Composite vs. Wood Decking: What's Best for Arkansas Homes?

July 14, 2025

A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Decking Material for Your Arkansas Home

Building a deck is one of the best ways to enhance your outdoor living space—but choosing the right material is key to long-term enjoyment and value. In Arkansas, where hot summers, humidity, and seasonal storms are part of the norm, your deck needs to stand up to the elements while fitting your lifestyle and budget.

At R and J Construction, we help homeowners across Central Arkansas decide between composite and wood decking options every day. Here’s a breakdown of the differences, pros, and considerations so you can make the best choice for your home.

1. What Is Composite Decking?

Composite decking is made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic. It's engineered to mimic the look of real wood while offering greater resistance to moisture, mold, and UV damage. Brands like Trex and MoistureShield are popular among Arkansas homeowners because of their long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance needs.

Pros:

  • Extremely durable
  • Low maintenance (no sealing, staining, or sanding)
  • Resists rot, splinters, and insects
  • Available in many colors and finishes
  • Ideal for Arkansas’s humid climate

Cons:

  • Higher upfront cost than wood
  • Can become hot in full sun (consider lighter colors or shaded builds)

2. What Is Wood Decking?

Wood decking remains a classic choice and is often selected for its natural appearance and lower initial cost. Common types include pressure-treated pine, cedar, and redwood.

Pros:

  • Lower initial cost
  • Natural grain and appearance
  • Can be customized with stains or paints

Cons:

  • Requires frequent maintenance
  • Prone to splinters, rot, warping, and insect damage
  • Needs annual staining or sealing—especially in Arkansas’s wet seasons

3. Arkansas Weather: A Major Consideration

The Arkansas climate plays a big role in how decking materials perform:

  • Humidity & Rain: Composite decking resists mold and warping better than natural wood.
  • Heat: Wood may expand or contract; composite stays stable but may heat up in full sun.
  • Storms: Composite’s durability and resistance to moisture make it more resilient in extreme weather.

4. Maintenance Needs: Long-Term Workload

Wood Decking Maintenance:

  • Clean, sand, and reseal every 1-2 years
  • May need repairs or board replacement over time
  • Higher maintenance costs in the long run

Composite Decking Maintenance:

  • Simple soap-and-water wash a few times per year
  • No sealing or painting required
  • Saves time and money long-term

5. Cost Breakdown: Short vs. Long-Term Investment

  • While wood decking may be more affordable upfront, composite decking often saves money over 10-15 years by reducing maintenance and repair needs.
  • Wood Decking: Pressure-treated wood and cedar typically cost $25 to $35 per square foot. Installation is less expensive due to simpler framing and materials.
  • Composite Decking: Premium brands like Trex and MoistureShield run $40 to $55 per square foot, reflecting the higher material quality and installation expertise required.

6. Aesthetic Preferences: Traditional vs. Modern

  • Wood decking offers a timeless, rustic look with natural grains.
  • Composite decking provides a more polished, uniform finish in a wide variety of colors and textures—great for matching modern or transitional home styles.

Some homeowners even mix the two—using composite for flooring and wood for accents or railings.

7. Sustainability Considerations

If eco-friendliness is important, composite decking is the clear winner. Brands like Trex use up to 95% recycled materials. In contrast, natural wood involves logging and chemical treatments for longevity.

So, Which Is Best for Your Arkansas Home?

Choose wood decking if:

  • You want a lower upfront investment
  • You love the natural look and are okay with ongoing maintenance
  • You’re building a temporary or smaller-scale deck

Choose composite decking if:

  • You want a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution
  • You’re building a deck to last 20+ years
  • You want something that stands up better to Arkansas heat and humidity

Let R and J Construction Help You Decide

As a trusted deck builder in Central Arkansas and a Preferred Installer for Trex and MoistureShield, R and J Construction is here to guide you through every step of the decking process—from design to material selection to flawless construction.

Whether you want the classic charm of wood or the durability of composite, we’ll build a custom deck that fits your lifestyle, complements your home, and stands strong against Arkansas weather.

Ready to start your project?
 Contact us today for a free consultation and let’s build the outdoor space you’ve been dreaming of.

The Backyard Blueprint

Making Outdoor Spaces Accessible: How We Build ADA-Compliant Decks in Arkansas

July 14, 2025
Why Accessibility in Outdoor Spaces Matters Creating inclusive environments means everyone, regardless of mobility level, can enjoy outdoor spaces safely and comfortably. In Arkansas, where porches, patios, and decks are central to home and business life, ADA-compliant deck construction is more than a building standard. It’s a step toward equity, safety, and community connection. At R and J Construction, we specialize in designing and building ADA-compliant decks and ramps for residential and commercial properties across Central Arkansas. From wheelchair-accessible home decks to public park platforms, we help you meet accessibility requirements without sacrificing style or durability. Who Needs an ADA-Compliant Deck? You may need or benefit from an ADA-compliant deck if you are: A homeowner with a disabled family member or aging in place A business owner with public access requirements A property manager of multi-family housing or senior living facilities A restaurant or cafe with outdoor dining A municipality or agency upgrading public parks, offices, or schools We’ve built accessible decking for apartments, office buildings, restaurants, schools, and city parks throughout Arkansas. Our Step-by-Step Process Consultation & Site Assessment We walk the property, identify slope challenges, and understand your accessibility needs. Custom Design Every project is tailored for your layout, mobility requirements, and ADA code compliance. Material Selection We recommend safe, slip-resistant materials that meet both function and aesthetic goals. Code-Compliant Construction Our experienced builders construct ramps, railings, platforms, and decks to exact ADA specs. Final Walkthrough & Support We ensure everything is up to code and fits your daily use, and we remain available for future updates or expansions. Arkansas-Friendly Materials and Design Our decks are built to handle Arkansas’s weather extremes , from humidity and heavy rain to blazing sun. We choose low-maintenance, rot-resistant materials that maintain traction when wet and stay cool underfoot, critical for safety and comfort. Partner With a Deck Builder Who Understands Accessibility At R and J Construction, we take pride in making outdoor living safe and inclusive . We’ve earned a reputation as a reliable, detail-oriented team that understands the importance of meeting both ADA requirements and client expectations. If you’re ready to build or retrofit a deck that welcomes everyone, reach out today for a free consultation. We’ll help you bring your vision to life, safely, beautifully, and accessibly.
An aerial view of a large deck with a table and chairs on it.

From Drab to Dream Deck: Before-and-After Ideas to Inspire Your Next Project

July 14, 2025
Transform Your Deck Into a Space You Love