What Are the Pros and Cons of Composite Decking?
To make the most of your outdoor space, consider adding a deck. However, when you plan to build a deck, the first thing you need to consider is the choice of decking material. At the same time, there are many types of decking materials. In modern times, composite decking is becoming the most popular choice.
Composite decking has many advantages over other types of decking materials. As a result, it is an ideal choice for any decking project. Read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of composite decking. Then you will understand why composite decking is the best choice for building an outdoor deck.
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Table of Contents
What is Composite Decking?
So, what is composite decking? It’s a decorative material that’s environmentally friendly. It is usually made from a mixture of recycled plastic and wood fibers. For example, EVODEK composite decking is made from 80% recycled materials. Composite decking is therefore an environmentally friendly decking material.
If you want to lay composite decking in your garden, you will no doubt want to know whether it is good value for money. Does it offer the advantages of traditional wood, or does it offer other advantages? Will it enhance the appearance of your garden?
EVODEK composite decking offers a number of advantages over other standard decking materials on the market. These advantages include
- Low Maintenance: Composite decking is easier to care for than solid wood decking. This is because they do not need to be sanded, painted, or sealed as often.
- UV Resistance: Compared to solid wood decking, composite decking is less likely to fade in the presence of UV light.
- Slip Resistance: If laid with the narrow grooved side facing upwards, composite decking is more slip-resistant than treated boards.
- Waterproof: Composite decking contains plastic. As a result, they absorb far less water than wooden decking. This means that composite decking is excellent at keeping out water.
- Stain-resistant: Composite decking is less likely to stain. This means that your backyard deck will look great for years to come.
- Durable: Composite decking will not rot, split, or warp.
- Wide Range of Options: Composite decking is available in a wide range of colors to suit the homeowner’s design needs.
Pros of Composite Decking
Long Life
Pressure-treated wooden decking cannot withstand extreme changes in weather like composite decking. In addition, the composite decking boards are made of materials that resist more UV rays and will not fade. They also do not grow mold when it rains and do not expand and contract as much as wooden decking when the temperature changes.
All these advantages come without any additional treatment or protection. In addition, composite decking cannot be damaged by insects such as termites and beetles. This is because it is made from a composite material made of plastic. As a result, composite decking has a longer lifespan and can be used for 25-30 years.
No More Maintenance
One of the great benefits of having a composite deck is that it requires no excessive maintenance. This means you can spend more time relaxing in your yard. There is no need to stain, treat, sand, or paint the deck every year.
Pressure-treated wood decks require regular maintenance to maintain their high-quality appearance. However, they may still crack, splinter, rot, and warp over time. This can be dangerous, especially in households with children and animals.
Cost-effective
Composite decking is a cost-effective option for any outdoor decking project. This is because composite decking is durable and requires minimal maintenance. This means that there are no high maintenance costs over the life of the decking. Although composite decking is more expensive to install, it is a cost-effective option in the long run.
Style and Color
With its natural wood look and modern feel, composite decking can transform any outdoor space. One of its main advantages over solid wood decking is that it is available in a wide range of colors. Composite decking can help you create an outdoor living space with a unique style. EVODEK composite decking is available in a variety of different colors and woodgrain finishes. This gives customers more design freedom and choice.
The composite decking can be decorated with matching or contrasting colors and patterns. The decking color should be a basic gray that matches your home. Or you can decorate with differently colored round edge boards to create a picture frame effect or a multi-colored pattern.
Resistant to Mold and Algae
Composite decking is not only rot-resistant but also mold and algae-resistant. This is particularly useful for composite decking in damp areas and around water bodies such as swimming pools.
Even if mold or algae grow on the composite decking, it is very easy to clean. You can remove mold or algae with a common deck cleaner and warm water in just a few minutes. Alternatively, you can make your own cleaning solution with baking soda and vinegar. This method takes longer, but it is just as effective.
Safety
One of the many advantages of composite decking is that it offers greater safety for any decking project. Compared to typical wooden decking, composite decking is less likely to warp, break, or splinter. This means that there is less chance of creating sharp edges, which can be dangerous.
In addition, composite decking has excellent slip resistance. It is a safer alternative to wooden decking. Thanks to its excellent water resistance, composite decking usually dries within 30 minutes after getting wet.
Shrinking and Swelling
Composite materials are a mixture of wood and plastic. As a result, they compress and expand differently from other materials. Temperature changes do affect composite decking, but they do not cause damage. Composite decking also expands in hot temperatures and contracts in cold temperatures. On the other hand, composite decking is designed to withstand these dimensional changes without warping.
Environmental Friendliness
Another reason why composite decking is so popular is that it is one of the most environmentally friendly decking materials available today. Since it is made from recycled materials, no trees need to be felled. The production of composite decking helps to reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills.
In addition, many sealants, treatments, and stains are harmful to the environment. Fortunately, composite decking does not require any of these materials for maintenance. As a result, it has a smaller environmental impact than traditional wooden decking.
Property Value
Laying a composite deck on your outdoor living space is an effective way to increase the value of your property. Firstly, it can increase the size of your home by creating a separate, quiet area in your outdoor space.
In addition, it can enhance the aesthetics of your home and attract more potential buyers. Potential buyers often prefer composite decks to wooden decks. They know that composite decks last longer and are less expensive to maintain.
Cons of Composite Decking
Higher Initial Cost
Although composite decking is not the most expensive decking material on the market, it is usually more expensive than solid wood decking. This is because it takes more time and recycled materials to produce a high-quality product. In addition, the operating costs of composite decking manufacturers are usually higher than those of companies selling wooden decking.
However, the additional benefits of composite materials more than compensate for the initial cost of laying composite decking. In the long term, the low maintenance costs and resistance to fading, scratches, and insects of composite decking more than outweigh the costs.
No Repainting
Once the composite decking has been laid, it is not easy to change the color. You should therefore make sure that you are happy with the color you have chosen. Composite decking is permanently colored to prevent fading and simplify maintenance. If you want to change the color later, it may be difficult to change.
Fading over Time
The color of any object will fade over time after a few years of exposure to the elements. Dark composite decking colors will fade the most. Factors such as UV rays, aging, heavy foot traffic, sunscreen, or other chemical contact with the decking can cause discoloration.
However, the better the quality of the composite decking, the less likely the boards are to fade. EVODEK composite decking is added with UV inhibitors to prevent discoloration.
Lack of a Genuine Wood Look
One advantage of composite decking is that it looks like real wood. Although composite decking is designed to have a look and feel similar to real wood, like most man-made objects, it cannot be made to be flawless. When you look closely, you can still see the plastic texture.
Summary
What are your requirements for an outdoor deck? This will help you decide whether a composite deck is worth the money. A composite deck board requires little maintenance, and won’t slip, attract bugs, or fade. It also won’t fade, warp, crack, or rot. So your deck will last for many years and stay in good condition.
EVODEK can provide you with high-quality composite decking that can meet your diverse needs. Select the right composite decking color or finish and install it in place. Then you can enjoy the great outdoors with your family.
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