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.

10 Creative Deck Ideas for Your South Florida Home

Lights, Seating, Views and More

We’ve put together a list of 10 things you can do to bring your Broward County deck alive this year.

1. Consider Adding a Hot Tub or Pool to Your Deck

Make the most of your backyard space. No yard? No worries! No matter how big or small your yard is, you can upgrade your current deck to accommodate a hot tub, turning it into a major attraction and a brand new living area.

2. Bring Some Color to Your Wood Deck

Wood might not always be the top pick for deck materials. But if you have an older deck, why not give it a fresh coat of paint? A new color can really make it stand out and add some warmth in just a few hours.

3. Enhance the Deck Views

Got a deck in Broward County? Think about adding seating and tables that frame the view, so you can enjoy stunning sunsets, snow-capped mountains, or even the skyline along the New River.

4. Build a Roof or Overhang

Consider adding a structure to create a cozy sitting area that’s sheltered. Small roofs and pergolas can provide shade and add visual interest to your existing deck.

5. Move the Inside Outside

No one enjoys sitting on a hard, uncomfortable wood bench or railing. Think about bringing the comfort of indoors outside with cozy seating, benches, super comfy pillows and blankets, and outdoor rugs.

6. Install a Hammock or Swing
Add a playful vibe to your relaxation time. You can easily set up a hammock or a porch-style swing and let the hours drift by as you unwind.

7. Enhance Your View with New Deck Railings
Upgrade your railings to enhance your views. Think about switching to different railing styles to ensure that your views of the yard or dock remain unobstructed. Check out railing options featuring slim balusters, wire, or glass panels.

8. Set Up an Outdoor Fire Pit
There’s nothing quite like gathering around an outdoor fire at night with friends and family. As the sun sets, create a warm and inviting deck area by adding a fire pit. Throw in some seating, cushions, and a blanket, and you might never want to go back inside.

9. Deck Lighting
Incorporate deck lighting on steps, balusters, and railings to allow for more time spent enjoying your deck in a beautifully lit and welcoming atmosphere.

10. Include Built-in Benches
If you want to avoid the hassle of moving chairs around, think about adding a bench that provides structure and seating along the edges of the deck.

We are Deck and Dock builders serving Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach County, and beyond! If you’re ready for a new deck or dock, you’ve come to the right spot. Deck and Dock Pros are among South Florida’s top deck designers and builders.