Composite or Pressure Treated?

Today there are a lot more options when it comes to building material. 40 years ago everything was wood, and withing that you had cedar or pine. Now, there’s a seemingly unlimited amount of options for material. One of the biggest decisions is between the tradition pressure treated pine deck boards, or composite deck boards.

What’s the difference?

A pressure treated pine board is pretty well what it sounds like. It’s a piece of pine lumber soaked and treated to withstand weathering. A 16ft board today will cost about $30 dollars, These boards require a bit more maintenance especially if you decide not to stain and seal them.

A composite deck board is made up of sawdust, plastics, rubbers, glue, and other additives. Not as charming? Well, the the durability, as well as the low maintenance of these boards is shocking. Never staining or sealing, and just a quick wash once or twice a year is a lot less maintenance. These boards will also last a lifetime. Especially if they’re in a semi covered, or shaded spot. They also look as good year one as they do year 30. The downside is the price. Depending on what brand you buy, these boards aver 2X the price of pressure treated pine. But don’t think of that as your entire project doubling, the structure of your deck will always be made of pressure treated lumber. So you’re just paying the difference in decking price.

Both are good options! Depending on your needs a pressure treated deck may be best! Or maybe you don’t mind the extra maintenance, and enjoy changing the stain colors every few years.

Either way you go, just make sure you have a professional install your project! A good deck should make it 50 years!