Decking for South Florida Homes: Comparing Wood Decks vs. Composite Decks
Picking the Best Deck Materials for your Home
It’s hard to deny the beauty of wood. Wood has been the most widely used material used to build decks and porches, gazebos and pergolas. Wood decking offers versatility – it can be stained, painted, or sealed in numerous colors, all while maintaining its distinctive appearance.
Composite decking, such as Trex, Timbertech or Fiberon is a blend of real wood and plastic polymers. Composite decking mimics the look of genuine wood, but it eliminates the downsides associated with wood, such as maintenance, splintering, staining, and more.
We’ve put together a list of 10 things you can do to bring your Broward County deck alive this year.
Choosing Between Wood and Composite Decking Materials?
Wood Decks and Their Splintering Issues
Wood decks are stunning and full of character. However, they will inevitably splinter, regardless of whether you paint, stain, or seal them. This is simply a characteristic of natural wood. On the other hand, a significant benefit of composite decking is that you won’t have to worry about the durability of composite decks, as they will never splinter.
Say Goodbye to Deck Stains
Unfortunately, wood decks are prone to staining, and not in a favorable way. They easily absorb environmental stains, from wine to leaf marks, which can remain until you repaint. With a composite deck, you can forget about staining. They are simple to clean and won’t retain any stains, as they are designed to resist stains with the right maintenance.
Mold Damage on Decks
Mold can harm a lovely deck. To ensure you enjoy your deck for many years, it’s essential to protect it from mold. Mold can develop on any surface, including composite decking; however, wooden decks start to experience mold damage once mold appears. If mold forms on the surface of a wooden deck, the fungus can penetrate the wood, spread, and ultimately ruin the deck. On the other hand, if mold appears on a composite deck’s surface, it poses no threat and can be easily washed away.
Composite Decks Are Available in Various Colors
Many homeowners often match the color of their home with the style, design, and color of their deck. When you choose Rocky Mountain Decks, you gain access to endless color options. Whether you prefer a modern aesthetic or a natural tone, flexible decking materials are essential to achieve those goals, and composite decking is the perfect choice when style matters.
Composite Decks Retain Their Color
While wood is undeniably beautiful, the UV rays and weather conditions in South Florida can lead to rapid fading. You want to enjoy your deck for many years, and that includes preserving its original color.
The sun and environmental factors can cause wood decks to lose their initial hue over time. Composite decks may mimic the appearance of wood, but they lack the disadvantages associated with wood. Composite decks maintain their color throughout their impressive 25+ year lifespan.
Maintenance, Maintenance, Maintenance
Wooden decks demand significant upkeep. At the very least, you’ll probably need to refinish your wood deck annually to ensure its longevity. If maintenance is neglected, your deck’s lifespan will be severely compromised.
In contrast, composite decks require minimal maintenance. To keep your composite deck looking fantastic, a simple power wash once a year is all it takes. You’ll never have to worry about staining or sealing to maintain its appearance!
Composite Resists Sunlight
Spending countless days under the scorching sun can take a toll on your deck. Wooden boards will visibly warp over time, while composite deck boards remain robust.
If you appreciate the appearance of exotic woods or composite decking, you’ve come to the right spot. Deck and Dock pros are among the top deck builders in South Florida, and we specialize in both ipe and composite decks.