16 Pros And Cons Of Composite Decking

It Requires More Maintenance Than A Patio

High-end composite wood decking may cost more than low-quality materials, such as concrete. The overall cost of your deck depends on the size of the area you’d like to cover. It also helps to consider the resale value of a deck vs. patio and the benefits your new platform will provide for your living space. If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction.

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.

Eventually, science found a way to improve the durability of natural wood and people started using pressure-treated wood to build their decks, giving them a sturdier investment. To know if it is, we need to explore more details about what composite decking brings to the table.

Timber Decking & Fencing: The Drawbacks

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

Most manufacturers offer fade and stain warranties of up to 25 years. If you can find a product that goes beyond this timeframe, then that material should jump to the top of the list of preferences for your composite decking. When you’re in that situation, the use of hidden fasteners can become a disadvantage rather quickly. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question. This disadvantage is the reason why most homeowners opt for the standard installation even if they want a clean look. If you accidentally spill hot cooking grease on your composite decking, then there is an excellent chance that the plastic in this product will melt. You won’t want to grill on this deck either for the same reason.

Which Type Of Composite Decking Should I Pick?

Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, it will last longer. TimberTech offers warranties up to 50 years depending on which style you choose. Depending on your budget and the needs of your project there are lots of options available. You may be wondering whether composite decking is right for your project and if it’s worth the added cost.

Reasons Why To Install A Composite Deck

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.

Due to the combination of materials, composite decks are more expensive than other decking supplies. You can look at spending around $3.00 to $7.00 per 8-inch board of composite lumber. Composite decks use a combination of both organic and synthetic 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?

Composite Decking: Is It Worth Using?

If you lie in a climate that sees a hot summer season most years, then you’ll want to select composite decking boards that have a lighter color to them. You can choose matte, smooth, or highly textured options while still working to avoid the heating issue with some of the choices that are on the market today. When you start shopping around to look at the various deck brands, you’ll discover that there is a wide range of warranty options. The best choice you can make with your composite decking is to choose an item that comes with a fade and stain warranty. If you don’t have this option, then you have every right to question the longevity of the boards that you purchase. The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider. This man-made product includes about a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic.

These materials make the product almost impervious to rot, which means there are fewer needs to sand, stain, and seal the boards to preserve their lifespan. You’ll pay a little more to use this material, but the initial expense is made up over the lifetime of the deck.

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.