Wisconsin Deck Builders

Composite Decks

Composite decks are built with composite wood. Composite wood (aka engineered wood) is real wood fibers combined with plastic to make it stronger and more durable. This means composite wood decks have a lower chance of molding, warping, or rotting the way decks built with natural wood might.

Composite wood cost: $55 - $100 per square foot installed

While wood decks need repairs within 10-30 years, composite decks can last 5 decades before any maintenance needs to be done. So, despite being more expensive up front, composite decks will pay for themselves with savings on maintenance.

Composite Deck Construction

Building a deck is a common DIY project, but composite deck construction has unique technical requirements and a higher initial cost, so it is best to hire a professional.

Framing for a composite deck is not the same as a wooden deck. The plastic material in composite wood needs strict support to avoid warping in the hot sun. Doing so incorrectly can be a very costly mistake.

Wood Deck Construction

Lumber decks are made of natural wood. One advantage of a regular lumber deck is you will get the look, smell, and feel of wood that synthetic materials cannot replicate.

Wood deck costs: $20 - $55 per square foot installed (depending on the specific wood type)

Another advantage of real lumber decks is they do not absorb heat as much as other materials, so the surface of your deck will stay cool for longer. Lumber also tends to be cheaper than composite wood and other material.