So you’ve finally decided to build the deck of your dreams. Congratulations! You’ve probably thought about the size, the height of the railings, and the color or aesthetic that will work best with the rest of your home. But have you thought about the material?
Many homeowners make the mistake of choosing wood for their decking. That’s probably the kind of deck they ran around on as a child, so it makes sense that it would be seen as the ‘default’ option. Not to mention, on the surface it appears to be the most economical choice. But wood has secret, hidden costs that you might not be aware of. Increasingly, consumers are investing in the future of their outdoor living space by choosing composite decking over wood. Here are some reasons why:
It’s simpler
Wood decking has to be stained and sealed. And then, just two to five years later, it must be sanded, re-stained, and re-sealed. In another two to five years? You guessed it! The whole process must be repeated. You’ll need appropriate materials, and of course, after the job is done you’ll have to find a place in your home to store the leftover supplies. This is time-consuming and unpleasant work that no one wants to do. And, it can’t be done in the rain, so instead of enjoying their decks on a perfect sunny day, homeowners with wood decks can sometimes be found on their hands and knees, cursing at sandpaper. Of course, you could hire a professional, but that’s an additional and recurring expense. When calculating your deck budget, make sure to include the cost of supplies and labor. You may even find that, when viewed through this lens, composite decking is actually the LESS expensive option. The only maintenance required to keep composite decking looking as great as the day it was installed can be done in an afternoon. Best of all, you don’t need any special supplies or to hire someone else -- just water and a soapy brush.
It lasts longer
The lifespan of a traditional wooden deck is 15-30 years. Of course, that assumes you’re rigorously following the prescribed maintenance schedule, so the number of useful years you get out of your outdoor area could shrink if life gets in the way of maintaining your decking. Composite decking, on the other hand, lasts for up to 50 years! And that’s with no decline in quality!
It’s safer for kids
No splinters on their tiny bare feet. No harsh chemicals around during maintenance. No fear of unseen insect damage or rot creating invisible hazards. With composite decking, you can rest easy knowing that your family isn’t going to take a nasty tumble over a warped board.
Of course, composite decking has a different look than natural wood. Some customers naturally prefer the look of authentic wood, and are prepared to (or even looking forward to) the maintenance! Whatever decking choice you make, Handyman Connection in Pasadena is a safe and easy way to find a qualified craftsman who is immediately available to turn your decking dreams into a reality. Call us at 626-744-0402 for your free estimates in Pasadena and Los Angeles!