The age-old war comes to an end! As new technologies emerge, and the threat of global warming begins to intensify, is there a difference between a wooden deck and a plastic one? Many homeowners have spent their well-earned money on both of these options in pursuit of the perfect outdoor space, but which one should you go with? This can be a tricky decision to make because both options provide great advantages in their own right. A wooden deck provides a familiar and reliable option, while plastic decking is definitely king when it comes to maintenance. However, are these the only things that matter when choosing a deck? Let’s find out.
Wood Decking
The most popular and traditional choice, wooden decking is advantageous to a homeowner as it provides durability as well as availability. There’s very little that can go wrong when you install a wooden deck into your space, and with the added advantage of pleasing aesthetics (who doesn’t love the look and smell of fresh timber decking?), and moderate costing, it’s no surprise that people might choose this over a plastic (also known as composite) deck.
There are, however, a few disadvantages to having a wooden deck. It’s not always advantageous, as some Africans may tell you, as it can be extremely tough to preserve wooden decking boards in the harsh climate of Africa, with rot and splintering among the top causes of stress for homeowners. As much as climate may affect the wood, there’s also the very real downside of most wooden decks having to undergo a full treatment every two to five years, consisting of sanding, sealing, and painting, among other routine, effort-filled jobs.
Plastic Decking
Plastic composite decking is still a relatively new kind of product in the decking industry, but it certainly provides some winning advantages that those who would choose a wooden deck will not be able to enjoy. While composite decks may be more expensive than wooden ones, possibly the biggest upside to plastic decks is that they’re virtually maintenance-free. Plastic decking planks are a hybrid-type material that is made of wood fibres that are encased in stain-resistant plastic. This material is highly durable and can outlast the harshest of weather, which means that there’s no worry of rotting or warping or any other issue that a wooden deck may give, as well as no need for any sanding or painting whatsoever.
Companies like United Decking also offer a variety of colour and wood-grained options for your composite deck to make sure you’re getting the look and feel that you’re after. In addition to this, composite decking materials are usually made up of recycled and eco-friendly materials that not only give you a long-lasting deck but a clear conscious, too!
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, the choice of whether to go with a wood or plastic deck is completely dependent on personal preference. If you’re a sucker for the completely rich, natural look and feel of a wooden deck, and you don’t mind the inevitable costs of maintenance down the line, then a wooden deck might be the one for you.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance deck that will last longer and have less of a negative impact on the environment, then plastic composite decking is the deck for you. A company like United Decking offers composite decking that’s free from splinters and cracking, as well as toxins. You can rest assured knowing that you’re only getting the best in quality, with the advantage of low maintenance, and material that is 100% recyclable.