What is the downside of composite decking?
In extremely hot weather, composite decking can be prone to warping and bending due to the expansion of plastic components at a different rate than the wood fibres. High-quality composite decking is engineered to minimise these effects, but it’s still a consideration in areas with significant temperature fluctuations. Cost – Composite decking is generally more expensive to buy than most softwood decking. Difficulties of repair – Composite decking can be more challenging to repair than wood decking. Heat retention – In hot weather or direct sunlight, composite decking can retain heat and feel hot to walk on.All in all, modified wood outperforms composite decking in nearly all categories. Homeowners stuck between standard wood and composite would do well to opt for modified wood over either option.Composite decking is entirely inedible to pests and rodents. Unlike wood, which is susceptible to common pests like termites, wood wasps, borers and rats, composite decking’s polypropylene-based material is not appealing to them and is thus, completely pest and termite resistant.While composite decking offers great value through its affordable upfront cost and durable nature, PVC decking potentially offers greater long-term savings. The extended lifespan and minimal upkeep associated with PVC can make it a more cost-effective option over many years.
How much would a 20×20 composite deck cost?
Labor costs to install composite decking range from $24 to $48 per square foot. Therefore, including the substructure, the cost of installing composite decking is between $40 and $80 per square foot. Ultimately, a 20’x20′ composite decking can cost between $16,000 and $32,000 to build. Factoring professional labor costs, a 16×20 deck costs around $9,600 to $19,200**. You can see how even a small increase in your deck size can have significant cost implications. How much does a 20×20 deck cost? The cost of a 20×20 deck can vary greatly depending on materials, labor, location, and additional features.While both a composite deck and a wood deck will boost your home value roughly the same amount, composite decking is initially more expensive. Therefore, you can expect to recoup less of the cost of the project when you finally sell your home.TimberTech sets an incredibly high standard for composite decking. Known for its innovation, sustainability, price, and long-lasting performance, TimberTech delivers the natural look of wood without tons of upkeep.Total Estimated Cost Depending on material selection, optional features, and labor expenses, the total cost for a 20×20 composite deck typically falls between $4,848 and $13,560.Best for your budget: Composite Composite decking is typically more affordable than PVC boards upfront, so it’s your best choice for initial savings. Both composite and PVC decking are rot resistant and low maintenance, so you’ll also save on long-term maintenance costs compared to the 10-year cost of wood decks.
What is composite decking?
Composite decking is a high-quality, durable and low maintenance alternative to traditional timber decking. It’s manufactured from plastic composites and reclaimed wood fibres, so it’s eco-friendly and can last for over 20 years. It can even mirror wooden deck boards with its natural looking grain pattern. Trex decking, designed for outdoor use, is an excellent choice for creating a beautiful and long-lasting porch surface. Its innovative composite material is resistant to fading, staining, and moisture, making it perfect for withstanding the elements on a porch.Your composite deck won’t scratch easily, like timber. But there is always the potential for scratching and scuffs, and there are ways you can avoid scratches to the surface of your composite deck and care for it to ensure it stays looking as it was designed.Composite decks are susceptible to a wide variety of outdoor elements like mold and mildew, black spots, sap, grease, oil, food spills, pet stains, hard water, grass stains, ground-in dirt and rust stains.A Trex deck can be a great investment, but it’s not perfect. It can fade. It can scratch. It can grow mold or get hot enough to cook your feet in July.
What is the lifespan of a composite deck?
More specifically, TimberTech Advanced PVC and Composite Decking are designed with innovative technology that makes for highly durable, long-lasting decking. The average composite decking lifespan is estimated to be 25 to 30 years. The average PVC decking lifespan is estimated to be 50 years, or more. PVC lasts much longer than other decking materials because it’s entirely synthetic and resistant to rot and weathering. TimberTech’s Advanced PVC has a lifespan of 50 years or more, so you can enjoy your dream deck for decades to come. Composite decking still outperforms traditional wood with a 25-to-30-year life span.PVC Decking, unlike composite or timber decking, does not have any traces of real wood fibres, or natural materials, making for a synthetic decking material that is stronger and lasts longer than other real wood decking alternatives. Cladco Nordeck PVC Decking is one of the highest-quality decking types on the market.Composite decking is one of the most popular alternative decking products available and is longer lasting than a traditional wood deck. For many customers, the biggest questions are, what materials are in a composite deck and how does it last so much longer? Composite decking boards are made up of wood and plastic.PVC Decking (Our Preferred Choice) PVC decking has become the top choice for homeowners who want a beautiful deck without the constant upkeep. It’s fully water-resistant, won’t warp, rot, or host mold, and requires only the occasional rinse to look like new.More specifically, TimberTech Advanced PVC and Composite Decking are designed with innovative technology that makes for highly durable, long-lasting decking. The average composite decking lifespan is estimated to be 25 to 30 years. The average PVC decking lifespan is estimated to be 50 years, or more.
Is it cheaper to build a wood deck or composite deck?
According to the Remodeling Magazine cost vs. This initial price difference of 33%, or about $6,000, can make the wood seem like the more affordable choice. Cost of Composite Decking by Size For a smaller deck, roughly 100 square feet in size, homeowners can expect to spend between $2,500 and $8,000 for materials and installation. However, as the size of the decking project increases to around 300 square feet, the costs can rise to approximately $7,500 to $24,000.Professional installation fees typically range from $24 to $48 per square foot. This means that labor alone could cost between $4,800 and $9,600 for a 200-square-foot deck. Elevated decks, multi-level designs, or decks with custom features will incur higher labor costs due to their increased complexity.Breaking Down the Cost of a 12×12 Trex Deck Materials: With a 144 square foot area, material costs might range from $2,160 to $5,472 depending on the Trex line. Labor: Installation prices can vary, averaging between $1,440 and $2,160.Pressure-treated wood is an economic material, ideal for people working within a tight budget, but it doesn’t always hold up over time. You can expect to pay between $3 and $6 per square foot for 5/4×6 ACQ-treated decking from a big box store.While the price can vary, understanding the factors that influence the cost can help you plan your project with confidence. The average cost of composite deck installation is $3,000 to over $30,000, based on many factors including size, material, location and much more.
How much does a 20×20 trex deck cost?
The cost of a 20×20 deck can vary greatly depending on materials, labor, location, and additional features. On average, you might expect to pay between $12,000 and $24,000 for a professional installation of this size. For a 20×20 deck, typically 9 to 16 footings are needed depending on soil and load. Footings should be spaced 6 to 8 feet apart to evenly distribute weight. Use concrete piers below frost line for stability. Ensure footings align with joists and beams.The cost of a 20×20 deck can vary greatly depending on materials, labor, location, and additional features. On average, you might expect to pay between $12,000 and $24,000 for a professional installation of this size.