Composite Decking Pricing vs. Real Wood Pricing

When it comes to composite decking pricing versus real wood pricing, there’s quite a bit to consider. You need to figure out your budget, the look and feel you’re going after, and the pros and cons of composite and real wood. Contractor Hiring Help is here to assist you.

Depending on what region of the United States you live in (different cost of labor and business expenses determined by each state) you’ll usually get a good composite decking system installed at around $18-30 per square foot. You’ll have to pay someone to install it, of course. So what do you need to know before you end up spending anywhere from $2,500 to $15,000+ for a new deck?

Everyone Loves Sitting On A Deck

Everyone loves a deck. Adding or replacing one transforms the look and feel of your backyard. Heck, a nice deck can turn your outdoor living space into an oasis. What’s really cool is that a multi-level deck can increase the square footage of a two-story home. And of course a nice deck can increase the value of your home.

Now that we’ve established the value of a quality deck, what do you need to consider when thinking about composite decking pricing versus real wood pricing?

Composite Decking Pricing vs. Real Wood Pricing

In order to figure out which path is the right one for you, let’s look at the pros and cons of each:

Composite Decks:

• Pros

• Long lifespan
• There’s no need to re-stain or paint
• Don’t have to worry about slivers in your hands and feet
• Uses screws instead of nails. Nails tend to back out over time in real wood and you can catch your feet on them
• Numerous finish options
• It’s better for the environment
• Overall better appearance because composite wood doesn’t have the inconsistencies of real wood

• Cons

• Has a higher cost than real wood
• Installation still requires some pressure treated wood as the support structure because composite isn’t rigid enough
• Some folks don’t like the look of the screws
• Since this is somewhat of a newer trade, there’s a lack of experience in doing these installations
• Some homeowners don’t think it looks like real wood or replicates real wood the way they’d like

Real Wood Deck:

• Pros

• Real wood decks are very affordable
• It’s a proven technology
• They are aesthetically pleasing to many homeowners
• Plenty of finish options
• It’s a known craft that doesn’t requite a super-duper craftsman

• Cons

• Wear and tear due to the sun’s and season’s impact on the wood
• Children often get splinters in their feet
• Nails that back out over time can get your feet (This can be a bigger concern if you have small children)
• Intense maintenance! You really should finish your deck once per year if you want it to last 20-30 years. At the very least, you should water treat it once per year
• It has a lower resale value in comparison to a composite deck
• They tend to expand and contract at a high rate, which causes wobbly rails, loose boards, and more

What Deck Is Right For You?

Here’s our take on composite decking pricing versus real wood pricing: If spending more money right now is an option and the aesthetics aren’t an issue for you, then a composite deck is the way to go. Just keep in mind that you can still have a great experience with a beautiful and natural wood deck as well.

Oh, and always remember that this is not a do-it-yourself type of project. You’ll need to hire a contractor for sure.

Have any deck advice for Contractor Hiring Help? Feel free to share with us below!

Tags: decks, pricing