16 Pros And Cons Of Composite Decking

It Requires More Maintenance Than A Patio

No matter how well the wood is being maintained there is a chance to get a splinter anyway. On the general note it all depends partly on the color of the material. Lighter color material will reflect more of the heat compared to the darker colors which absorbs more heat and yes they can reach high temperatures. In addition the majority of customers never expressed that concern, and I guess like myself they would wear some type of footwear when being outdoors.

While Bamboo is an outstanding flooring alternative, it’s also used in decks, and Cali Bamboo has several collections that use recycled bamboo in place of wood. There are two cheap composite deck lines from Dekorators with Classic and Vista. Both are capped composites but have a completely vibe with Classic geared more towards looking for natural tones and clean vertical patterns. Vista composite decking boards have contrasting variegation with two tropical colors and Driftwood. When did you purchase the home and was the deck recently done. If there is mold, you will have a problem with virtually all warranties. I had a 500 plus sq foot deck under construction and the delivered boards from TimberTech had mold, irregular finish plus the finish was flaking off where the pattern was irregular.

However, the next homeowner may not feel the same way as they may see it as a chore rather than a passion or hobby. A new homebuyer may view pressure treated wood deck as a structure that requires a lot of maintenance to create a long-lasting appeal. This can be a deal-breaker on the sale depending on the condition and size of the old deck.

Timber Decking & Fencing: The Drawbacks

• Despite timber being the traditional option, it hasn’t always been the most practical and cost-effective one.
• The second reason why we think composite decking is worth the price is because of its outstanding durability.
• To help you make an educated decision about what’s best for you and your home, we’ve weighed up the pros and cons of both.
• To know if it is, we need to explore more details about what composite decking brings to the table.

Unlike other decking materials, composite decks offer the look and feel of natural wood without the environmental impact of cutting down trees for timber. While PVC decking is created using synthetic materials, Trex decking is comprised of 95% recycled content and involves the combination of wood scraps and polyethylene. The environmental impact is lessened by using reclaimed sawdust, offcuts, and household plastic waste.

Which Type Of Composite Decking Should I Pick?

Opt for higher quality composite materials like new tech wood composite to avoid this issue. When the first composite decking materials were introduced in the 1990s, it was eyed as being the next evolution of the deck-building industry. The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot. Studies published in the Forest Products Journal in showed that this was not the case. Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process. 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.

Using the best of the best materials that will cost approximately $5,700. I know this sounds like a lot, but the benefits make it worth it. For the majority of homeowners, composite decks are well worth the investment. While it is more expensive than other types of decking like cedar, redwood, tigerwood, and others, it is strong, easy to install, and doesn’t rot. Trex decking is eco-friendly because it is made up of 95% recycled materials.

That’s why you’ll find this deck option as a top choice in communities like Seattle where the wet weather is an almost constant feature of life throughout the year. This advantage also means that your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood products. You’ll still need to follow the basic precautions to prevent mold growth, such as installing the product at least two feet above ground to allow for proper ventilation. You can then remove the green stuff right away with a cleaning solution designed for that exact purpose. When you choose composite decking for your home, then you’re using a product that is primarily made of recycled products. That means you don’t need to cut down more trees just so that you can build a deck.

They carry both 4-sided and 3-sided composite boards with solid and grooved profiles. You’ll also get standard lengths and widths across each series, but their Symmetry and Horizon collections are their flagship products. These boards are capped on top, so they are protected from all sides. There are eight colors to choose from between the two and three colors each from Fiberon ProTect and Sanctuary series, the next steps down from a budget standpoint. Composite decking may have grown in popularity over the past decade, but it’s still considered a specialty product by many retailers. That means you can have trouble finding it on the shelf, which makes good brands hard to identify. With that in mind, here are some of the best composite decking brands available for homeowners and contractors in the U.S.

Composite Decking: Is It Worth Using?

Composite decking is not useful as a structural product. If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually. You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain. The cost of using composite decking for your home is 50% more than what you would pay for pressure-treated wood. It’s even more than redwood or cedar if you use a standard grade of lumber. Even though the added costs up front makes it more expensive to build a deck, you can usually offset the expense with the lower maintenance costs down the road.

If you’re not in a position to manage the extra expense, then natural wood is going to be the better solution to consider. If you live in an environment where it rains frequently, then choosing composite decking with a non-slip texture could be an investment worth making. Homeowners that plan to install their deck somewhere next to a pool on their property will want to make use of this advantage as well. You’ll still get boards that look like natural wood and install on a pressure-treated frame, but you’ll also be reducing the risk of slipping and falling if your feet are wet. This advantage helps in the winter too if you plan to use your deck as part of your standard entryway. If you choose a capped product for your composite decking, then the boards are sealed in plastic that can be embossed or colored to create the variegated look of a natural wood product.

Is Trex Decking Worth The Price? We Say Yes!

I think people think just putting PT wood or composite over any old patio structural framing member will do, and its just not that simple. For every twenty feet of decking, thirty pounds of sawdust, milk jugs, and plastic bags that would have ended up in landfills is put to good use. Using a composite material can enable you to have the look of wood and still save help the environment. The best part about composite decking is it looks just like natural wood. It’s shocking how you can’t tell the difference just by looking. You won’t have to worry as much about the environmental impact. As a homeowner, you’re well-aware of how important it is to have a realistic budget.