Wood vs Composite:
What You Need to Know about Decking
Extending your living space into the outdoors is great way to enhance summer living. When it comes to your home, choosing the best materials for your lifestyle and budget is important. You’re ready to build your deck but how do you choose between wood and composite decking? We put them head-to-head to help you make it better. Here’s what you need to know.
What is MicroPro Sienna® Treated Lumber?
MicroPro Sienna is natural wood that has been treated with an eco-friendly copper-based wood preservative that helps protect the wood from fungal decay. This treatment uses innovative micronized pigment technology to give the wood a beautiful warm natural brown tone that enhances its grain. Treated wood is also recommended to build the frame that will hold up your deck.
If budget is a concern, MicroPro Sienna Treated Wood is your best option. Its warm tones complement basically anything and will look good for years! Shop MicroPro Sienna or request your FREE quote today!
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is made from a combination of wood fibres and plastic. Usually the plastic encases a wood fibre composite center resulting in a low maintenance deck board. Some composites aren’t encased on all four sides and some feature scalloped bottom edges to reduce the amount of material used resulting in a more cost-efficient composite deck board. With composite decking, it is recommended that you use treated wood to build your deck frame – this is the structural base for your deck.
If low-maintenance is what you need, you will want to look into composite decking. Check out some of these budget friendly composites.
Looking for the ultimate backyard experience and for composite that stays cool even in the hottest temperatures? You'll want to check out the Voyage line by Deckorators.
Which is best?
Deck boards made of treated wood will cost less but will require maintenance. Staining, stripping, sanding – these are all realities when maintaining a wood deck. An improperly maintained deck will not stand up to the elements and boards will start to crack, twist, shrink and rot. Depending on how much sun your deck boards are exposed to, staining is required anywhere from every 1-3 years. Although the upfront cost is less, you should factor in the lifetime cost.
Composite deck boards will cost more upfront but require very little maintenance, saving you money on stain and other wood deck maintenance products. Today, composites are being made with scalloped edges and other features that cost less to produce, meaning an affordable deck for you with all the benefits of composite. Composite decks do not require any sanding, stripping, or staining, just a routine cleaning with a soap and water mix. We recommend Olympic Deck Cleaner, it’s easy to use and doesn’t require any scrubbing. Most composites are also scratch and fade proof, which makes it great for families with kids or pets and all the fun times ahead.
What is Pinnacle® Cedar Decking?
Pinnacle Cedar decking is natural top grade cedar wood. It’s renewable, biodegradable and extremely durable. Pinnacle Cedar is considered to be the highest quality knotty grade in the industry. Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insect attacks and its own natural preservatives help protect it in harsh weather but requires maintenance that can include sanding as well as sealing with natural oils or stain sealants. Cedar is the safest option for garden beds, as it contains natural preservatives. Nothing beats the smell of cedar after a nice rain.
If high-end natural wood is what you’re looking for, Pinnacle Cedar is for you. Although cedar does require maintenance, it is very durable and has a look, feel and smell that only cedar wood can offer. Shop Pinnacle Cedar Decking or request your FREE quote today!
Have a question or comment? Couldn’t find what you’re looking for? Need more info? Help us Make it better, email mycustomerservice@mcmunnandyates.com
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