Composite Deck Contractor Vancouver

When you initially start researching about having a deck built, you will very quickly come across the different materials you can build your deck with. An option that you will see is composite decking which is a wood-plastic blend. Composite wood decking was introduced to the industry in the late 80's but has made significant strides since. Let's compare some of the advantages that a composite deck would have over a pure wood deck.

Appearance - When composite decks first came to the market, they gave an artificial and plastic like look that wasn't necessarily the most desirable. Recently though, composite decks are available that very closely mimic the look of wood. I think you would be surprised to see how small the gap is between a natural wood deck and composite deck is now. While you'll never truly get the natural look of wood, composite decks aren't lagging that far behind in this category.

Moisture - An important thing to consider with the amount of precipitation that we get in BC is if the deck material we choose works well in these conditions. Vinyl for example is installed with waterproof membranes and do a very good job in dealing with water. Wood decking can definitely withstand moisture but requires regular application of stains and sealers. Because wood decks are great at absorbing water, they will be susceptible to warping, cracking, splintering, and rotting. Most composite decks are built to be moisture resistant and provide protection that your natural wood deck wouldn't otherwise have. 

Maintenance - In the moisture paragraph, we touched on wood decks requiring frequent sealing and staining to ensure your deck has an extended lifespan. This type of work is required for all types of wood decks. Composite decking on the other hand only requires a sweep and a quick wash for the board to look good as new. Composite decking has no risk of splintering or insect damage as well. Composite decks have a significant edge when it comes to deck maintenance.

Price: A major factor when considering the type of deck material you want is affordability. Typically, wood decks are cheaper than composites for the initial build out. However, when you take into consideration all of the future maintenance costs and time, composites usually pay that difference off in about 5 years or so. Price differences can significantly differ based on the quality of material as well.


Composite decking offers a low maintenance, durable, and sleek option when deciding to choose your deck material. It has a wide range of selection for colours and design which makes it a nice choice to match the rest of your landscape with. With how composite decks hold up to moisture, it is also a great choice for the rain levels we receive in the Lower Mainland. If you are looking for a hands off option but still want a similar aesthetic to wood, composite decking might be just what you are looking for.