Today, we’ll be comparing cedar decking and composite decking so you can determine which type of deck to get for your house.
If you’re thinking about getting a new deck for your home, you’ll want to consider a few different factors before the installation. One of the questions you’ll be asking yourself is: what kind of deck should I build? Decks can be made from many different materials. Two options at your disposal will be cedar decking and composite decking, and they both have their pros and cons. Today, we’ll be comparing cedar decking and composite decking so you can determine which type of deck to get for your house.
Design Flexibility
When it comes to deck design, you’ll want your deck to complement the rest of your house seamlessly. Fortunately, for cedar decking, you’ll have plenty of design options available to you. Cedar is a light material that can be cut with ease. It also stays straight and lays flat, making it easier to create any patterns you want for your deck.
Deck design is one of the weaker aspects of composite decking, as your deck will ultimately have a plastic look to it. While composite decking tries its best to imitate other woods, it’s never going to replicate the real thing perfectly.
Finishing Choices
Cedar decking can accept many different finishes. You could opt to not apply a finish, which makes for less maintenance, or you could choose from many different transparent and semitransparent options. Transparent finishes let you see the wood’s natural color, while semitransparent finishes give your deck a little bit of extra color.
Composite decking also gives you many different color options, helping your deck match the look of your house more easily. The concern is that there aren’t a lot of refinishing options available for these decks, and sun exposure often causes the color to fade over time.
Performing Properties
Cedar decking is resistant against rotting and pest damage, which helps to increase its lifespan This makes cedar a great decking material for outdoor environments, even during extreme temperatures.
The boards that are used for composite decks tend to be more cost-effective, but they’re not as sturdy. They may also hold water, which can cause the deck boards to warp. When deck boards warp, it leads to cracking, which further compromises the structural integrity of your deck.
Purchase Your New Decking from Fisher Lumber
Be sure to visit Fisher Lumber’s Designer Showroom featuring displays of Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru entry doors, Simpson and Masonite exterior doors, and a wide selection of interior doors featuring Simpson, Masonite, Lemieux, and JELD-WEN. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to assist you! Contact us at 301-424-6500 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.