16 Pros And Cons Of Composite Decking

It Requires More Maintenance Than A Patio

It’s not wood, so it shouldn’t be expanding and moving the same, right? It actually moves more AND more unexpectedly than wood decks. Some composite decking won’t move a bit and others have been found to shrink, swell, warp, twist, bow, and any other word you want to use in amounts unheard of, even with wood. Again, it seems completely random when this happens, but it happens often enough that you should know about it. It has been improving slowly over the years with the introduction of capped products and other upgrades, but still, the reports from consumers and contractors are not promising. Take a look at some of the websites where homeowners have posted their reviews, and you’ll read 1 and 2 star reviews all day long.

The key difference is that newer products are encapsulated so that the external skin has no organic materials that can grow algae or mold. Plan your deck by using pressure treated lumber for the structure and composite for the decking and railings.

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. If the rays have a focus point through a window, then there is a chance that a hot day could melt it as well. 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.

Timber Decking & Fencing: The Drawbacks

• Opt for higher quality composite materials like new tech wood composite to avoid this issue.
• The lower priced composite decking and fencing typically won’t offer the warm appeal of timber and won’t look as natural as some homeowners would like.
• Not all composite materials are created equal and like timber, you can get your fair share of low quality products.
• Reclaimed sawdust, offcuts, and household plastic waste are combined and ground down under heat and pressure to come up with composite decking products.
• Composite boards are comprised of waste wood and recycled plastic, so you’re getting the best of both worlds.
• Durable decking and fencing solutions, with the warm appeal of timber and without the hassle of keeping it looking new.

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?

We pride ourselves in manufacturing eco-friendly, long-lasting deck panels that you can conveniently and safely install. This durability makes composite decking easy to maintain, so it’ll last a long time in your outdoor living area. Since you won’t have to replace it as often, you’ll save money on installation costs in the future. By investing in green composite wood decking materials, you promote the creation of a healthier environment, society and economy. GreenBay Decking has lines like DuxxBack and OPTIMA, two interesting products that don’t use traditional wood fillers like most composite boards.

A combination of organic and synthetic materials captures the best of both worlds creating a durable product that is similar to wood decking. This unique combination makes composite decks expensive than other types of decking material.

This article looks at whether a composite deck is worth the money and how to choose the best composite decking material. Although several features determine an ideal deck design, the overall style of a deck is dictated by the actual deck materials. Composite decks have become popular over the past years as the price range of decking boards continue to rise over time. There are different composite products on the market and the availability of these products may vary depending on your location. Most composite decks are manufactured from the by-products of wood such as wood chips, sawdust, and recycled plastic materials.

I returned all the uncut boards to the lumber yard for credit. There are serious inherent design problems with the composite decking product. I am in the process of switching over to aluminum boards which are more expensive. As my father used to say, quality remains long after the price is forgotten. If you’ve founds some winners here then share them with us.

What Is A Composite Deck?

As a result of its manufacture, composite decking is also sun and water-resistant, meaning your deck will last for decades without rotting or warping. The only upkeep required is the occasional jet wash, meaning you will have more time to sit down, relax and enjoy our deck rather than cleaning it. At NewTechWood, we supply high-quality composite wood deck materials to provide a functional space for your outdoor property.

You won’t have that problem if you choose composite decking instead. The only thing you need to do with the product is to clean it periodically with some soap and water. 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. There is no doubt that composite decking material is more expensive than wood.

Is Trex Decking Worth The Price? We Say Yes!

If you choose composite decking instead, then you can use hidden fasteners under the decking to secure the product. This advantage adds a little more to the final cost of your installation, but it also creates a 100% clean look that reduces the risk that comes with those added weak points. You can also choose capped composite decking to have a product that resists fading and discoloration over time. As long as you spray down the material with some water and a mold cleaner twice per year, you’ll be able to maintain the quality of your deck – even if it develops mold or mildew over time.