How long does the deck last? Aluminum VS Wood VS Composite
Are you thinking about building a deck in your garden or on your patio? How long it will last is an important factor when deciding on decking materials. Because we’re sure you don’t want to waste too much money to get the deck you need.
Today this blog can help you learn about the three most common types of deck lifespan in the market: aluminum decking, wood decking, and plastic decking. And the factors that affect lifespan. Please be patient with this blog as these tips can help you choose a better deck.
Aluminum Deck
Aluminum deck is a new type of decking that lasts far longer than other types of deck. Aluminum deck can last up to 30-40 years of normal use due to its material aluminum alloy 6063 or 6005. 6xxx series of aluminum alloys have excellent corrosion resistance and resistance to deformation, properties that make aluminum decking perform well in outdoor environments.
Factors Affecting the Aluminum Decks lifespan：
1.Technical design:
The proper design of an aluminum deck also affects its longevity. Reasonable design can reduce the stress and deformation of the floor in the process of use, improve its stability and durability.
2.Aluminum Deck Surface Finishing:
The finishing of an aluminum deck affects its lifespan. Aluminum decks with powder coating are resistant to corrosion and strong acids. Aluminum decks without a protective coating are susceptible to acid rain or hail damage, so its surface finish is important. Hugh Aluminum’s aluminum decks are using“Akzo” powder, an ultra-stable powder coating that protects the deck from any damage.
How to Maintain Aluminum Decks？
Maintaining an aluminum deck is very simple. All you need to do is prepare a high-pressure water gun for rinsing the surface of the deck and then dry it with a soft cloth. Aluminum decking is low maintenance compared to wood decking. However, for scratches or abrasions on aluminum decks you need a special aluminum polish.
Wood Deck
Wood decking is the traditional decking material and the most used decking material. It is available in a wide range of styles, and different types of wood will last differently. The most used solid wood decks or redwood decks can last up to 8-10 years. However, wood decks that lack care and maintenance may only last about 3 years.
What Factors Affect the Lifespan of a Wood Deck：
1. Warping and rotting:
Over time, wood decks under excess weight or installed in wet environments. It can warp and rot. This can significantly shorten the life of your deck and lead to costly repairs or even complete replacement.
2. Climate and Weather:
The climate and weather where you live can affect the life of your deck. In extreme weather conditions such as heavy snow or storms, decks will have a shorter lifespan than decks in other areas.
3. Material quality and surface finish:
The quality of the wood and other materials used in deck construction plays an important role in its durability. Using treated lumber will provide better protection against decay; wood decks without a surface finish will break, rot and decay after two years.
Ways to maintain your wood deck
Regular cleaning, sealing and refinishing can greatly extend the lifespan of your wood deck. The key is to remove debris, get rid of mold and apply a protective sealer. These methods protect the wood deck from corrosion, and it is important to note that if you live next to a forest you need to spray insecticide or a non-toxic agent. It will protect your deck from mice or termites chewing on it.
Consistent maintenance program:
Maintenance of wood decks is frequent and complex. This is because a wood deck that is out of maintenance will lose its luster making your property value lower. So it is recommended that you specify a reasonable maintenance program.
Composite Deck
What is a composite deck?
Composite decking is a composite of natural wood fibers and thermoplastic. It is specially treated to offer the benefits of both wood and plastic. Composite decking has a life expectancy of 20 years or more, which will be superior to wood deck because the material contains synthetic plastic.
Factors affecting the life of composite decks
The main factor that affects the longevity of a composite deck is whether or not it is capped. Capped decks last longer because the capping is usually made of HDPE or PVC plastic, which encapsulates half or full boards.
High temperatures can affect composite decks
Composite decks can warp when exposed to high temperatures for long periods of time. This is because its composite plastic will shorten its life at high temperatures.
Grease and dirt
If you spill something on your deck, it’s a good idea to give it a quick wipe and clean. This is because oil and stains adhering to composite decking over time can corrode away the protective surface layer. Over time, it will cause the interior wood to rot.
Ways to increase the life of composite decks:
- Regular cleaning with a soft cloth or water gun
- Unclogging board joints
- Wipe down the deck surface with a cleaner
- Avoid standing water on the deck
- Ventilate the underside of the deck
Aluminum Deck VS Wood Deck VS Composite Deck
While we have discussed the longevity of these three decks, the factors that affect longevity and how to carry out maintenance. However, to make a better choice of deck, we should compare the differences in other areas. Therefore, this table below can simply and very visually point out their differences:
| characteristic (feature) | aluminum deck | wood deck | composite deck |
|---|---|---|---|
| main material | Aluminum alloy is the main material, usually 6063, 6061 aluminum alloy. | Natural wood, redwood, solid wood or composite wood | Wood fiber and plastic (usually PE, PVC, etc.) composites |
| Durability | Extremely high, corrosion-resistant, not easy to deform | Weak, lack of resistance to water and heat | Good |
| waterproof | Excellent for long time immersion in water | Bad，It absorbs water and rots. | Waterproof, but not for long periods of time |
| Fire resistant | Outstanding. | Bad | Bad |
| Load-bearing | excellent，load capability：1500 lbs/per square foot | weak load-bearing capacity | weak load-bearing capacity |
| Maintenance costs | low cost | high cost | average cost |
| comfort level | low | High, warm and comfortable | High, warm and comfortable |
| Installation Convenience | High, quick mounting and dismantling | Need more time to install | High, quick mounting and dismantling |
| Diversity of appearance | Poor, few options for appearance | Rich and versatile, simulating a wide range of wood grains | Versatility to mimic the appearance of wood or stone, etc. |
| Price ranges： | 30-50 USD/ sq ft | 8-20 USD/ sq ft | 15-30 USD/ sq ft |
| service life： | 30-40 years | 8-10 years | 20 years |
The Longest-Lasting Deck Saves You More Money！
With the above comparison, we know that aluminum decks have the longest lifespan. If you also want to reduce maintenance costs – aluminum decking will be the best choice.
Hugh Aluminum is a manufacturer of extruded aluminum decks, we design and manufacture aluminum decks to provide excellent outdoor decks for over 100 homes. If you want to purchase aluminum decks in bulk? Don’t hesitate to contact our team!
