Comparison Guide: Pressure Treated Wood Vs Composite Deck.

It’s time to get outside enjoy some backyard and relaxing on your deck with your family.  Whether you have an older deck that is due to be replaced or updated or are looking to build a brand-new deck you are probably starting to think about what kind of deck you should get. A deck is a significant investment and you want to make sure you do what is the best fit for your lifestyle and budget.

 Some materials are less expensive upfront but can cost you more in the long run in maintenance. Some options are never inexpensive. And some will last a long time and give you a great “bang for your buck”.

Even in the wood deck categories there are a lot of options with a wide range of costs, whether you choose pressure treated, pine, or something like cedar or redwood. The same is true on manufactured materials, like PVC plastic, wood composite etc..

While there are lots of options here are the two main categories of decking materials most of our homeowners tend to choose between and some comparisons that will hopefully make the decision-making process easier: natural wood and man-made composites.

The actual cost of a deck encompasses many factors including the materials you choose, the complexity, the towns specific requirements and the design.

Initial cost for a pressure treated deck is the most economical. Utilizing the Cost V Value Guide for our area a basic pressure treated deck approx. 16 x 20 would run about $18,000*.             Initial costs for a similar deck with Azek decking would run about $24,000*.   Railing and other finish options would also affect the final budget number.

As you can see wood represents a decent initial savings over composite. But composite has one big advantage over wood. Composite is more durable and require a lot less maintenance to keep them looking nice. Wood requires constant upkeep to keep it from rotting and disintegrating within a few years, as well as sanding, staining, and resealing every few years. A composite doe does not require nearly as much maintenance. Wash it down a couple of time a year and you are good.

At the end of the day neither material is “better” than the other. It all depends on what works best for your budget and needs.

If your deck is going to be up against harsh elements, do you want something that last lower maintenance and lower longer-term cost over it’s lifetime? Then perhaps the composite is a good fit for you if your budget allows. Composite decks have been found to have a better value add to home worth’s as indicated in the most recent Cost v Value Report.

If you are considering a composite deck our team at Almar can help you find a product that fits your specific needs. Our team has been working with families like yours for over 60 years. And it is important to us that everyone works together to create the best possible experience. If you have questions about your home improvement project, please let us know. https://www.almarbuilding.com (781-826-2577) and watch our videos at http://www.youtube.com/almarbuilding.com

*Pricing ranges as of 3.2020 in the Boston Area.

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Almar Building & Remodeling Co (Hanover Ma). As a third-generation family owned and operated company for over 60 years Almar Building has all the benefits of a small company with the options of a larger company. From Additions, Kitchens, Bathroom, Basement Renovations, Siding, Windows, to Doors Almar services the entire South Shore of Massachusetts including: Hanover, Hingham, Pembroke, Norwell, Scituate, Cohasset, Duxbury, Hanson, Abington, Rockland, Holbrook, Braintree, Weymouth, Milton, Westwood, and many more towns.Pressure Treated Wood Vs Composite Deck.