6 Advantages of Composite Decking
For a long time, standard and exotic wood were the only two options for homeowners installing a deck. Composite decking has become increasingly popular as it performs better than natural wooden boards. Composite decking is made by mixing wood fibers, recycled plastics, and bonding agents and has numerous advantages over traditional decks. Read on to learn these advantages.
1. Design Variety
Composites are the perfect alternatives if you covet the look of a wooden deck but want to avoid the maintenance requirements. Composite boards have an authentic wood grain pattern and mimic pricey wood varieties.
While brown is a favorite deck color, you can get composites in gray, red, black, silver, and other hues. This variety means you will get the perfect design to match or contrast other exterior elements like the railings, furniture, and siding.
Certain varieties of composite decking also have smooth surfaces due to the absence of nails and screws. Moreover, you don’t have to repaint composites to maintain aesthetics as you would with a wood deck. A composite deck instantly boosts your curb appeal and property value.
2. Enhanced Durability
Traditional decking is vulnerable to harsh weather and fades and warps under intense heat and rain. Without constant sealing, wood decks easily absorb water, resulting in rotting and mold and mildew growth.
High-performance decking repels moisture and resists fading, warping, and scratching. Some composites have UV-resistant compounds, making them suitable for sunny areas.
You don’t have to worry about planter pots and spilled food and beverages damaging your deck boards. Also, composite decking discourages colonization from wood-boring pests like termites and carpenter ants.
3. Low Maintenance
You must wash, stain, and seal wood decks to keep them looking fresh and prevent insect activity. This process can take several days, and you may require heavy tools like power washers. You may spend a lot of time maintaining your deck rather than enjoying it.
Composites offer the natural charm of wood with minimal upkeep. You only need to gently scrub the deck with dish soap and water twice a year. If your family uses the deck often, it needs regular sweeping and washing, but you don’t have to repaint or seal it as with wooden decks. When choosing composites, ask your contractor about no-fade colors to keep the deck looking new, even with spills.
4. Increased Safety
People walk barefoot on decks, but it can be dangerous with a wooden deck. Over time, wooden boards splinter from exposure to temperature fluctuations and moisture. Splintering boards can cause cuts, scrapes, and falls, as they are tripping hazards.
Manufacturers make composites by encasing wood fibers in plastic so they won’t splinter even with exposure to extreme weather. So your deck will be safe for children, pets, guests, and your family.
5. Long Lifespan
The standard deck lasts 10 to 15 years, while composites have a lifespan of up to 30 years. Maintenance is the key to making a deck that lasts for several decades. Luckily, composite decking needs little maintenance to serve your family for a long time.
The quality of installation also influences a deck’s lifespan, so consult an experienced and reputable contractor with long-standing supplier relationships. Most composites carry extended warranties to guarantee high performance.
6. Eco-Friendly
Wooden decks contribute to deforestation, which leads to desertification, soil erosion, and reduced biodiversity. Composites are more eco-friendly because manufacturers use wood chips, sawdust, wood fibers, and other recycled wood pieces. Recycled plastics and other scrap materials are also used to make composite decking, and you can enjoy a beautiful deck knowing that less harm was done to the environment.
Composites capture the beauty and charm of real wood without the disadvantages. At Donny’s Roofing & Home Improvement, we design and build decks using high-quality and low-maintenance materials. Contact us today to rejuvenate your yard.