Comparing Best Decking Materials

Comparing Best Decking Materials: Wood, Composite, Bamboo, Hardwoods, and PVC.

When planning to build a deck, selecting the best material is crucial for longevity, aesthetics, and maintenance. Here’s a detailed comparison of wood, composite, bamboo, hardwood, and PVC decking materials.

Wood Decking

• Pressure-treated wood: $3 to $6 per square foot

• Cedar: $4 to $9 per square foot

• Redwood: $4 to $6 per square foot

Wood decking offers a natural look and versatility in staining or painting but requires regular maintenance and is susceptible to rot and insect damage.

Composite Decking

• Cost: $6 to $15 per square foot

Composite decking is low maintenance and durable, resistant to rot, warping, and insects. However, it typically has a higher upfront cost and cannot be recycled easily due to its mixed materials composition.

Bamboo Decking

• Cost: $13 to $16 per square foot

Bamboo decking is sustainable, durable, and has a unique natural look. It requires regular oiling to maintain its appearance or will weather to a gray patina, which many find appealing.

Hardwood Decking (Ipe, Teak, Mahogany)

• Cost: $7 to $15 per square foot

Hardwood decking is extremely durable and resistant to wear, insects, and rot, offering rich color and grain patterns. It has a high upfront cost and requires regular oiling.

PVC Decking

• Cost: $10 to $15 per square foot

PVC decking is low maintenance, resistant to moisture, insects, and rot, and retains color well over time. It is generally more expensive and can look less natural compared to wood or composite decking.

Current Prices Overview

• Wood Decking:

• Pressure-treated wood: $3 to $6 per square foot.

• Cedar: $4 to $9 per square foot.

• Redwood: $4 to $6 per square foot.

• Composite Decking: $6 to $15 per square foot.

• Bamboo Decking: $13 to $16 per square foot.

• Hardwood Decking: Ipe and similar hardwoods: $7 to $15 per square foot.

• PVC Decking: $10 to $15 per square foot.

Conflicting Opinions

• Cost vs. Longevity: Some argue the higher initial cost of composite and PVC is offset by lower maintenance and longer lifespan, while others feel wood's lower initial cost is more appealing despite higher maintenance.

• Environmental Impact: Composite and PVC materials are often marketed as eco-friendly, but sustainably sourced wood and bamboo are also strong contenders in this regard.

Jacobe Palmiter @JCS Construction Services