Composite decking has become more common in recent years, and while it still isn’t the most popular choice for traditionalists, it is starting to make inroads.
The biggest reason for this is that composite decks are much easier to maintain than traditional wood decks, making them look better. There is no better time to decide whether to install a composite deck than now. But what is it, and why is it becoming preferable over wood?
What Is Composite Decking?
Composite decking is a mix of wood and plastic used to build decks resistant to rot, splitting, and warping. The popularity of composite decking is rising because it is a versatile, attractive, and affordable building material. Essentially it is a type of outdoor flooring that combines wood and plastic to create a durable surface. It can be made in various colours, textures, and patterns to match your individual aesthetic. There is also a range of composite decking solutions to choose from that can be designed into any shape or size that you desire. There are many benefits to wooden alternatives, such as durability and that they do not require painting or staining. Because of its enhanced durability, it is an attractive alternative to natural wood decks. In fact, they can last twice as long as natural lumber decks without needing extensive maintenance. Moreover, it is increasingly popular with builders due to its low weight. Because the material is so light, builders and fitters can easily install it with minimal tools.
There Are Many Options To Choose From
Perhaps the most significant advantage this decking material has over traditional wood is that you can choose from various colours, styles, and fittings. When using wood, you are typically stuck with what is available, which may or may not suit your specific application. Although certain timbers are preferable as decking material, these tend to be costly and out of reach of most typical homeowners. Furthermore, it enables designers as well as homeowners to design decks that are unique to them.
Worldwide Lumbar Shortage
This post wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the global lumbar shortage. Despite the numerous advantages of composite decking over their wooden counterparts, it is no doubt that these materials have flourished because of the scarcity of timber. Along with the shortage comes the inevitable price hike, and due to a post-lockdown construction boom, it only looks to become more acute. Nevertheless, this provides composite decking manufacturers with an opportunity to get out into the wild and prove to consumers how fantastic this material is for this particular purpose.
It Is Highly Weatherproof
Everyone knows the joke about UK weather, but there is often no smoke without fire. Alas, it is often the case that it is either freezing cold, pouring down with rain, or a combination thereof! For this reason, the weatherproof abilities of a composite material begin to become apparent. Due to the blend of wood and plastic laminate, it is surprisingly durable against the elements. In addition, wooden decking tends to have issues when it isn’t correctly installed. For example, if there is leaking on the ledger, it can begin to rot. When this happens, you will have no other choice than to disassemble the decking to replace it entirely. Composite materials have no such issues.
You Often Get A Warranty
What can be better than purchasing a miracle material that is robust, easy to work with, and comes in a range of styles? Well, an extended warranty for one thing! This is arguably one of the most beneficial features that composite decking has over wooden varieties. All manufacturers will have their own warranties that will cover different aspects, but most should cover the following:
- Breakage: When a board breaks due to defects in construction or during what is considered regular use, you should be able to claim on the warranty.
- Fungal decay: One of the defending features of composite boards is that they are supposed to be immune to this kind of damage. If this occurs, it is often due to a construction error.
- Insect damage: Just as with fungal infections, composite decking should resist damage from insects.
- Rotting or splintering: There should be no signs of rot or splintering in these boards if installed correctly.
No-Risk Mould Or Mildew
For outdoor decks, composite decking is a more durable option and eliminates mildew and mould growth. Mould can cause significant damage to your home if it builds up to levels that are too high. The spores that mould releases into the air are small enough to be breathed in by people and animals. This can cause health problems for individuals who are sensitive to moulds. Although mould doesn’t cause as many issues outside, it can be very harmful if left to spread. Wooden decks tend to attract these fungi because it is a natural product and even treated wood is not 100% immune.
It Is Low-Maintenance
Composite decking is great for homeowners who are looking for a more straightforward option to wood. The only maintenance that composite decks require is occasional cleaning after heavy rains or snowstorms to remove any dirt and debris that may have gotten under the surface. Aside from being low maintenance, composite decking also offers several other benefits such as:
- General durability
- Water resistance
- Protection from UV rays and other environmental factors
Therefore, your deck will appear better for longer without dealing with the scrubbing and harsh chemicals that are ordinarily necessary for wooden decks.
Great Value Over The Long Term
If directly compared with wood, it can seem more expensive. However, by considering the long-term use of the product, the cost ends up being lower. For example, because composite decks can be less costly to maintain (for example, staining and replacing boards as they age), they will pay for themselves in a very short amount of time.
Composite decking is a material that is made up of a combination of plastic and wood fibres. It is a great low-maintenance option for homeowners who would like a longer-lasting alternative to wood. As more homeowners discover how easy it is to install composite decking material, it will continue to gain popularity.
