Composite decking is becoming a more durable, aesthetically pleasing, and low-maintenance alternative to traditional wood. For a long time, natural wood has been the primary material of construction. Traditional wood is cheaper, but it’s a lot of work later on. You need to maintain it regularly, and even if you do, it is still prone to cracking, breaking, and rotting. But with composite decking, you don’t need to worry about these problems at all.
However, it’s not as simple as that. Many homeowners looking to purchase composite decking are finding that. Composite decking boards are more expensive than traditional wood. In the next article, we will discuss why is composite decking so expensive and the reasons that affect its cost.
If you’re looking for reliable and experienced deck builders Dayton OH to help you with your composite decking project, consider reaching out to local professionals. They have the expertise to guide you through the process and ensure a beautiful, long-lasting deck that meets your specific needs. With their assistance, you can enjoy the benefits of composite decking without the hassle of maintenance.
Why is composite decking so expensive?
Composite decking is made of a composite material, a blend of recycled plastic and wood fibers. Making this more durable material is more difficult and requires a lot of time to recycle the material.
They are a long-term investment
Composite decking is so expensive because it is not an expense, but a long-term investment. A durable outdoor deck is what everyone loves, and an outdoor space built with composite decking will allow you to enjoy the good life for a long time. And a beautiful outdoor space can add value to your home, even if you don’t plan to sell your home, but adding value to your home is not a bad thing.
Low maintenance costs
Traditional decks require more tedious regular maintenance, such as sealing, sanding, or painting. But even with all the time and effort, traditional wood is prone to cracking, warping, and moisture problems. Not only that, but most of the products used for maintenance contain chemical costs that can be very harmful to the environment. Therefore, with traditional wood, you need to spend more money on maintenance and upkeep and waste more of your time.
In contrast, composite decking has unimaginably low maintenance costs. In other words, you’ll spend almost no time or money on maintenance. composite decking’s protective plastic surface resists all the problems that plague wood decking. You don’t have to worry about it cracking, warping, and rotting, and this low maintenance will save you more money and time. Although composite decking is more expensive, it’s worth it in the long run. It reduces maintenance costs later on.
Customizable
With traditional wood, you can have a more natural grain and look. However, if you need additional color, you will need to paint the deck.
But with composite decking, there are more looks and styles, and the unique construction creates a more aesthetically pleasing look. And as technology has evolved, composite decking can mimic the grain and look of natural wood very well. This, of course, means that it is more tedious to produce.
Longer life
Composite decking is more durable due to its composite construction and therefore has a longer life span. Generally, a wood deck can last 15 years, even after regular maintenance. However, if you do not maintain it, it is very vulnerable to damage.
The high cost of composite decking means that it has a longer life span. Even without maintenance, composite deck can last for over 25 years. There is absolutely no fading or scratching.
Reasons affecting the cost of composite decking
Material cost
One of the main reasons composite decking is expensive is due to the high cost of materials. Composite decking is made from a mixture of wood fibers and plastic. Both of these are more expensive and difficult to manufacture than traditional wood. The plastic used in composite decking is usually derived from recycled materials. Which makes its production costs higher than virgin plastic. In addition, the process of manufacturing composite decks requires more intensive manufacturing methods than traditional wood decking. This can further drive up the cost of the material, which results in a higher price tag.
Manufacturing Costs
As a new building material, although it has more advantages, it is still not as well understood and used as traditional wood. Therefore there are relatively few manufacturers producing and manufacturing it. In addition, the cost of building and maintaining the facilities to produce composite decking is more expensive. Thus increasing the cost of composite decking boards. In addition, the process itself is more complex and time-consuming than traditional wood.
Branding and Marketing
Composite decking requires a significant investment in branding and marketing the product. Which can also lead to increased costs. Some manufacturers and producers often hire top designers and marketing experts to create more unique design concepts and sales strategies to make their brands stand out from their peers. The cost of these operations ultimately has to be borne by the consumer. Making composite decking far more expensive than traditional wood.
Installation Costs
The unique nature of composite decking makes it impossible to install in the same way as traditional wood decking. This means that the installation of composite decking requires the use of specialized tools and techniques. composite decking is far more expensive to install than traditional wood, typically costing up to half of the total initial cost. For some homeowners with no installation experience, you will need to hire a professional installer to install your composite decking. therefore you will need to spend a significant amount of labor costs on the installation of the decking.
Longevity and Durability
Although composite decking has a higher upfront cost, it has the advantage of greater longevity and durability compared to traditional wood. composite decks are resistant to rot and insect damage, which means they can last a long time without needing to be replaced. In addition, composite decking requires minimal maintenance. This means less money and time spent on maintenance and repairs over the life of the deck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, composite decking is more expensive due to various reasons such as customizability, material costs, and manufacturing costs. But although the initial cost of composite decks is higher, as you use them, you will find more advantages. Durability, longer life, and maintenance-free. These advantages can save you more money later. So composite deck boards are indeed a better choice. As a long-term investment, choosing composite decking boards can bring more uniqueness to your home.