A great deck is the foundation of any outdoor living space. But before you have one put in, it’s important to do your research about what kind of deck will suit your needs the best. While we’re all used to traditional wood decks, composite decks are coming onto the scene and causing backyard enthusiasts to take a second look.

Before you decide to go with a composite deck to complete your outdoor haven, here are six things you should know:

1. It’s made of wood fibers and recycled plastic
   Depending on your taste, this can be either a pro or a con—composite lumber isn’t made of real wood. It’s combination of wood fibers and recycled plastic take away the organic look of natural wood, but they do provide a number of other benefits, one being that it’s more environmentally friendly than its wood counterpart.
2. It can be more expensive than some wood options
   Depending on the style you choose, composite decks can also have a heftier price tag than wood. But while it might be a larger one time cost, the other pros of composite may outweigh the price.
3.  It comes in plenty of colors, stains, and styles
   If you’re looking to add some style to your outdoor spaces, composite decks can certainly bring it. Coming in a wide variety of colors and styles, you’ll have plenty to pick from, and the color will last longer than traditional wood that may require re-staining or painting.