I purchased a house last fall and found out the deck is completely rotted and needs to be replaced. It's approximately 30 feet by 14 feet on the south side. I've received quotes for about $11-13k for a wood deck and around $10k more for a composite. I'm okay with spending extra if composite is truly worth it. I've heard bad things about wood decks, but I had a wooden deck in my previous house that was fine with regular maintenance. On the other hand, I've heard nightmare stories about composite decks getting really hot, scratching easily, needing mats under grills, and not handling snow and ice well. So, is composite actually a better choice, or are both options just exchanging one set of issues for another?
4 Answers
If you go the composite route, ensure your deck joist framing is at most 16 inches apart. Composite can be hot to walk on, especially barefoot, and it's crucial to keep grills and any grease away to avoid damage. The only real upside is they're easier to clean compared to wood.
From my experience, treated lumber isn't as durable as what it used to be, so you'll likely face more maintenance than your previous wooden deck. Composite decks can get hot with prolonged sun exposure, making them uncomfortable to walk on, plus, they're prone to scratching and stains can be hard to clean. I'd suggest considering ipe wood as an option. It's a Brazilian hardwood that's low maintenance if you're okay with it turning gray over time. It's been a game-changer for me; I've just had one installed and it's gorgeous! Just be ready for the higher cost compared to composite.
We put in a small composite stairway, and let me tell you, it got so hot in the summer that my dog couldn't even walk on it without trying to dance around! We had to cover each step with rugs to keep it bearable. I really won’t choose composite again unless it’s well shaded. It definitely has its drawbacks in full sun.
Composite brands like Trex offer long warranties, up to 50 years, showing they have confidence in their products. However, I've seen some poor installations that result in issues. Just make sure whoever you hire has a solid portfolio. And yes, be cautious because a single bad cut can be costly when working with composite materials. That's one reason I prefer traditional wood; it's a lot more forgiving when it comes to mistakes!
Sounds like you're really into ipe! I’ll have to check that out.