In a cool damp climate, should I use hardwood or synthetic decking material for a deck that will be near a large tree?

What is the best material to use for a deck?

Pressure treated lumber can give you many years of use and enjoyment of your deck. Often made from southern pine, a wood variety known for its load-bearing strength and durability, pressure treated materials can be the best wood for decking in high-traffic spaces.

What is the longest lasting deck material?

Aluminum and Steel

Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years. Steel decking can have a lifespan of 60+ years when correctly installed by a professional builder.

What is the best type of decking to use?

Composite and PVC decking are popular because they’re virtually maintenance free. Both types are extremely weather-resistant, easy to clean, and neither will ever splinter, warp, cup, or rot. And they don’t require sanding or staining.

What is the most cost effective decking material?

The cheapest decking material is usually pressure-treated pine, which can cost as little as $2 to $3 per square foot. There are solid wood and composite options that run $4 to $5 per square foot.

Is composite decking worth the money?

There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood. However, it is valued for its striking resemblance to natural wood and efficiency making it an excellent choice for decking. It is easier to clean and maintain which makes it last long enough to transfer the same value to the next homeowner.

Is composite decking slippery when wet?

While composite is low-maintenance, it also comes with a reputation for being really slippery. Is this reputation deserved? Composite decking will be more slippery when wet than when dry, but whether this is a cause for concern depends on the particular product line.

What are the disadvantages of composite decking?

Cons of Composite Decking

• A pricey alternative to wood. Durability comes at a cost, as composite decking is more expensive than wood. …
• Composites aren’t natural. …
• Composite decks aren’t completely maintenance free. …
• You’ll need to comparison shop.

Does composite decking get hot?

But how hot can composite decking get in the sun? One study found that in direct sunlight, composite decks can reach temperatures from 34° to 76° F hotter than the surrounding air. On an 80° day, that could mean a deck surface temperature of more than 150°.

How long do composite decks last?

between 25 and 30 years

Composite decking requires minimal upkeep and can last between 25 and 30 years. On average, plastic decking has a similar lifespan to composite decking and can last nearly 30 years.

Is vinyl decking better than composite decking?

When comparing artificial decking materials, PVC comes out on top as the deck boards that are less susceptible to the scratches that damage composite boards. Plus, while any material left in the sun will show fading, vinyl is also better protected against color fading than composite.

Is composite decking cheaper than wood?

Price – Wood decking generally costs less than composite. Pressure-treated pine sells for about half the price, while premium woods like cedar and redwood cost slightly less than composite.

Is Trex cheaper than wood?

An obstacle for Trex is that composites cost a lot more than natural wooden decking. By Trex’s estimates, for a 16- by 20-foot deck, the materials outlay for its Transcend line are $2,714, almost five times that of regular wood ($577).

How much does a 20×20 Trex deck cost?

Trex Decking Cost

That’s $5 to $12 per square foot for just decking boards and $5 to $15 per square foot for installation.

How much does a 20×20 composite deck cost?

Composite Decking Cost Per Square Foot

What is the fake wood called for decks?

wood-polymer composite

Also known as composite, wood alternatives, or synthetic decking, wood-polymer composite has become a popular decking material for residential use.

What are the disadvantages of Trex decking?

Trex Decking Problems – Disadvantages of Composite Decking

• Mold and Mildew on Composite Decking.
• Removing Snow or Ice from Composite Decking.
• Color Fading on Composite Decking.
• Trex Decking is Flaking.
• Dealing with Static Electricity.
• Chalk Line Residue.
• Tannins on Trex Decking.
• Damaged Decking.

Is a Trex deck worth it?

Trex decks are worth it because you get what you pay for. They cost more than a treated lumber one, making up for your extra outlay of cash at the onset, and will last for years longer than the average treated deck, letting you more than recoup your investment. Trex decks are also low maintenance.

Is Trex decking better than wood?

Unlike treated wood, which is susceptible to warping, rotting, or splintering over time, Trex composite decking doesn’t fade, resists damage from the elements, and never needs sealing or painting. It’s eco-friendly, too, because it’s manufactured from high-quality recycled materials.

Does Trex decking get hotter than wood?

Direct Sun

When it comes to heat retention, wood fares better than Trex, especially when the hot sun is beating down on the deck. While wood gets hot enough to make walking with bare feet uncomfortable, composite decking gets even hotter.

Do composite decks warp?

Your composite deck may not warp, but it can sag and buckle. Most sagging is caused by improper spacing between the joists when it is installed. Also, thermal expansion, the fluctuation of temperatures, can have a more significant effect on composite decking than on natural wood decking.