Wood or Vinyl: What Kind of Deck Do You Need?

For the longest time, the only material available for decks was wood, but that all changed when vinyl came along. Vinyl has risen in popularity greatly since its inception, but wood is still very popular as well, leaving the two materials to compete with one another. How can you know whether you should build a wood or vinyl deck?

There is no definitive answer to this question, and it really comes down to your personal preferences. Each has its own pros and cons, and both are good options for your new deck. We wanted to take some time today to talk about the differences between the two and the unique benefits of each.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Cleaning a vinyl deck is tiresome work. Firstly, the products used to clean them leave a powdery film behind and also tend to strip the finish. Secondly, it’s not an easy clean as it requires you to get down on your hands and knees and scrub. This is something you may want to discuss with a Maryland vinyl deck builder prior to your decision.

Wood, on the other hand, is much easier to maintain. Once a wood deck has already been installed and sealed, it only needs to be oiled once a year and resealed every few years. It’s also much easier to clean. All it really needs is a good spray-down with water from the hose whenever it becomes noticeably dirty.

Longevity and Durability

Wood decks tend to last longer than vinyl decks, and a strong wood like mahogany could last for up to 40 years. Additionally, wood decks can be refinished every couple of years making them look just as good as new. Vinyl decks can’t be refinished and actually tend to look worse as time goes on and scratches and stains accrue.

Many vinyl decks are colored to look like wood, and while the illusion is convincing at first, it tends to fade away over time. Vinyl decking is also very susceptible to mold growth, which can bring with it health problems. Wood decks definitely have an advantage when it comes to longevity.

The Costs

Vinyl decking is less expensive than wood decking, at least initially. Over time, all of the maintenance costs for vinyl add up and oftentimes exceed what the initial cost of a wood deck would have been. Essentially, you must decide if you want to pay less upfront and more in the long-run, or more upfront and less in the long-run.

Work With an Experienced Maryland Deck Builder

Here at North American Deck and Patio, we’ve built many wood and vinyl decks over the years. If you’re having trouble deciding between vinyl and wood we can help. We can speak with you and assess your individual deck needs and advise you on which material is right for you.

Don’t wait around, give us a call today. Our team of Maryland vinyl and wood deck builders are standing by ready to answer any questions you may have.

“Jim at North American patio and deck's came up with the most ingenious way of utilizing our small very slanted very water drained environment and turned it into a virtual oasis. Making this deck the envy of all our ambitions and gem for the community.”

– C. Cross