Understanding Composite Decking Drawbacks
Composite decking has become a popular choice among homeowners due to its durability, low maintenance, and eco-friendly materials. Made from a combination of wood fibers and plastic, composite decking offers the look of wood without the frequent upkeep. However, composite decking isn’t without its disadvantages. It’s essential to understand the pros and cons, especially since composite decking tends to cost more upfront. This guide dives into the six biggest drawbacks of composite decking, helping you decide if it’s the right material for your outdoor space.
Drawback #1: Higher Initial Cost of Composite Decking Compared to Wood
Composite decking can come at a significantly higher price point than traditional wood, and this can be a considerable hurdle for some homeowners. A homeowner in Waldorf, MD came to us excited about composite decking after seeing photos of beautiful, low-maintenance decks. But when we ran the numbers, they were shocked to learn that a new deck would cost 20% more than a pressure-treated wood deck would cost. Their original budget wasn’t enough, and they had to scale back a little bit on size to make it work. In the end, they loved their composite deck, but they admitted they hadn’t realized how much more expensive it was upfront compared to wood.
- Cost Comparison: Composite decking costs typically range from $25–$45 per square foot, while natural wood, like pressure-treated lumber, averages between $15–$25 per square foot. Premium wood options, such as cedar or redwood, are generally still less expensive than composite. PVC decking, another low-maintenance option, can be even more costly.
- Real-World Cost Scenarios: For example, a 200-square-foot deck with composite materials may cost around $14,000–$16,000 (without stairs), whereas the same size deck using pressure-treated wood might cost $11,000–$13,000.
- Budgeting Tips: If composite fits your needs but not your budget, consider purchasing composite decking for high-use areas only, such as the main seating area, and using less costly materials for steps or peripheral areas. Alternatively, opt for a smaller deck size and gradually expand over time.
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Tip: Calculate the total cost of ownership, including maintenance, to compare composite and wood over a 10-year period. Composite may have a higher upfront cost but offers savings on maintenance and repairs. Most new composites will last 30 years or more |
Drawback #2: Heat Retention and Surface Temperature
Many homeowners find that composite decking retains heat, which can make it uncomfortable for bare feet on sunny days. This can be especially problematic in hotter climates.
- Why Composite Gets Hotter: Composite materials absorb and retain heat more than natural wood, especially darker colors. Unlike wood, composite lacks natural ventilation, which can cause it to hold higher temperatures.
- Real-Life Examples: Our friends in Arizona found their dark-colored composite deck got too hot to use comfortably in summer, prompting them to install a pergola for shade or wear shoes. Lighter-colored composite options may help, but the material still retains more heat than wood.
- Solutions to Reduce Heat:
- Shading: Consider adding an umbrella, pergola, or retractable awning to create shade.
- Color Selection: Lighter colors reflect heat better and can reduce the overall surface temperature. Some manufacturers offer “cooler” technology that reduces heat retention.
- New Materials: Fiberon, Trex and Timbertech are currently working on and will soon introduce new materials that will lower the deck board temperature by approximately 15 degrees. We expect these materials for use this year.
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Tip: If you live in a hot climate, opt for lighter-colored composite decking or plan to add shading to the deck to ensure comfort. |
Drawback #3: Limited Color Change and Customization Options
Composite decking is designed to be low-maintenance, which means it doesn’t offer the flexibility to refinish or change colors like wood does. A homeowner in Clinton, MD chose a trendy gray composite decking color that looked great. But a few years later, they installed new siding and realized the deck color clashed with their home’s siding. Unlike wood, which could be stained or repainted, composite decking was permanent. Their only options were to replace the entire deck or just live with the color. They told us they wished they had gone with a more classic, neutral tone instead of following trends!
- No Refinishing or Recoloring: Composite decking cannot be stained, painted, or refinished once installed. This means that any color choice is permanent and can’t be updated if tastes change or the color fades over time.
- Design Limitations: While composites come in a range of colors, they still offer fewer options compared to wood, which can be stained to match any style. Some homeowners may find the lack of flexibility limiting.
- Tips for Timeless Looks: Consider neutral tones, such as gray, brown, or natural wood shades, which are more likely to remain in style over the years. To get an idea of long-term appearance, look at composite samples in different lights to make an informed choice.
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Tip: Choose a classic color that complements your home and landscaping, as you’ll need to live with it long-term. Avoid overly trendy colors if you’re concerned about the deck looking dated in a few years. |
Drawback #4: Scratching and Surface Damage
Composite decking, while durable, is not impervious to scratches, especially from heavy furniture, pet claws, or sharp objects.
- Susceptibility to Scratches: Composite decking can scratch more easily than wood. Activities like dragging furniture, moving heavy pots, or pet claws can all cause surface damage. High-quality composites tend to be more scratch-resistant, but none are completely immune.
- Real-Life Example: A homeowner in Upper Marlboro, MD reported that the delivery service bringing their new appliances slid the appliances across the decking and left scratches . While some composites resist scratches better than others, scratches on composite decking can be challenging to repair. Thankfully, the delivery service took responsibility and we were able to change out a few boards.
- Minimizing Surface Damage:
- Use furniture pads or rugs under tables and chairs.
- Avoid dragging heavy objects across the deck surface.
- Choose high-quality composites, as they are generally more scratch-resistant than lower-end options.
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Tip: If you have pets or plan on moving heavy furniture, consider using area rugs or runners to protect high-traffic areas. |
Drawback #5: Difficulties with Repairs and Replacements
When damage occurs on composite decking, repairs can be complicated due to the nature of the material.
- Replacement Challenges: Replacing a damaged board with a new one may result in a mismatched color if the deck is more than ten years old. Many composite manufacturers change colors and patterns periodically, making it difficult sometimes to find exact replacements years down the line.
- Repair Limitations: Unlike wood, which can be sanded and refinished, composite decking cannot be easily repaired once scratched or damaged. Small chips or cracks may be manageable, but more significant issues typically require board replacement. However, composite materials are getting better every year and resist scratching
- Real-World Solution: A homeowner once purchased extra decking boards at the time of installation to ensure they had color-matched replacements available if needed in the future.
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Tip: When purchasing composite decking, buy a few extra boards to store for future repairs, ensuring a color match and saving time in finding replacements. |
Long-Term Cost Comparison: Composite Decking vs. Wood Decking
Though composite decking has a higher upfront cost, understanding the total cost of ownership can clarify if the investment is worthwhile. Below is a comparison of the initial costs, annual maintenance, and estimated lifespan of composite versus wood decking over a 10-year period.
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Decking Material |
Initial Cost (200 sq ft) |
Average Annual Maintenance Cost |
Estimated Lifespan |
10-Year Total Cost |
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Pressure-Treated Wood |
$3,000 -$5,000 |
$300 – $600 |
10-15 years |
$13,500 -$16,000 |
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Composite |
$5,000 -$9,000 |
$0 – $50 |
25-30 years |
$14,000 -$16,500 |
This table illustrates that while composite decking costs more upfront, it requires minimal maintenance, potentially resulting in long-term savings.
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Final Tip: If low maintenance and longevity are your primary concerns, the upfront investment in composite decking may be worthwhile. If you’re on a tight budget and willing to invest time in upkeep, wood might be a better fit. |
Is Composite Decking Right for You?
While composite decking offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider its drawbacks before making a commitment. The higher cost, heat retention, limited customization, susceptibility to scratches, and difficulty with repairs are factors that could influence your decision. By understanding these cons and weighing them against your budget, lifestyle, and climate, you can make a well-informed choice. Composite decking could be ideal for homeowners seeking a long-lasting, low-maintenance option, while wood may be better for those who prefer flexibility and a natural look. Ultimately, the right choice will depend on your specific needs and priorities.
Your outdoor transformation begins here—If you need more assistance from one of our design consultants, please do not hesitate to click here or call us at 240-266-5900.
