Wood Vs. Composite: Which is Better?

When it comes to decking material, cedar has always gotten the gold star. But advances in durable composite decking, a low-maintenance material made from wood fibers encased in plastic, have made it increasingly popular among homeowners. For many consumers, choosing between the two can be difficult.

Appearance

• Wood decks have a natural, earthy appearance that blends in well with any outdoor surrounding.
• Composite decks have smooth even surfaces, but since they’re derived from plastic they don’t have the same appeal as wood. However, some composite decks come in faux wood finishes that mimic wood surfaces.

Natural vs. recycled materials

• Wood decks are built from natural components and can be pure or pressure-treated. Many types of wood are used for building decks, with cedar being the premiere decking material.
• Composite decks are built from a combination of recycled materials. It’s common for composite decking boards to be made of 50% recycled wood and 50% recycled plastic, though the percentages may vary depending on the manufacturer.

For the full article see: Deck installation experts