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The trade off is that maintenance costs are far lower and composite decks are expected to last longer. The answer? They’re more expensive to manufacturer. People often wonder why composite decks are more expensive than natural wood decks. Budget on the high end of that price range if you’re adding features like railings or benches to the deck. How Much Does a Composite Deck Cost?Ĭomposite decks generally cost about $30 to $60 per square foot installed. Even with a composite deck, the load-bearing supports are made of natural wood because it is sturdier. The planks are designed to look like wood, although most people can tell the difference between natural wood and composite. It is manufactured using a combination of wood fiber and plastic. Composite DecksĬomposite is a manmade decking product that has gained popularity over the last decade.
Here is a video on the differences between wood and composite decking. Pressure-treated woods are particularly susceptible to warping.
Wear and tear - There’s always the possibility that your deck will splinter or warp, particularly in harsh climates. Left untreated, wood decking will fade and eventually rot. Maintenance - Most decks need to be sanded, thoroughly cleaned and stained or sealed about every two to five years (depending on the type of stain and weather conditions). Although many manufacturers claim composite can last that long or longer, the product hasn’t been around long enough to know for sure. Lifespan - Decks constructed using high-quality wood can last 40 years or more with regular maintenance. Pressure-treated pine sells for about half the price, while premium woods like cedar and redwood cost slightly less than composite. Price - Wood decking generally costs less than composite. Most people consider a wood deck more attractive than composite. It looks, feels and smells like real wood. Look - A wood deck appears authentic because it is authentic. Based on the price ranges above, the total cost works out to $4,800 to $8,000 for pressure-treated pine and $8,000 to $9,600 for cedar or redwood. Let’s say you’re planning to build 16x20-foot deck. On the low end of those price ranges, you’ll get a basic deck without benches or a railing. Both prices include the cost of materials and installation. Plan to spend around $15 to $25 per square foot for pressure-treated wood such as Southern yellow pine and around $25 to $30 per square foot for high-end wood such as cedar and redwood. The price of a wood deck depends on the type of wood, the size and configuration of the deck and, to some degree, the difficulty of installation. Higher-quality woods such as cedar and redwood don’t require any type of pre-treatment because they contain natural preservatives. The vast majority of decks are made with Southern yellow pine, a cheaper wood that is pressure treated to prevent weather damage, rotting and insect damage. It is durable, economical and lasts for decades if properly maintained. Wood is the original and most common choice for decking.
A composite deck will cost $30 to $60 per square foot installed.īelow are some sample deck installation prices by location (updated: 2023): City A cedar wood deck will cost $30 or more per square foot. On average, a pressure-treated wood deck will cost between $15 to $25 per square foot including installation. Start Comparing Now Quick Summary: Composite vs Wood Deck Cost