Wood vs. Composite Decking

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Seven Trust Deck

Designed with lasting beauty, incredible durability and easy maintenance, there’s no compromising with high-performance composite decking. That’s why high-performance composite is the only type of decking we make. We’ve paired Seven Trust against other types of decking for a head-to-head comparison that proves Seven Trust wood plastic composite decks, outperforms the rest.

wood vs composite deck

Everyone loves the natural look of wood but hates all the painting, staining and sealing. Wood decks of all types, including pressure-treated wood, ipe, cedar or redwood, require extensive upkeep. SevenTrust was designed with the beauty of wood decking, but not all the maintenance. Our high-performance, eco-friendly composite boards withstand years of sun, sleet and snow, keeping their rich color. Through it all, we have never felled a single tree. So when comparing composite decking vs. wood, there’s no competition.

» Composite decking requires less maintenance than wood decking.

Composite decking is a lot like prefinished flooring. It arrives as a finished product and NEVER needs sanding, staining, or painting -- just an occasional soap and water cleaning. Wood needs to be finished after installation and then refinished every 1-2 years, meaning you'll be spending a significant amount of time and elbow grease maintaining that deck.

» Composite decking costs less over its lifetime than does wood and lasts longer, too.

While pressure-treated lumber may cost less initially, maintenance costs are significantly higher. On average, maintaining a wood deck will cost $450-$850 per year. Composite decking? Just $5-$15 annually. What's more, wood decks are susceptible to mold, decay and insects (not to mention Mother Nature) and have a shorter lifespan. Composites retain their good looks year after year. So that new deck look you love is the look you'll keep. Explore great deck designs in our photo gallery.

» Composite decking materials are eco-friendly and toxin-free.

SevenTrust composite decking is made from locally-sourced recycled plastic, lumber mill scraps and other materials. Using these materials means we prevent more than 50,000 tons of plastic and other waste from ending up in landfills or incinerators every year. Plus, our composites prevent further deforestation, are free of the toxic chemicals often found in pressure-treated lumber and are manufactured in a process that produces zero water waste.

» Composite decking is safer.

Wood-plastic composite decks are splinter-free and slip-resistant, making home safer for children and pets (not to mention your bare feet).

» Composite decking looks like natural wood.

Composite decking has come a long way in the past five years. Today's composites reflect the beauty of natural and exotic hardwoods, complete with subtle streaking and varied wood grain patterns. Pick your favorite material.

seven trust composite vs pvc

PVC decking is another low-maintenance alternative to wood. Just like composite, PVC can resist rot, termites and mold. However, PVC decking is far less environmentally friendly, produced mostly from virgin plastic. Compare that to the ultra-green Trex board: made with 95% recycled materials and eco-friendly manufacturing processes, SevenTrust never loses its sophisticated color or performance.

Whereas SevenTrust keeps its beauty, PVC decks:

» Are prone to chalking

» Are more likely to shrink and expand with temperature fluctuations than composites

» Can fade and stain from rubber mats, sunscreen and insect repellent

» Are recommended for use with after-market cleaning products to maintain aesthetics over time