Composite Vs. Real Wood: Which One Is Worth It?

Whether you plan to install a new deck or upgrade an old one, weighing up the choices before selecting from a range of building products available can be difficult. Homeowners in Australia and in other parts of the world have always opted for the warm, solid, and natural appeal of real wood. But with the evolution of the decking world, other materials have entered the market like malas timber decking, kwila timber decking, and turpentine timber decking. Their entry into the market has left many homeowners and builders to ask if they should stick with conventional wood or if a much modern product like composite timber decking or co-extrusion timber is a much better alternative.

Even though the real wood has always been the most common option and the favorite of many homeowners, it is not always the most practical or cost-effective choice. For example, composite decking offers less maintenance compared to traditional timber decking. Even with that single fact, it is easy to see why there is so much debate about it. So you can make an informed decision about what is the most suitable material for your deck, here are a few things you need to know about composite timber decking and traditional timber decking materials.

Traditional Timber Decking

There are many reasons why traditional timber remains as the among the most popular choices today when it comes to decking. Real wood can save you money upfront. It is a versatile material and many people love its rustic appeal. You can create different styles, texture, and colours by staining and painting the wood according to your preferences. Real wood is also easy to work with. You can cut it, shape, sand, stain, or paint it based on your budget and requirements. If you find the initial appearance boring, you can easily change it down the road.

Even with all these advantages, traditional timber still has lots of drawbacks. First of all, it requires a lot of maintenance if you want to make sure that it remains neat and looking polished. Yearly staining and painting can increase your maintenance and labor costs, which means this option is more expensive in the long run. Apart from being costly, it can also be exhausting for homeowners.

Even though traditional timber has been classified as a renewable resource, offering them up to the market means cutting down trees. You should also take note that not all timber manufacturers use sustainable methods. Be sure to do your research well before buying from a company that uses only eco-friendly practices. Lastly, even with regular maintenance, traditional timber is still susceptible to weathering. As years go by, wood will warp, rot, break down, and weaken. If you wish to keep their appeal, you have to keep on repairing or replacing the decking boards.

Composite Timber Decking

Composite timber decking is a man-made material that have grown in popularity over the years. They are known for their long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements. A few other benefits of using composite timber decking are as follows. There are different types of composite timber decking and choosing the right one for your needs is important if you wish to have a material that feels and looks just like real wood but without the upkeep maintenance and the drawbacks. Unlike traditional timber, plastic wood doesn’t age over time and it won’t fade or warp. It does not require semiannual or annual finishing, staining, and painting. There are variations that are wind and UV resistant as well. Lastly, they are durable and do not need special tools for their installation. Some companies even offer a warranty for their products

Composite wood is made of recycled materials like waste wood and plastics. If used properly along with higher quality materials, composite wood is far more beneficial to use compared to real wood. But it all boils down to your personal preferences. Just be sure to do your research well so you can make an informed decision. Contact Futurewood if you want to know more about composite wood and co-extrusion timber.