Homeowner’s Guide To Composite Decking: Cost, Value & Long-term Savings

By Author: Eleena Wills
Total Articles: 16
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If your home has enough space to have a deck and you have decided to construct one, then you have made a great choice. A deck not only increases the value of your home but also provides a private space for you to hang out solo or with family.

Of all the deck materials, the composite deck is the best to have as it lasts for years to come and preserves your home value during selling.

This blog will give a brief outline of the cost, value and long-term savings you can have if you have decided to build a composite deck in your home.

Understanding Composite Decking:

Unlike natural wood, the composite material is made from a blend of wood fibres and recycled plastic. It means you can have the appearance of the wooden material while also having resistance to moisture, insect infestation and other wetness issues. You also don’t have to seal or polish regularly like you have to with wooden material.

Cost of a Composite Deck:

If you compare the cost of a composite decking with a pressure-treated wood deck, then the cost is a bit higher. It means you ...
... have to put in more upfront costs. The general pricing structure is as follows:

The installation of a pressure-treated wood deck costs up to $25 - $30, while that of a composite deck is up to $35-$45.

Though the initial cost is high, you can have greater long-term benefits as you don’t have to pitch in more for maintenance and lifespan requirements. As the composite material is made from plastic fibres, you can have a durable deck at your home.

Costs For Maintenance: A General Idea:

One of the considerable benefits when you consider a composite deck is its low maintenance. In the composite deck, you don’t have to sand, stain, or seal the deck. Cleaning regularly with soap and water is enough to maintain its shine. It’s also resistant to mould, mildew and fading, which means you can have a deck with superior shine for a long time.

When compared to traditional decking that requires $200 - $500 for maintenance and labour costs every year, the composite deck will save you money on repair and restoration costs.

Durability and Longevity

Having a composite deck means you get a durable deck that lasts up to 25 – 30 years. You also don’t have to see issues like splintering, structural fading and other damage. On the other hand, a wooden deck needs replacing every 15 years, even with proper maintenance. You can have a well-maintained deck that lasts for decades when you choose a composite one. It remains safe and stylish for the generations.

Long-term Value:

When it comes to long-term value, the natural wooden deck may get a higher price when compared to the composite deck. However, when it comes to quick selling, buyers always look for features like low-maintenance and aesthetics. Then the composite deck is a winner. As it remains stylish and safe for decades, it preserves the curb appeal and value of the home, which means you can get almost 70% ROI on the composite deck.

Environmental Benefits:

When you learn about the pros and cons of composite decking, you can see that it is environmentally friendly. As the deck is made of recycled materials, you are reusing existing materials instead of new ones. So, it’s environmentally beneficial, and you are doing a great favour to nature if you choose the composite deck.

Final Thoughts

Though the composite deck building comes with a higher initial cost, you have to understand that it gives long-term benefits with significant maintenance savings and added value to the home. You can get a beautiful, durable and low-maintenance deck if you choose the composite deck for your home. It can satisfy your dreams of having a deck, and you can enjoy its value for years to come.

Hi, I’m Eleena Wills. Being a writer and blogger, I strive to provide informative and valuable articles to people. With quality, constructive, and well-researched articles, one can make informed choices. I cover a wide range of topics, from home improvement to hair styling and automotive.