How much does an entry door installation typically cost?

Although there a multiple factors which can increase the cost of replacing your entry doors, budget friendly options start at around $1200 with installation of a Fiberglass door, and go up to as much as $5000 or more for premium custom doors, in which you have many options for maximum aesthetics and curb-appeal.

How long does it take to install a new entry door?

At Composite Carpentry, we always ensure that your new door goes in on the same day the old one is removed. The entire process usually takes 1-2 days to finish up all the finer details and get everything looking just right on both the interior and exterior sides of your door.

Which is a better door choice, fiberglass or steel?

Composite Carpentry generally recommends Fiberglass exterior doors - which offer a versatile aesthetic, resembling natural wood grain and requiring minimal maintenance. They come with a higher price tag, but are more durable, resistant to wear, and provide great insulation. On the other hand, steel doors are a cost-effective choice known for their strength and security. They come with foam core insulation for energy efficiency and can be easily repainted. However, they dent relatively easily and can rust if the finish is compromised. They also don't offer the wood-like appearance of fiberglass. When choosing between the two, homeowners should weigh aesthetics and durability against cost and security.

How much does it cost to install new siding on a home?

For premium LP Smart Siding or James Hardie, installation can cost $20,000-$30,000 for a 2400sqft ranch home.

How long does siding installation typically take?

Including demolition and new housewrap, new siding installations typically take anywhere from 2-4 weeks.

How much does a kitchen remodel cost?

There are many factors that go into pricing your kitchen remodel - do any walls need to be removed or reframed? Will we be replacing the flooring or windows? Can your existing cabinets be refinished? That being said, an average budget of around $35,000-$45,000 is enough for a high quality kitchen remodel in many situations (with new cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, appliances, etc.) However every situation is different and when it comes to kitchens, there are many decisions to be made - based on not only the vision of the homeowner but also the circumstances of the home.

How long does a kitchen remodel typically take?

There are many parts and pieces to coordinate in a kitchen remodel - plumbing, electrical, cabinets, countertops, appliances. After decisions and proper planning, you can expect your kitchen remodel to take 2-3 months. At Composite Carpentry, we work very hard to coordinate with you to ensure that you and your household can function well and comfortably during the time that you wait for your new kitchen.

What are some popular kitchen design trends to consider for my remodel?

Kitchen design trends evolve over time, but some popular elements include open concept layouts, kitchen islands with seating, shaker-style cabinets, quartz or marble countertops, stainless steel appliances, and energy-efficient lighting. However, it's important to choose design elements that align with your personal style and functional needs rather than just following trends.

How much does it cost to finish a basement?

Finishing the average basement using some of the more popular material choices can be expected to cost anywhere from $40,000-$60,000 on average.

How long does it take to finish a basement?

Similar to kitchens, there are a lot of parts and pieces to coordinate with finishing a basement and the process can take anywhere from 1-3 months.

How much will it cost to replace the trim and doors in my home?

When it comes to putting together a budget for the trim package in your home, you can start with a basic quality trim package or you can spend as much as you’d like - it all depends on the depth and complexity you are trying to create in your living space. The largest initial factor in determining your budget is material choice - with primed pine being the more budget friendly choice compared to high end stained-finishes on oak, cherry or maple. For the quality trim package that Composite Carpentry recommends as a starting point, you are generally looking at around $1000 dollars per door and $900 per 225sqft room of baseboard and door casing - with materials, labor and painting included (solid-core doors with solid painted pine trim.)

What different trim styles should I consider?

There are 5 major interior trim styles that are most popular today - traditional/colonial, craftsman, farmhouse, ranch, and modern. Traditional/Colonial: Characterized by decorative and symmetrical designs, this style often features intricate moldings and is reminiscent of early American architecture. Craftsman: Known for its simple, clean lines and often an emphasis on natural wood and handcrafted details. Farmhouse: Evokes a rustic feel with wider, flat trims and often uses distressed or reclaimed wood, reflecting the homey and practical aesthetics of countryside living. Ranch: Typically minimalistic with slim, unembellished moldings, the ranch style is a nod to the mid-century modern homes of the 1950s and 1960s. Modern: Defined by its sleek and unadorned surfaces, modern trim focuses on straight lines and geometric forms, often integrating materials like metal or glass for a contemporary finish. Each of these styles is associated with its own choices of door style, and many offer the opportunity to add layers of more complexity and detail to accent your home.

What are the different door styles to choose from?

Before we discuss door styles, it’s important to discuss build-quality. And when it comes to doors, we recommend Solid-Core doors at the very minimum. They are much more durable, can significantly improve security, and they reduce noise transfer between rooms when compared to Hollow-Core doors. That being said, choosing door styles can be a lot of fun. Naturally, your door style will tie in closely with the style of trim package you have envisioned, and there are multiple door styles to choose from within each trim package. Overall, door choices are associated with the same five trim styles: Traditional/Colonial, Ranch, Farmhouse, Modern, or Craftsman being the most popular.

Which materials are the best choice for the trim in my home?

When choosing the right materials for the finish work in your home, you should first determine if you’d like a painted or stained trim look. For paint-grade trim, we typically recommend to go with primed pine. It has an attractive price point for a real wood product that of course is durable and finishes beautifully with a quality paint job —-If you are wanting to upgrade to top quality paint-grade trim, poplar is the best option. It is the top choice for premium quality paint finishes, is more durable than pine as it’s considered a hardwood, and it holds really nice, clean crisp edges in its trim profiles. Price is as much as double that of primed pine, but especially when it comes to stair parts, centerpieces such as fireplace surrounds, or other finish work requiring fine detail, poplar is often worth it. For stain-grade trim jobs, the most popular choices are maple, white oak, red oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany and poplar. All are considered hardwoods, and therefore the finished look is the biggest consideration when selecting a material. Pine is known for not taking stain well and therefore not a good choice for stained trim. We do recommend going with a PVC trim in certain situations such as small bathrooms. This is the best way to ensure a high quality finished product for years to come. MDF is a fully manufactured product that we avoid using at all costs. It is a very popular paint-grade trim choice due to its low cost and similarities to real wood, but it simply cannot match the quality that comes from a solid-wood trim install.

How much does a composite deck cost?

As with all projects, costs can vary depending on a variety of factors. Our average cost for a 400-500sq ft deck with framing, stairs, composite railings and skirting in the Bloomington-Normal area ranges anywhere from $25,000-$40,000.

What is composite decking made of, and how does it compare to wood?

Composite decking is generally made up of a few different materials: wood fibers, recycled plastics, binders, additives and often a PVC coating on top. Some decking lines are made up of up to 95% recycled materials, and Trex states that their average 500sqft deck contains 140,000 recycled plastic bags! Composite decking, made often from recycled materials, offers a durable and low-maintenance alternative, lasting 25-30 years with consistent appearance. In contrast, treated wood decking provides a natural wood look but requires regular upkeep, such as staining and sealing, and typically has a lifespan of 10-15 years. While composite decking has a higher upfront cost, its reduced maintenance can make it more cost-effective in the long run. The choice between the two often hinges on personal preference, budget, and desired maintenance commitment.

How do I clean and maintain a composite deck?

Composite decking can easily be cleaned with good old-fashioned soap and a soft-bristle brush. It can also be pressure washed at a low setting (under 1500psi.)

Do composite decks get hot in the sun?

The short answer is yes, composite decking can get hot in the sun. This of course can be remedied by your color selection - as darker colors will hold more heat from the sun than lighter colors will. There are also products such as TimberTech’s Advanced PVC decking (which comes at a higher cost) manufactured to remain 30° cooler than competing composite products.

What is the lifespan of a composite deck?

Here at Composite Carpentry we always recommend to go with a high quality composite deck manufacturer like Trex or TimberTech. Trex offers a 25 year color/fade warranty on their decking and Timbertech offers a 30 year color/fade warranty. These warranties guarantee the decking will look just the same at year 25 or 30 as they did on day 1.

Composite vs. Advanced PVC Decking: An Expert Carpenter's Guide

Jan 31

Written By Brian Engstrom

Welcome to our latest blog post, where we delve into the world of modern decking materials! As an expert in carpentry, I'm here to guide you through the differences between composite decking and advanced PVC decking. Whether you're planning to build a new deck or refurbishing an existing one, understanding these materials is key to making the best choice for your home.

Understanding the Materials

Composite Decking: This material is a fusion of wood fibers and plastics. It's designed to give the natural appearance of wood while incorporating the benefits of synthetic materials. The wood fibers inside provide a classic look, and the plastic helps protect against environmental elements.

Advanced PVC Decking: In contrast, advanced PVC decking is made entirely from polyvinyl chloride. It doesn’t contain any wood fibers, which makes it exceptionally resistant to the elements and a champion in longevity.

Durability and Maintenance

When it comes to durability, both materials are impressive, but they do have their differences.

Composite Decking: It's durable, but not invincible. It can be susceptible to staining and might show signs of weathering over time.
Advanced PVC Decking: This material stands out for its resistance to fading, staining, and weathering. It’s a low-maintenance option that retains its pristine look for years.

Installation and Cost

While both materials are relatively straightforward to install, there are cost differences to consider.

Composite Decking is generally easier on the wallet initially but may require more maintenance down the line.
Advanced PVC Decking often comes with a higher upfront cost, but its durability means fewer maintenance costs, making it a cost-effective option in the long run.

Aesthetic and Design

Composite Decking offers a wide range of colors and textures, mimicking the natural look of different wood types.
Advanced PVC Decking, while limited in imitating the natural wood look, offers a unique aesthetic that many homeowners appreciate.

Environmental Impact

As a carpenter who cares about sustainability:

Composite Decking often uses recycled materials, which is a plus for the environment.
Advanced PVC Decking raises some environmental concerns due to its all-plastic composition, but its longevity can offset its impact.

Performance in Different Climates

Composite Decking performs well in various climates but can expand or contract in extreme temperatures.
Advanced PVC Decking is generally more stable in extreme conditions, making it a reliable choice for a wide range of climates.

Longevity and Warranty

The expected lifespan and warranties differ significantly:

Composite Decking usually comes with a decent warranty and a good lifespan.
Advanced PVC Decking often has a longer warranty, reflecting its longer lifespan.

Pros and Cons Summary

Composite Decking:

Pros: Cost-effective, natural look, variety of choices.
Cons: Potential for weathering and staining, may require more maintenance.

Advanced PVC Decking:

Pros: Superior durability, low maintenance, excellent in harsh climates.
Cons: Higher initial cost, less natural wood appearance.

Conclusion

Both composite and advanced PVC decking have their merits. If you're looking for a more natural look and don't mind a bit of maintenance, composite could be your go-to. However, if longevity and low maintenance are your top priorities, advanced PVC decking is worth the investment.

Remember, as a carpentry professional, I’m always here to help guide you through your decking choices and ensure that your deck is not only beautiful but also functional and durable.

Brian Engstrom

Composite vs. Advanced PVC Decking: An Expert Carpenter's Guide

Understanding the Materials

Durability and Maintenance

Installation and Cost

Aesthetic and Design

Environmental Impact

Performance in Different Climates

Longevity and Warranty

Pros and Cons Summary

Conclusion

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Composite vs. Advanced PVC Decking: An Expert Carpenter's Guide

Understanding the Materials

Durability and Maintenance

Installation and Cost

Aesthetic and Design

Environmental Impact

Performance in Different Climates

Longevity and Warranty

Pros and Cons Summary

Conclusion

Composite Deck vs. Wood Deck: Which Is Right for You?

Which is a better choice for a treated deck - paint or stain?

Follow Us

Quick Links

Subscribe Newsletter

Contact Us