Material choice for your deck — whether for a new build or a remodel — is a significant consideration that can impact many areas.
These include:
- Appearance of the deck
- Cost of the deck
- Maintenance and upkeep needs
- Deck safety
- Environmental considerations
In general, there are two main categories from which you can choose your deck material: composite decking (which includes a number of materials) and pressure-treated wood.
Can you mix composite decking with wood in the construction of a deck? The answer is a resounding yes. Homeowners are increasingly choosing to do so for a variety of reasons. Below, we will explore those reasons, as well as the benefits of each type of material.
Why Mix Composite Decking With Wood?
Composite decking offers a unique set of benefits as compared to those from pressure-treated wood. Below, we will briefly summarize the main benefits of each type:
Composite decking
- Low maintenance — nearly maintenance-free
- Resistance to weather, rotting and insects
- Longer life span before replacement
- Does not require finishing or treatment to prevent splinters
Wood
- Lower initial cost, though more frequent repair and replacement will be required
- Considered more environmentally friendly
Why do homeowners choose to mix composite decking with wood? Because mixing materials allows you to enjoy the benefits of both types. With a mixed-material deck, one can reduce maintenance needs for the composite portion of the deck, while also gaining the benefit of splinter-free material for deck areas that are likely to contact hands and feet, such as the floor and handrails.
Meanwhile, using wood for other deck areas — especially those that are protected from the elements to some degree — can yield excellent cost benefits.
How to Mix Composite Decking and Wood
Once you choose to mix composite decking and wood, there are numerous considerations to make to maximize the benefits of each type.
These include:
- Appearance: When mixing materials, there will always be some degree of difference in the surface color and tone. By taking this into consideration, you can plan an aesthetically pleasing two-toned deck.
- Safety: Minimally, you should use composite materials in areas that will come into contact with hands and feet, such as the decking floor and handrails. This decision gives you the peace of mind of preventing splinter incidents.
- Exposure to the elements: Wood material can be used for areas that are protected from the elements, by composite elements or other structural elements. Suitable components might include vertical supports and joists. Note that even with protection from the elements, wood components will require refinishing, repair and replacement.
- Cost: Your budget will also be a deciding factor in determining the mix between composite materials and wood.
Ultrashield composite decking products from NewTechWood have been engineered, developed and perfected over several years to provide you with the benefits of a top-of-the-line composite material that can mix seamlessly with wood components. Ultrashield is constructed from a wood fiber and high-density polyethylene core with a polymer coating around the entire board, providing unparalleled protection against scratching, fading and staining.
We offer a 25-year limited transferable warranty as a sign of our confidence in the performance and long life span of Ultrashield products. To learn more, contact us today.
