As custom deck builders in NJ, Decks by Ziec strives to give customers complete and accurate information about our products. This helps them make an informed decision before they purchase any of our decks and it strengthens our reputation as a conscientious company. Doing this also ensures that customers make decisions that are in their best interests. One area that often confuses customers who are considering buying one of our products for the first time is deck composition material. Specifically, many want to know the differences between wood and composite decks and which they should choose. Wood Decks The first selling point of using wood as decking material is that is generally looks more natural than other materials. A second selling point is that wood decking is less expensive than composite decking. (This is in the short time and without factoring in maintenance costs.) Three types of wood are commonly used for decking material: Southern Pine, Cedar and mahogany. Southern Pine - although inexpensive and easily available - is subject to warping and requires high maintenance. Cedar is heavily favored because it is relatively resistant to rotting. Additionally, many customers choose it because of its wonderful smell. However, a main disadvantage it and other woods have over composite decking is that they are generally more difficult to maintain. Most wood decking needs to be sealed and stained regularly. One method of determining when staining may be necessary is to sprinkle water on your wood deck. If the water is absorbed then staining is necessary; if not then it can probably be put off. Finally, Mahogany - a higher grade of wood - is generally more expensive than either Southern Pine or Cedar. The advantage to it is that it is very durable, ages well and requires relatively less maintenance. Composite Decks Composite decking – which is usually composed of plastic, such as polyethylene and/or polyvinyl chloride, and wood particles - is usually more expensive than wood decking. On the other hand, composite decking requires less maintenance than wood decks. Also, composite decking is less susceptible to rotting, splintering or twisting. Generally, pressure washing with detergent is all that is required to rid the surface of superficial debris. Some other advantages composite decking has over wood decking are that it is splinter and slip resistant making it safer for children and there is a wider color selection available for it. Lastly, the long term costs are lower due to less maintenance being needed for composite decks. Finally, the decision on which to choose is ultimately a personal one. There are advantages and disadvantages to wood and composite decking for homeowners. Our Custom deck contractors in Cranbury NJ strive to accommodate customers regardless of their personal preferences in deck design and/or construction material. We believe that a well informed customer is bound to be a satisfied one as well. Comments are closed.
|
CategoriesArchives
June 2019
|