If you’re interested in building an outdoor deck in Ohio, then you’re probably weighing the choice between wooden and composite decking.  While wooden decks have long been the traditional choice, composite decking has become a prominent new trend thanks to its countless benefits.  To help you decide which material is right for you, check out the top 5 benefits of composite decking:

1. It’s more durable than wood

Choosing a deck that’s built out of durable material is important if you want something safe and long-lasting.  Composite decking is built with strong materials that can bear the load of all your friends, family, furniture, and furry pets.  Not only is it safe and load-bearing, but it also has greater resistance to damage, mold, and mildew.  It won’t split, warp, or crack like a traditional wooden deck, either.

2. It requires less maintenance

Because composite decking is so durable, it requires less upkeep than a traditional wooden deck.  You won’t have to worry about replacing rotten or broken planks, which can be costly and dangerous.  Composite decking also doesn’t need to be restrained or repainted, as they’re designed to hold up against UV rays and moisture.  All you’ll need to do is give it a rinse now and then to keep it looking as beautiful as the day you bought it.

3. It comes in a variety of designs

Traditional wooden decks are often beautiful thanks to their natural grain patterns and beautiful finishes.  But while your options are limited in a wooden deck, there’s no end to the list of designs you can choose with composite decking.  You can capture the natural look with realistic grain patterns in a variety of options.  Choose whichever color or design style you like without having to worry about restaining or repainting them every few years to maintain the design.  Unlike wooden decking, composite decking gives you limitless options from the get-go.

4. It’s eco-friendly

While wood can be a more environmentally-friendly material than harmful plastics, it still requires a large amount of lumber to build a deck.  This can contribute to deforestation, which threatens our environment and increases our carbon footprint.  Composite decking is usually made from recycled or scrap materials, which substantially minimizes its environmental impact.  With composite decking, you’re recycling materials that would normally go to waste in landfills and instead creating something beautiful and new.

5. You save money in the long run

While composite decks often cost more than wooden decks, they save you a substantial amount of money in the long run.  Wooden decks end up costing more thanks to the cost of maintenance, recoloring, restaining, and repair.  If you’re willing to put up a little more money in the short-term, then you’ll be able to enjoy the long-term savings of composite decking.

Composite decking has many incredible benefits that wooden decking lacks.  If you want to enjoy the beauty of a wooden deck without the maintenance or the environmental impact, then consider composite decking in your next project.