When it comes to choosing materials for your deck, two of the most popular options are cedar and composite. Both have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to appearance, durability, maintenance, cost, and environmental impact. Knowing the key differences between these two decking materials can help you make the best choice for your home.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll compare cedar vs. composite decking on the following factors:
- Appearance
- Durability
- Maintenance
- Cost
- Environmental impact
By the end, you’ll have the information you need to determine whether natural cedar or synthetic composite is better for your decking project.
Page Contents
Appearance
One of the biggest considerations when choosing decking is appearance. Do you want the beautiful, natural look of real wood or something more low-maintenance? Here’s how cedar and composite decks compare aesthetically:
Cedar decking
- Has a warm, reddish-brown color that darkens gracefully to a silvery patina over time
- Grain patterns and color variations give a natural wood look
- Knots, cracks, and imperfections add character
- Able to be stained or sealed for coloring customization
Composite decking
- Comes in a wide range of solid or multi-chromatic colors
- Offers realistic-looking wood grain patterns
- Consistent color and texture without natural imperfections
- Staining not needed but may fade over time
When it comes to appearance, it really comes down to your personal preferences. If you love the look of fresh wood, cedar has the advantage. But composite allows for more color consistency and customization.
Durability
Durability is another significant factor that distinguishes these two decking materials. Composite often lasts longer with lower maintenance needs:
Cedar decking
- Has natural resistance to decay and insects but still susceptible to warping, splitting, and cupping
- Typically lasts 15-25 years with proper maintenance
- Prone to splintering if left unsealed
Composite decking
- Engineered for maximum durability, moisture resistance, and stain resistance
- Lasts 25-30+ years with minimal upkeep
- Backed by 20-25 year manufacturer warranties
- Won’t splinter, crack, or warp like real wood
Composite decking is designed to be longer-lasting and lower maintenance than natural wood alternatives. The polymers and wood/plastic composites are highly resistant to weather, moisture, rot, and pests.
Maintenance
When shopping for decking, it’s also important to consider the required upkeep. Cedar needs more frequent maintenance while composite is nearly maintenance-free:
Cedar decking maintenance
- Needs re-sealing every 1-3 years
- Staining recommended every 2-4 years
- May require sanding or refinishing over time
- Can develop mildew, staining, or discoloration without treatment
- May need boards replaced after years of weathering
Composite decking maintenance
- Requires no staining, sealing, or sanding
- Just needs occasional soap and water cleaning
- Power washing recommended once per year
- Heat and sunlight can lighten color over many years
- Spot replacing of damaged boards possible
Composite only needs basic cleaning and the occasional power wash to keep it looking fresh. The minimal maintenance is a major selling point for many homeowners.
Cost Comparison
Upfront cost is often a primary factor in choosing deck materials. Here’s how cedar and composite decking compare:
Cedar decking cost
- Typically $3-7 per square foot installed
- Among the least expensive natural wood decking options
- Price depends on grade/quality of wood and complexity of project
- Has additional costs for regular staining/sealing
Composite decking cost
- Ranges from $8-12 per square foot installed
- 2-3x more expensive than pressure treated pine
- But only 10-15% more than cedar or redwood
- Offsets higher upfront cost with longevity and low maintenance
Cedar is generally the more budget-friendly option. But composite isn’t much more expensive than premium wood, and its durability means lower lifetime costs.
Cost Per Year Comparison
To accurately compare costs, let’s break it down over a 25 year timeframe:
| Decking Material | Initial Cost for 500 sq.ft. Deck | Annual Maintenance Cost | Cost Per Year Over 25 Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cedar | $3,500 | $500 | $4,625 |
| Composite | $6,000 | $0 | $4,800 |
When you factor in long term costs, composite decking ends up costing about the same per year as cedar when you account for the higher maintenance expenses.
Environmental Impact
Eco-friendliness is another consideration for decking these days. Here’s how cedar and composite compare:
Cedar decking
- All-natural renewable wood certified as sustainably harvested
- Biodegrades naturally at end of lifecycle
- Carbon footprint depends on transportation distance
- Can be locally sourced
Composite decking
- Made of mostly recycled plastic and wood fibers
- Reduces waste by repurposing recycled materials
- Won’t biodegrade but can be recycled
- Higher manufacturing carbon footprint
Both options are reasonably eco-friendly. Cedar is renewable while composite repurposes plastic waste. Composite is more energy intensive to manufacture but cedar needs chemical treatments. It’s a bit of a wash when it comes to environmental impact.
Conclusion
So what’s the final verdict on cedar vs. composite decking?
Here’s a quick summary of the key differences:
Cedar
- More natural beauty
- Lower upfront cost
- Less durable
- Higher maintenance
- Renewable and biodegradable
Composite
- Man-made consistency in color and texture
- Higher initial cost
- Lasts longer with less upkeep
- Low-maintenance
- Made of recycled materials
Ultimately, it depends on your priorities. If you want the lowest maintenance option, composite is your best bet. But if natural wood beauty and affordability upfront are most important, you can’t beat cedar decking.
Before deciding, get quotes on your specific project size and layout from reputable deck builders. And think about how much time you’re willing to commit to sealing and staining. Consider composite if you’d rather spend weekends relaxing on your deck than maintaining it. But opt for cedar if you like the process of caring for real wood over years.
Either way, you have two great options for your dream backyard deck. And with the right materials, design, and maintenance you can enjoy your outdoor oasis for decades to come.
Additional Considerations
Here are a few other factors that may impact your cedar vs composite decking decision:
- Climate – Composite holds up better than cedar in wet, humid climates prone to mold and mildew.
- Location – Cedar is a better choice for decks built close to the ground where composites are prone to moisture collection.
- Usage – Composite works well for decks that get heavy foot traffic and use due to high durability.
- Design – Cedar allows for more intricate deck patterns, rails, benches etc. due to easier workability.
- Fire risk – Cedar is naturally fire resistant. Composites can melt and need flame retardant formulas.
Taking the time to thoroughly compare cedar and composite decking will ensure you select the ideal materials for your specific needs and preferences. Consult with knowledgeable deck builders in your area to determine which option is right for your project.