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.