What Are The Benefits Of Composite Decking?

Traditional wood hasdifferent hardness rankingsand responds to its environment differently based on the species of lumber used. That means that you may have to sacrifice the look you want to account for the softness and/or variability of the material.

Every 10 square feet of composite decking contains nearly 1,100 one-gallon milk jugs and 3,000 recycled plastic shopping bags. Affordability, durability, and easy maintenance are only a few reasons to consider composite decking over wood, and there are several more to keep in mind.

Easy upkeep – You want an outdoor living space that you can enjoy more and not something that will require you to work hard for maintenance. Unlike wood, Trex deck and railing products no longer need sanding or painting.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• Coast to coast, more and more homeowners are recognizing the benefits of composite decking over traditional wood.
• Without this step, the natural wood fibers will still begin to disintegrate, which can leave uncomfortable plastic fibers sticking out of your deck over time, creating a walking hazard.
• Though variations exist, composite decking is generally made from a mix of wood scraps—called wood flour—and plastic particles.
• Some outdoor living enthusiasts are drawn to the low maintenance and high value of composite decking; for others, the enduring beauty of the color-rich boards wins them over.
• Although some manufacturers rely on virgin wood and plastics, others make extensive use of recycled materials.
• Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process.

While composite decking is made to look like natural wood, some people prefer the authenticity of actual wood. However, as durable as wood decking is, it’s still far more susceptible to maintenance costs, time and effort.

Environmentally Friendly Product

Costs Over 10 Years

Because of the weight of the composite materials, you must have a stronger frame in place for your deck when compared to the requirements for natural wood. Most manufacturers in this industry call for 16 inches on the center framing for straight runs. If you opt for diagonal runs, then you need 12 inches on the framing. Despite the added weight of this recycled product, it does not usually have the same strength as pressure-treated or natural wood. That means your home could struggle to support this installation and the deck itself may not be as supportive of your needs as you hoped it might be. Depending on your market costs, composite decking could be as much as five times more expensive than using pressure-treated wood for your building needs.

That means you can spend more time enjoying the deck instead of taking care of it. This advantage applies in all environments and terrain options as well, so every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use. Since composite decking is manufactured, each board has the same look and the same color. As a result, many homeowners pick composite decking for its uniformity. Plus, it doesn’t fade to a light gray like some unstained and unsealed wood decks. When it comes to picking out the ideal deck design, you have a variety of color choices and styles from which to choose.

Advantages Of Composite Decks

On the other hand, decking installation is easier with composite decking and you can do it yourself. I’ve tried both types, but my heart goes with wooden decks – there’s nothing like a freshly stained wooden deck. Most are made from recycled wood scraps and plastic ­– making them pretty eco-friendly. They come in a variety of earth-tones and wood colors to match your outdoor decor.

Advantages Of Composite Decking

Let’s take a look at why composite decking like Trex is becoming the new industry standard, and why Trex Decking in Maryland is a great option for your new deck project. Composite decking is not a weaker or less resistant option for a deck than wood. Quite the opposite, composite decking offers just as much, if not more, strength than wood.

Not only does this make it safe for your own feet, it helps protect the bare feet of small children and pets. Additionally, while composite decks will eventually react to heat, they’ll do so at a higher temperature than a traditional wood deck. As such, if you have fun features on your deck like a fire pit or fire table, you can rest easy knowing you have some extra protection with a composite deck.

Since the boards are manufactured from a batch of mixed material, each board has the same look as the next. Composite decking is a relatively new product to the decking industry. It's many benefits make composite decking a truly viable option to wood decking. Another frequent problem with composite decking is that if it fades, you may not be able to refresh the color.

The long-term cost savings is another one of the benefits of composite decking. Traditional wood decksneed to be maintained at least every three years and replaced every 10 to 15 years — a labor-intensive process. You will need to power-wash and stain a traditional wood deck as well. When it comes to durability,wood just doesn’t compare to composite decking.

How To Fasten Composites Down

When you start shopping for composite decking materials, then you will find that there is a variety of grades available from which to choose. Your final cost will depend on different factors and features that you want to have on your boards, such as scratch resistance or UV protection. That means you can select a product that works well for your geographic location without compromising how you use it each day. Every homeowner can customize their deck based on the grade and included features that they want to have in their base product.

Top 7 Things To Consider When Buying Plywood

TimberTech deck boards never need sanding, staining, or sealing to maintain their gorgeous color. For the removal of dirt, dust, or pollen, these fuss-free product lines need only spot treatment or a light washing withTimberTech® DeckCleaner™. High-performance composite decking provides the look and feel of real wood, but without the environmental impact of deforestation. You’ve decided it's time to replace your outdoor deck and you’re ready to take it on as a DIY project, or you’ve decided to work with a licensed and bondedcontractor for the heavy lifting. Long lasting and low maintenance, composite decking is a popular alternative to traditional wood construction. Compared to wooden decks, the composite deck has a long life.

You won’t want to grill on this deck either for the same reason. Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll want to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point as well.