What is composite decking?
Composite decking is a man-made decking product manufactured from a combination of materials such as sawdust, wood fibre and plastic. The composite decking material comprises polyethylene or polypropylene, which gives it its durability. These can be mixed with recycled plastic or coloured post-consumer waste plastics to give the composite deck more visual appeal. Some composite decks also contain wood and other natural products for more appealing aesthetics.
What are composite decks used for?
Composite decks can be used for anything that a traditional wooden deck would be used for. They are usually installed around swimming pools because of their slip-resistant surface and ability to withstand weathering, making them perfect for wet areas. Composite decks can also be installed over existing flooring, such as concrete slabs, but the area needs to be prepared properly beforehand to ensure a flat, level surface.
Composite decks can also be used to make patios and walkways with their low-maintenance and slip-resistant qualities. They can also be used as seating areas and feature decks, and they’re great for installing underneath pergolas or roof structures because of their resistance to rotting.
What are the advantages of using composite decking?
Composite decking has many advantages over traditional wooden decks: It doesn’t require sanding, staining or waterproofing, making it much easier to maintain. As it’s made from recycled plastic, it’s also extremely durable and resistant to rotting, warping, scratching and splintering. Some composite decking is even fire retardant.
Composite decks also come in different forms, such as planks and tiles. Planks can be nailed down onto wooden decks, while tiles simply lock together like puzzle pieces. The different forms of decks mean you have many different materials to choose from, so you can find the perfect option for your home.
Weather resistance – Composite decking is extremely weather-resistant, so it doesn’t need to be stained or treated regularly to maintain its appearance.
What do I need to know when choosing composite decking?
While composite decking is more environmentally friendly than wooden decking, it can still contain resins that emit toxic fumes, so it is important to choose a product with low levels of formaldehyde. It’s also important to remember that while this type of product does not require any maintenance such as sanding or staining, regular cleaning is required in order for the beauty of the material to shine through. As with all outdoor floorings, water penetrability and movement can cause problems with expansion and contraction, requiring more frequent cleaning due to staining or watermarks.
Drawbacks of composite decks
Composite decks are fairly new on the market, having been available only since about 2001 or 2002. As a result, there’s a limited number of ‘composite’ products currently available, and because people generally prefer to use what they know when it comes to purchasing items out of their comfort zone, most people find themselves choosing between the two options that have dominated the market.
The prices of composite decks are also on the higher side as compared to wooden decks. You also get colour options as far as composite decking goes, but there are some limitations as compared to wood choices. The main issue is that it takes on stains more easily than natural wood does, so if you plan on using colourful patterns on your deck, you may want to opt for an aluminium option instead.
Why Choose Decking Port Macquarie?
At Port Macquarie Decking Experts, we ensure that we produce the best quality products so you can be certain that your deck frame will last for many years. We have a number of colours to choose from too!
Port Macquarie Decking Experts is proud to offer free advice on all aspects of Outdoor Decking, including Composite Decking, Aluminium Decking, Timber Decks and PVC Boards. We also install Timber Flooring, Tiles & Pavers. With many years of experience in the building trade, you can trust our team to deliver professional results using quality materials at competitive prices There is still the option of aluminium, but it has its own set of issues as well since it tends to become weak after some time due to constant exposure to water.
