Composite vs. Wood Decking: Which Is Best for Your Home?

Building or remodeling a deck is one of the best ways to upgrade your outdoor living space. But before you can enjoy those backyard barbecues and sunset evenings, you’ll need to decide on the right decking material. The biggest question most South Carolina homeowners face is: 

Should I choose wood or composite decking?

At Contract Exteriors, we specialize in installing TimberTech® composite decks, two of the most trusted names in the industry. While wood has been the traditional choice for decades, composite decking continues to prove itself as the better long-term investment, especially in humid, coastal climates.

Wood Decking: Classic but Demanding

Wood decking, typically made from pressure-treated pine, cedar, or hardwood, offers a timeless, natural look. Many homeowners love the warmth and authenticity of real wood underfoot.

Advantages of wood decking:

• Lower upfront cost compared to composite

• Can be stained or painted to match your home’s style

• Classic appearance that never goes out of style

Challenges with wood decking:

• Requires regular upkeep, including sanding, staining, and sealing

• Vulnerable to splintering, warping, and rotting in high humidity

• Shorter lifespan in South Carolina’s coastal climate

In areas like Myrtle Beach and Charleston, where heavy rain, salt air, and summer storms are common, wood decks simply don’t hold up as long. Homeowners often find themselves repairing or replacing boards within a few short years, adding to the true cost of ownership.

Composite Decking: Modern Performance for Coastal Living

Composite decking blends recycled wood fibers with polymers to create a material engineered for durability and beauty. Unlike wood, composite boards are resistant to the elements and require minimal maintenance.

At Contract Exteriors, we install TimberTech® composite decking:

• TimberTech®: Known for its realistic wood-grain textures and wide color selection, TimberTech offers capped composite and PVC boards that resist fading, staining, and scratches. They’re splinter-free and designed to look beautiful year after year.

Advantages of composite decking:

• Minimal maintenance, just occasional cleaning with soap and water

• Resistant to mold, mildew, and insect damage

• Won’t warp, crack, or splinter

• Long lifespan, often with strong manufacturer warranties

The only real drawback? Composite costs more upfront than wood. But when you factor in the money saved on yearly staining and repairs, composite often becomes the more cost-effective choice over time.

Why More South Carolina Homeowners Are Choosing Composite

More homeowners are choosing composite decking because it fits today’s lifestyle. Homeowners want to spend time enjoying their decks, not maintaining them; composite makes that possible.

Imagine hosting family gatherings in Summerville without worrying about splinters, or relaxing in Mount Pleasant knowing your deck won’t fade under the hot summer sun. Composite decking gives you peace of mind and lasting beauty, even in the toughest coastal conditions.

At Contract Exteriors, we install TimberTech® decks that combine performance and beauty. Whether you’re building a new deck or remodeling an existing one, our team can guide you through your options and design the perfect space for your family. We’ve also received a TimberTech® Platinum Status, having installed the most TimberTech® decks in South Caroline since 2015. 

Ready to upgrade your backyard? Schedule your appointment today and discover why composite decking is the preferred choice for South Carolina homeowners.