Composite or Pressure-Treated Wood Decking in Jacksonville
Both work in Northeast Florida. They differ in upkeep, surface heat and how they age in damp, so pick the one that matches the time you want to spend.
Around Ortega, Julington Creek and nearby
Calls are recorded for quality assurance.
Pressure-treated wood
Pressure-treated lumber is wood that has had preservative forced into it, and it is the usual budget choice for decking and framing. Wood that contacts the soil, such as posts, should be a grade rated for ground contact.
- It can be stained or painted in nearly any color.
- It needs regular cleaning and sealing in a damp climate, or it grays, cracks and grows mildew.
- Boards can warp, cup or split as they dry in the summer sun.
- Screws and fasteners must suit the preservative, since some corrode standard steel.
Composite decking
Composite boards are made from wood fibers and plastic. They do not need staining, and they do not rot the way wood does.
- Cleaning with soap and water is the usual upkeep, though mildew can still grow on a damp, shaded surface.
- Dark boards get hot in direct sun. Lighter colors stay cooler under bare feet.
- The frame under the boards is still wood or metal, and it still needs to stay dry and off the ground.
- The upfront cost is usually higher than for wood. Ask for both prices on your deck.
How the two compare here
Humidity and rain: wood needs sealing to cope, while composite shrugs off most of it, though it is not immune to mold.
Sun and heat: wood fades, and composite can too. Both get hot in full sun.
Salt air: neither material is a salt problem. The screws, brackets and railing hardware are.
Termites: composite is not food in the way wood is, but the frame is usually wood. Eliminating wood-to-ground contact, as UF/IFAS Extension advises, protects either type.
Questions to ask
- What does each option cost for my deck, installed?
- What upkeep does each need in a year, and how long does it take?
- What color and finish reduce surface heat?
- Are the fasteners and framing the right grade for the material?
- What does the maker's paperwork cover, and who handles a claim?
Composite and wood questions
Is composite worth the cost?
It depends on how much upkeep you want to do. If you do not want to stain every couple of years, composite is worth pricing.
Can I mix them?
Yes. A common build uses a wood frame with composite boards.
What about hardwoods?
Dense tropical hardwoods are another option. They cost more and need their own fasteners and finish.
Ready when you are
Call now, or send the form. A local pro calls you back, usually the same business day.
Calls are recorded for quality assurance.