Think custom composites don't have much application in a non-power generation application? NorthJersey.com would have you know you're wrong.
Even though it comes toward the end of the season, the online paper has a nice breakdown of different deck and patio options. (If you live in the northeast, you can bookmark this one for next year.) Included in the survey is a discussion of wood versus composites:
Traditional decks are constructed of pressurized wood that has been chemically treated to help increase the life of the lumber — in fact, that’s now the law [...] Over time, wood cracks, needs to be refinished, or splinters, so treating it may slow the aging process, but it doesn’t necessarily look any younger. Composite material has a little longer lifespan and requires far less maintenance.
So when it comes to decks and patios, you select composites and that's that, right? Well, ideally. Composites cost four to five times as much as their wood counterparts up front. Then again, they last longer and require much less by way of repairs and maintenance.
At the end of the day, the choice between wood and composites will come down to your available money right now, and how much you think you can budget for the future. You also may just plain prefer wood or composites for aesthetic reasons, of course. The North Jersey story is pretty in-depth, though, with some words of wisdom from folks in the industry. Check it out for a little change of pace!
