Why You Should Envision Consider Composite Decking Over Wood
Choosing what material to use for your deck is a big decision. But what material, you may ask? With choices from wood to composite to PVC, you may wonder which option makes the best sense for your home. We will discuss the differences between wood and composite decking and explain why you should consider Envision composite decking for your next outdoor living space.
Deck Materials
Wood
Wood decking has been a staple for decades and provides the natural look homeowners love. Because it has been a go-to for so long, chances are you may still have a wood deck. Typical wood options are pressure-treated lumber, cedar, redwood, and exotic hardwoods. Pressure-treated lumber tends to be more affordable, while cedar, redwood, and exotic hardwoods are more expensive.
Composite Decking
Composite decking is man-made and manufactured using a combination of wood fibers combined with plastic and typically held together with a bonding agent. The cap, or sometimes referred to as a shell, is generally composed of polypropylene or polyethylene. With our non-repeating grain pattern and beautiful color options, we can emulate the beauty of wood that homeowners love.
Aesthetics
Wood offers a classic and timeless appeal. It can be painted or stained to match your home exterior. However, over the years, the wood and paint will start to weather and lose some of their original appearance. To keep the allure of the wood, you will need to maintain it regularly, typically at least once a year. We will cover wood decking maintenance below.
With our many composite decking collections, you are stepping into a world of design possibilities.
- The unique blend of rich colors and bold highlights in each board of our Distinction Collection make it a showstopper. No two decks will ever look the same from this collection, allowing you to create a truly one-of-a-kind outdoor space.
- The rich natural appearance of our Ridge-Premium Collection delivers a stunning deck on a budget.
- If striking solid colors are more your style our Expression Collection will be the perfect solution for you. This collection is also perfect for picture-framing your deck and breaking up sections on larger decks.
Durability and Longevity
Wood decking is a durable material that can withstand significant wear and tear. Unfortunately, it is susceptible to insects, moisture, UV rays, warping, cracking, and rotting. Regular maintenance will be required to increase the longevity of your wood deck.
If maintained properly, high-quality hardwood decking can last for 20-30 years, while softwood may last around 10-15 years. The extensive upkeep required can sometimes be a drawback for homeowners.
Our composite decking is not just any composite decking. It’s a unique combination of our Compress Technology™ and EverGrain Core™, engineered to withstand everything Mother Nature throws at it.
Our proprietary Compress Technology manufacturing process allows for the cap and core to be bonded, creating a deck board that is 19% stronger* than the average competitor board. The EverGrain Core makes the deck boards resistant to splitting, splintering, and insects and has 61% less moisture absorption* than the average competitor boards.
Learn more about why Envision is one of the best composite decking options.
Maintenance Requirements
As mentioned above, maintaining a wood deck requires a significant time commitment, which means an ongoing financial investment for the homeowner. Mold, mildew, and algae can grow on wood decks, especially in damp or shaded areas, creating slippery surfaces. Regular cleaning removes these hazards, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
To maintain longevity, staining or painting the wood deck will need to be done every 1-3 years since wood is highly susceptible to moisture. Not sealing your wood deck will inevitably cause rot and decay. You might also have to replace warped or cracked boards due to varying weather conditions in your areas as well as fixing nails and screws due to regular wear and tear. Not keeping up the regular deck will affect its longevity.
Regular maintenance of wood decks will help maintain the decks’ structural integrity, allowing for continued safety for you and your family. Wood is also vulnerable to termites and other insects. Wood preservatives and insecticides can help prevent this issue.
Composite decking is more expensive upfront but requires minimal maintenance than wood, saving you money in the long run. A simple wash with soap and water or a quick rinse with a low PSI powerwasher a couple of times a year will keep your deck looking immaculate. The simplicity of maintenance will allow you and your family to spend more time making memories and less time cleaning! We have several resources for keeping your decking clean if you need more information.
Why Envision Composite Decking is the Better Choice
Both wood and composite decking have their pros, but our composite decking stands out as the clear winner for a few reasons.
- Aesthetics: wide range of color options and styles
- Durability/Longevity: 19% stronger and 43% thicker cap Envision composite decking will allow for a long lifespan.
- Low maintenance: spend more time enjoying your deck and less money on upkeep
- Moisture absorption: over time, moisture causes warping, rot, and decay in wood boards
Choose Envision Composite Decking
Our composite decking has been rated by Consumer Reports as the Best Composite Decking of 2024. See the Envision Difference in person by ordering 12-inch samples. And don’t forget to pair them with our Fairway Railing Collection.
If you’re not sure where to get started on our outdoor living project, our ‘Start My Project’ page is the perfect place to start!
*Compared to leading competitor full profile deck boards
