For all practical purposes, you have two options when it comes to choosing outdoor decking: wood or synthetic decking, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Wood Decking

Types of Wood Decking: Outdoor decking can be made from just about any kind of wood. Redwood, western red cedar, and ironwood are popular choices because they are naturally insect resistant, while pine is less expensive, but not quite as durable. When choosing wood for outdoor decking, durability and cost are the biggest factors.

Advantages of Wood Decking: Wood decking is beautiful, easy to work with, and durable. A properly maintained wood deck can last for fifteen or twenty years. It’s readily available and less expensive than synthetic decking.

Disadvantages of Wood Decking: Outdoor decking made of wood rots over time when exposed to moisture. Some woods, like redwood, are less susceptible to rot than other materials, and keeping the wood treated and sealed helps prevent rot, but eventually, all wood will rot. Termites and carpenter ants love outdoor decking made from wood. Once again, some woods, such as redwood and cedar, are more naturally insect resistant.

Outdoor decking made of wood must be maintained for it to last. It has to be cleaned and all mold, and mildew has to be removed with a bleach solution, and it has to be sealed periodically to make it more water-resistant. Wood, especially soft or uncured wood, can warp when exposed to weather, as it is in outdoor decking.

One disadvantage of wood decking is that we are using wood, which is a renewable resource, faster than it grows. Forest depletion contributes to global warming and other environmental problems. Using grown and harvested wood helps reduce the environmental impact of outdoor decking made from wood.

Synthetic Decking

Types of Synthetic Decking: Outdoor decking can be made from either plastic or composite materials. Plastic decking is usually made from recycled plastic, and composite decking is made from recycled plastic and wood scraps.

Advantages of Synthetic Decking: Synthetic decking is an environmentally-friendly option, because it is made from recycled materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Outdoor decking made from synthetic materials is nearly maintenance-free. It requires only cleaning, and never needs sealing, painting, or staining. Outdoor decking made of composite materials looks and feels remarkably like wood.

Disadvantages of Synthetic Decking: Outdoor decking made of synthetic materials may sag in high heat, and over time, heat expansion can make plastic decking brittle.

Outdoor decking made of synthetics has to have a sturdy, usually wood, frame and foundation. It is not sturdy enough to use for weight-bearing supports. In addition, the wood and synthetics expand and contract at different rates with heat and other weather conditions, which can result in the warping and popping in fasteners. Synthetic decking is slightly more expensive than wood decking.

Outdoor decking can be made of either wood or synthetics, and both have advantages and disadvantages. Compare the available products, and you will find the one that works best for your deck.