs

Wooden decks tend to be more durable than composite decks.

Unlike a composite deck, wooden decks do not use artificial colors and dyes, which can become discolored due to sun light and weather.

If a board needs to be replaced on a wooden deck, the color can be matched the next time that deck is stained.