The composite wood deck is a very trendy alternative to the natural wood deck. Composed of a mixture of wood particles and polyethylene or PVC, it very well imitates the effect of real wood without having the maintenance constraints. This non-binding material is therefore increasingly popular with the French for the design of their terrace. Discover the advantages and disadvantages of composite wood as well as the price to be expected for installation.
What are the advantages of composite wood decking?
A composite wood deck has many advantages:
- Composite wood imitates natural wood very well and can create an illusion! It is therefore a good solution to bring the warmth and beauty of essences without constraints to your exterior.
- Composite wood is very durable. It is perfectly UV resistant and does not lose its original color.
- Rot-proof, composite wood does not work over time. It does not move and ages well.
- Laying a composite wood deck is very simple and quick. It is accessible to any DIY enthusiast and well equipped. Lightweight, it is an easy material to work with.
- Composite wood is easy to maintain. A hard brush and soapy water can remove the dirt accumulated in winter when it is restored for the first fine days. On a daily basis, a broom or a simple damp mop are enough to keep it clean and beautiful. It is also very stain resistant.
- Its price is affordable. It is slightly higher than European natural woods, but it is significantly lower than the cost of exotic woods.
- Composite wood won’t hurt you with splinters, unlike real wood.
- In the same way, composite wood does not split.
- Moss and fungi do not grow on a composite wood deck. This material is very resistant to humidity.
- It is also very resistant to attacks by xylophagous insects since it contains no real wood.
- This material is non-slip, which is very practical for your terrace, but also reassuring when the pool is nearby to avoid the risk of falling.
- Its panel is very extensive in terms of aesthetics. Composite wood can imitate all species, including the most expensive exotic woods. The colors are also multiple, which gives free rein to all desires.
What are the disadvantages of composite wood decking?
Despite its advantages, composite wood has some disadvantages:
- Despite its wide range of models and colors, composite wood imitates wood and is limited to its tones, which is relatively limited in terms of choice with brown, gray, beige and white.
- The composite wood deck should preferably be laid like a wooden deck, but it can be installed on a concrete slab.
- Composite wood is not as warm and pleasant to the touch as natural wood.
- Natural wood connoisseurs can easily see the aesthetic differences.
- The cost remains high for imitation.
- Composite wood is not recyclable, unlike real wood.
- This material retains heat. If your patio is in direct sunlight, you won’t be able to walk on it barefoot.
How much does it cost to install a composite wood deck?
For a composite wood deck, count on average 40 to 60 euros per square meter for the material only. Allow a total of 90 to 150 euros per square meter for the material and the installation.
For comparison, count 15 to 40 euros per square meter for European wood and up to 200 euros for exotic wood.