Here are some tips to help you decide between a composite or wood deck.
Choosing the right decking material is a big decision— one that affects the look of your home, its value, maintenance, and how much time you’ll actually spend using it. When it comes to composite vs wood decks, the debate is real—especially on the Eastern Shore, where the climate can be tough on outdoor surfaces. Here are some tips to help you decide between a composite or wood deck.
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a man-made material made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics. It’s engineered to look like natural wood—but with some pretty significant performance upgrades. These boards are fade-resistant, rot-proof, and don’t require annual sealing or staining.
Many high-quality composite boards are made using recycled materials. Composite decks are available in various colors, grain patterns, and even textures, making it easier to match your home’s aesthetic.
Traditional Wood Decks
Wood decks have charm. That natural grain, the scent of cedar on a summer day, real wood offers a rustic beauty that composite boards sometimes struggle to replicate.
Pressure-treated pine is the most commonly used material, but some homeowners opt for cedar, redwood, or even exotic hardwoods like ipe. But beauty comes at the cost of maintenance. Wood requires regular staining, sealing, and occasional board replacement due to rot, warping, or insect damage. This can be especially important in shoreline towns where salt air speeds up wear and tear.
Durability
Maryland experiences every kind of weather event. We’re talking blazing summers, icy winters, humidity, and plenty of rain. So how do the two materials stand up?
Composite Decks
- UV-resistant: Won’t fade like wood under the hot Jersey sun
- Moisture-proof: Resistant to warping and rot
- Low maintenance: Just rinse and go
Wood Decks
Natural look but prone to:
- Warping in humid summers
- Cracking in freezing winters
- Fungal growth if not properly sealed
If you live in areas with heavy shade or near water, composite will outperform wood in terms of lifespan.
Aesthetics and Customization
If you love the look of real wood then natural wood is the winner here. However, composite decking has come a long way in recent years, offering rich tones and embossing that mimic wood convincingly. Many composite options also come with hidden fasteners for a sleek, screw-free finish; some even offer color-matched railing systems.
Call Eastern Shore Porch & Patio for Deck Installation
Eastern Shore Porch & Patio is Delmarva’s preferred wood deck installation and composite deck installation company, thanks to our commitment to customer service, competitive pricing, and quality products.
Eastern Shore Porch & Patio has been installing wood decks for years, and we know how to get the job done quickly and safely! We work with all of our wood deck installation customers to customize the deck to their needs.
We only use Armadillo composite decking, a premier product that combines low maintenance with superior quality. It is environmentally friendly and available in numerous colors and finishes to suit your style.
Trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio
When you embark on your next project for your property, trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio to help. We service Bethany Beach, Ocean City, Lewes, Salisbury, and the Delmarva area. You can request a quote today! If you have questions or concerns, call us at 302-436-9520 or send us an email at info@esvinylproducts.com. For updates and ideas, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.