Is your deck old, worn down and showing signs of rot? Minnesota weather is hard on outside spaces, especially the vulnerable wood of old-fashioned, aging decks that so many homes in our region have.
Fortunately, you don’t have to put up with poor performance when you can have a brand-new deck that looks beautiful and is long-lasting. But that means deciding what to invest in—natural wood for your deck replacement, or today’s versatile, manmade composite decking.
The fact is, both wood and composite decks offer specific benefits, and a few drawbacks, that homeowners should carefully weigh before making their upgrades with Iron River Construction. Here’s a look at these two options in more detail so you can make the best choice for your home.
What Is Wood Decking?
When deck builders use the term “wood decking,” they’re referring to pressure-treated natural boards made most often from pine—a highly popular choice for its reliable performance and attractiveness. Other appealing choices for wood decking include high-end options such as cedar and redwood, which are pricier than pine but have a distinctive look that many homeowners consider worth the investment.
Lifespan of Wood Decking
Natural wood tends to last an average of 15 years. If it is supremely well cared for, it can last for decades, but if it is neglected, it can break down quickly. At some point, replacing your deck will make a lot more sense than repairing it. (Here’s how to tell when to repair vs. replace it.)
Pros of Natural Wood
- Organic — Homeowners enjoy the natural, authentic appeal of real wood. It embraces the outdoors, and feels comfortable under bare feet.
- Attractive style — The beautiful, unique grain in every board of genuine wood is undeniable.
- Lovely colors — There are many eye-catching shades of natural wood to choose from. And as wood ages, it naturally weathers to a soothing gray color that many homeowners find appealing.
- Easy to install — Pine is a common wood that is easy to work with and simple to turn into a lovely deck.
Cons of Natural Wood
- Constant upkeep — Wood demands a lot of care to protect it. It must be cleaned regularly to prevent mold and mildew.
- Tendency to wear down — Wood is susceptible to weather and moisture damage, and can easily splinter, warp, and rot.
- Regular treatments — To ensure it lasts as long as possible, wood must be freshly re-stained with water-resistant treatments every two to three years.
What Is Composite Decking?
A lovely manmade alternative to natural wood, composite decking is most commonly made of a blend of recycled plastic and sawdust. It can be shaped to mimic the appearance of real wood without the upkeep. For this reason, Minnesota homeowners love this material, and it’s highly sought after.
Lifespan of Composite Decks
Composite decking can last up to 25 years, especially when installed with precision by pros like our team. You’ll enjoy the long-lasting nature of this material, which makes it one of the best options for your new deck.
Pros of Composite Decking
- Attractiveness — Beautiful in its appearance, this practical option offers the aesthetics of wood without the hassle of wood’s tedious upkeep.
- Versatility — Composite deck boards can be made to mimic wood grains, and they come in a variety of colors and styles to fit your preferences.
- Easy upkeep — This material eliminates the need for weather-proofing, resealing, and fresh staining that wood requires. As a result, it’s much more low-maintenance than wood.
- Weather resistance — Another appealing feature of composite decking is its ability to stand up well against the elements. Unlike natural wood, it won’t become worn down, broken or rotted due to Minnesota’s cold, wet winters.
- Safety – While wood can lead to safety challenges at times, composite decking is slip-resistant, splinter-free, and warp resistant, making it safe to walk on.
- Value-adding — Composite decking’s long-lasting, attractive style, combined with its low cost of upkeep, creates a strong return on investment for homeowners.
- Strong warranty — Composite deck materials come with superb warranty coverage, providing you with peace of mind for years to come.
Cons of Composite Decking
Cleaning still required — While composite decking won’t need to be resealed or restained like wood, it still must be kept clean. Fortunately, it’s easy to remove dirt, mold, and pollen by simply washing the decking with soapy water.
Composite Decking Is Affordable and High-Performing
This might surprise you, but composite decking is not as pricey as you might think! It’s more affordable in general than high-end woods, but it’s also becoming more affordable compared to other woods too.
While pine boards have historically been less expensive to source than composite decking, this is changing due to the current boom in housing remodeling. As a result, wood is rising in price, and it can be hard to source as well.
This means you’ll probably have to wait a while to have access to the wood you want—or you’ll have to pay a premium to quickly get the materials and hire a deck builder.
Fortunately, composite decking comes in many brands that appeal to homeowners. Among our favorites are:
- TimberTech — High-performing designs so you can enjoy a customized deck
- Aztec —Stain-resistant, long-lasting PVC decking homeowners rely on
- Trex — The world’s leading brand of eco-friendly alternatives to natural wood
The variety of brands, styles and features of composite decking make it super easy to create the backyard of your dreams. Even a sloped yard can yield great entertainment space through a multi-level deck. The options are nearly endless!
Boost Your Home Lifestyle with a Gorgeous, Lasting New Deck
If your deck is lacking in appeal, safety and durability—it’s time to make an upgrade! Why not ensure that you can enjoy relaxing outdoor living this summer and make the most of every opportunity to create happy memories with family and friends?
At Iron River Construction, we design and install gorgeous, lasting, practical decks and porches that give you years of enjoyment and peace of mind in your outdoor lifestyle. Reach out to us to learn more, and get started on your new deck this year.
