Composite Wood vs Treated Wood for Decking in Panama

When it comes to decking in Panama, it is no secret that non-treated wood won’t last you very long. Wood that hasn’t been treated is unprotected against the effects from the rain, pests, let alone saltwater… leading to fast deterioration – often within a couple of years. Maybe just a few months if you’re in Panama! So really, there are 2 options if you are after the wood aesthetic for your deck: Pressure-treated wood or composite wood. We outline the key characteristics of pressure treated wood vs composite wood to consider for your next decking project in Panama.

Main Features of CCA Pressure Treated Wood for Decking

1. Long Lasting

A pressure-treated wood deck typically lasts for around 20 years. However, Woodpecker Panama supplies CCA treated wood, which protects the wood from rot, decay, and insect damage to 0.6 pcf. CCA treated wood can last you for over 60 years, making your return on investment even higher.

2. Natural Aesthetic

If the natural and warm look that wood provides is your top priority, then a pressure-treated deck is for you. Furthermore, if you want to play around with different looks over time, you can stain or paint it a different color as part of its maintenance schedule.

3. Readily Available

Pressure-treated wood for your next decking project in Panama can be delivered to you from within the country. Woodpecker Panama specializes in importing the best CCA treated lumber to elavate your projects durability. With our warehouse located in Chiriqui, our products can be delivered to your door in no time! Contact us for lead times or to see what we have in stock.

The drawbacks

When working with treated wood, such as cutting and sawing it, you should always wear protective gear (mask and goggles) to shield oneself against the chemicals used in the process of treating the wood.
Wood is not resistant to splinters and warping, so all natural wood decking require a regular maintenance schedule which involves sealing and staining every 2-3 years and stripping and sanding every six years. However, it is usually the case that the lower the wood costs, the more maintenance it requires.

Main Features of Composite Wood for Decking

1. Low Maintenance

Choosing composite wood means you won’t have to think about a periodic maintenance schedule which may include sealing, staining and sanding your deck, which is the case for natural wooden decks. The only maintenance required is sweeping down debris and an occasional wash-down.

2. Recycled Materials

In recent years, many companies that offer composite wood are using recycled materials. This makes your synthetic deck more environmentally friendly.

3. Wide Color Range

Composite wood can come in a wide range of colors, so buyers have more flexibility when styling their outdoor deck to match the colors of their homes. However, the choice you make needs to be one you are 100% on board with long term. Once installed, it is not easy or may be impossible to change.

The drawbacks

It’s usually more expensive that treated wood. You could expect to pay at least 15-20% higher for composite wood vs treated pine wood for decking.
Once you pick the color of your composite wood decking, you are likely not going to be able to change it. Buyers should particularly be wary when purchasing darker tones, which can fade over time. In most cases, composite wood isn’t compatible with paint, whereas with real wood, it’s easy to re-stain it when the color fades.
If your deck will be in an area that is highly exposed to the sun, make sure you look for decking that has a sun-resistant coating (many do not have this).

Summary

Both composite and pressure treated wood are durable options for decking. If what you are after is a beautiful natural look and investing a bit more time in maintenance isn’t an issue, then high quality pressure-treated wood is most likely for you. If low-maintenance is your top priority and don’t mind the initial investment, then composite decking may be the way to go.