Composite Re-Decking vs. Cedar vs. Pressure Treated Wood

August 4, 2021

If you live in Kansas City or the Midwest, and it’s time to re-deck your old deck or tear it down and build a new one, should you use pressure treated wood, natural cedar or composite decking?

One of the most important yet challenging decisions to make when having a deck installed is the type of decking material to use.

There are three main deck material choices to consider:

All three of these are rot-resistant to some degree, require 16-inch joint spacing to ensure adequate support, and can be cut and installed using traditional fasteners and tools.

However, each of these has certain factors you must consider. These are the things that will help you choose the right material for your deck.

Cedar Deck Boards

If you want the look of natural wood for your deck, cedar is a smart option. Cedar is rot resistant and will not absorb moisture. Usually, this decking will last between 15 and 20 years but may deteriorate faster if your deck is installed at ground level.

Natural wood is beautiful. And while many types of hardwood make for great interior flooring and custom furniture, such as custom live edge tables, these types of wood are not always the best for building a deck. Cedar on the other hand, with proper care and maintenance, can be an excellent choice

You also need to reseal the boards so they retain their color. It can also get beat up with heavy use, which is something to consider.

Pressure-Treated Decking Materials

If you want affordable decking that will last, then pressure-treated decking boards are a smart option. This is hard enough to resist abuse, is stainable, and carries a lifetime warranty in most cases.

However, not all pressure-treated materials are created the same. You need to make sure you purchase a higher quality board if you go with this option to ensure issues don’t arise.

Composite Decking in Kansas City

At Heartland Decks, we use composite decking brands such as Trex Decking, Moisture Shield, Deckorators and more, but our composite decking of choice is Fiberon.

There are three different lines to choose from.

Paramount Decking by Fiberon

This is a high-performance, low-maintenance option that works well in areas where there is water or moisture. That’s because it is made with solid PVC material. If you have a dock or swimming pool with a deck, choosing this option is recommended.

Concordia and Sanctuary Decking by Fiberon

This is the solid, no groove decking option. There are grooves found on the sides of the boards, allowing us to use a hidden fastener system to create a seamless look.

While Concordia and Sanctuary decking can be used for your deck, it can also be used as wall cladding.

This is a smart option if you opt for skirting on your deck, which typically runs from the top to the ground. Also, Concordia and Sanctuary decking is backed by a 50-year warranty, which protects against fading, sun damage, splitting, and cracking, which are issues traditional wood decking experiences.

Good Life Decking by Fiberon

The mainline of decking materials we use for installations is Good Life, which Fiberon also offers. These boards feature grooved bottoms and can be used for your deck, skirting, and fascia board. You don’t see the unfinished edge when installed properly, which ensures a polished and finished appearance.

This type of decking is also backed with a 30-year warranty, which protects against fading, cracking, splitting, and other issues traditional wood decks experience.

Contact Us for Professional Wood & Composite Deck Installation in Kansas City

When it comes to Kansas City decking materials, you have several options. While cedar and pressure-treated decking offer some benefits, opting for composite just makes sense. These decking boards are designed to last and require minimal maintenance. There’s no need to treat or stain the boards regularly, and you can rinse them using a water hose to remove dirt and debris. No matter what material you choose, make sure you work with a proven licensed and insured Kansas City deck builder like Heartland Decks

Also, thanks to the generous warranty that is provided, you can feel confident that if issues do arise, your deck can be repaired and restored quickly. This peace of mind isn’t provided with the other decking materials described here.