What Is the Best Composite Decking Subframe for the Deck
If you want to build composite decking in your own yard, then you have made a wise choice. Over the past few years, composite decking material has become increasingly popular in Australia due to its long-lasting durability, ease of maintenance, and aesthetic appeal. It is the perfect decking material for any Australian weather.
It is very important to choose the most suitable sub-frame material for your composite deck tiles. This is because it will fully satisfy your needs and desires. Choosing the right subframe is as important to the longevity of your deck as the deck itself.
As the base of the deck, the subframe is the part that most people don’t see. But it is very important to the stability and longevity of the entire deck. We’ll cover 5 different composite deck subframes and discuss the pros and cons of each in detail. This way, you can choose the best deck subframe material for your decking project.
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Table of Contents
What Are the Different Types of Materials Available for Deck Subframes?
- Aluminum Subframes
- Steel Subframes
- Plastic Subframes
- Composite Subframes
- Timber Subframes
Aluminum Subframes
Extruded aluminum joists are used to make deck subframes. These joists are joined together to make one of the most durable deck subframes available. They are very easy to install and consist of several components, all of which are made to be as durable as possible. Included:
- Aluminum joists
- Joist connectors (to connect joists together at corners and along straights)
- Plastic pedestal supports
- Self-Drilling Screws, to make construction extremely simple
The support base can be adjusted to make the subframe perfectly level. It is often used with aluminum subframes. Some manufacturers typically offer a 25-year warranty on aluminum deck subframes. This is because they are confident that these materials and components will last much longer than 25 years.
Aluminum subframes will not rust or rot, making them ideal for use in wet areas. Water will not affect them in any way. They also won’t grow or shrink, so aluminum deck subframes will still feel strong 20 or 30 years after installation.
Aluminum deck subframes are one of the best alternatives to wood subframes. It has a number of advantages that far outweigh its slightly higher starting cost. For starters, it lasts longer than wood, in most cases, two to three times longer! Additionally, unlike wood, which can change dramatically when the weather changes, aluminum deck sub-frames will not bend or buckle.
Advantages of Aluminum Deck Subframes
- Long service life and robustness.
- Low maintenance, once installed, no maintenance is required.
- Aluminum is easy to cut and can be cut with a versatile cut-off saw.
- Cost-effective. Aluminum subframes are very robust and can last for decades and require little maintenance work.
Disadvantages of Aluminum Subframes
- It can be more costly at first compared to other deck sub-frame materials.
- Aluminum subframes may not be easy to purchase for most building stores that offer wood subframes.
Steel Subframes
People across Australia are increasingly choosing steel sub-frames for their composite decking because of the many benefits they offer. Manufacturers’ prefabricated steel subframes are made from lightweight steel C-sections. They are then cut into large panels, delivered to the construction site, and assembled in just a few hours.
Installing a steel deck subframe is the fastest method. All you have to do is make sure the frames are properly supported on the base. Then you need to join them together and finally lay the trim boards on top.
Steel is known to be a very hard material. That’s why it comes with special self-drilling screws, which means that fixing the decking is very simple.
Already made steel sub-frames are the strongest and most durable. They are coated with a rust-resistant coating that will last for a very long time. Many manufacturers’ steel subframes come with a 10-year warranty.
Advantages of Steel Subframes
- Fastest installation to date
- Durable material that won’t rot
- One of the strongest structural options
Disadvantages of Steel Subframes
- Not as versatile as some deck subframe materials
- The initial cost can be a bit more expensive than other deck subframe materials
- Heavier and more difficult to transport
Plastic Subframes
Another common material used to build composite decks is the plastic deck subframe. Solid plastic joists form the plastic subframes. These joists can be fitted directly together and built on-site. Since they are usually made from recycled plastic, they are good for the environment.
Plastic deck subframes are available in different sizes and can therefore be used flexibly in many situations. And these sub-frame materials are not afraid of water at all. With plastic deck subframes, you don’t have to worry about water below the deck damaging it.
Advantages of Plastic Subframes
- Because plastic is waterproof, it won’t rot
- Plastic sub-frames are environmentally friendly and are suitable for environmentalists
- This type of frame is lightweight and easy to assemble
Disadvantages of Plastic Subframes
- Sagging over time, plastic is not the strongest material for deck sub-frames. Therefore, they need to be increased in size to make them last longer.
- Susceptible to temperature changes. Plastic subframes expand when the temperature rises.
Composite Subframes
Subframes made of composite materials are similar to the materials used to make composite decks. They consist of plastic, wood fibers, and adhesives. In most cases, they are not the most durable subframe option. They are also subject to temperature changes that can cause expansion and contraction.
Like the deck boards themselves, composite sub-framing has wood fibers in the joists. That’s why it can get damp even when it’s in a humid environment for a long time. This is because the subframe is not exposed to sunlight like deck boards are. Over time, this can cause the composite joists to absorb water, which can cause them to bend, swell, and twist. This is not the result you want.
Advantages of Composite Subframes
- Affordable
- Not as prone to rot as wood
- Easy to transport and install
- Good for the environment
Disadvantages of Composite Subframes
- Not the strongest sub-frame option
- Can rot over time in damp areas
Wooden Subframes
Wooden deck sub-frames have always been one of the most popular choices. This is because they are easily available and do not cost much. However, it does not last as long as the other deck sub-frame materials mentioned earlier.
When we talked about sub-frames earlier, we said that sub-frames are usually very wet. This means that wood will always be affected by water in some way. Wood deck subframes usually only last 5-10 years before they need to be replaced.
Large wood joists make up the subframe of most wood decks. These joists are spaced out over the deck area and screwed directly together. It is very simple to install and most tradesmen or do-it-yourselfers will have no difficulty in constructing a wood subframe.
Advantages of Wood Subframes
- Easy to buy, available in most building stores
- Easy to install and can be cut with standard carpentry tools
- The low initial cost for this type of sub-frame
Disadvantages of Wooden Subframes
- Susceptible to moisture and rot
- Shorter service life than other deck sub-frames
- Requires regular maintenance and higher maintenance costs
How Long Will Wooden Deck Subframes Take to Rot?
As we said in the previous section, wooden sub-frames are likely to rot. However, there are ways to slow down its decay. Depending on the type of wood used and how it’s installed, you may be able to make your wood sub-frame last longer.
First of all, the local weather can have a big impact on the longevity of your wood sub-frame. If the deck area doesn’t get much sunlight, there will be more moisture in the air because the sun won’t be able to dry it out.
This can mean that untreated wood will only last two to three years. In terms of the time it takes to rot, wood will take longer to rot in a dry area that gets sun most of the day.
Frequent maintenance of wood subframes is a good way to prevent them from rotting, but it takes a lot of time. Giving the ends of all joists a coat of paint and varnish when they are first installed will make them last longer. But it will also make installing wood sub-framing more difficult and will make it more expensive.
Once rot begins to grow on the wood, it spreads using the moisture already in the wood. Even after the first stage of growth, it can’t get moisture from the outside. Keeping the wood sub-frame off the ground can help it last longer before it rots.
Using a deck support platform is one way to do this. This will help prevent some of the moisture from getting into the wood and spreading. Installing a base on the wood subframe will extend the life of the deck subframe.
Should You Stay Away from Wood Subframes?
We recommend staying away from wood sub-frames if you can. Wood subframes have the shortest lifespan compared to aluminum, steel, plastic, and composite subframes. In fact, wood subframes only last a short time and require frequent maintenance.
This makes its later maintenance costs outweigh the initial savings. Wood subframes may need to be replaced more frequently, which can cost more money and time than other subframe materials such as aluminum.
Many deck manufacturers will also offer matching aluminum, steel and plastic subframes. These sturdy and durable deck subframes can provide support for the deck for longer periods of time. When properly installed, all of these deck sub-frames will last much longer than a wood deck.
How to Choose the Right Deck Subframe for Your Project
Now that we’ve covered each of the composite deck sub-frame materials in detail. Then you need to decide which composite deck sub-frame material is best for you. Give yourself some time to consider what you need. Are you looking for a long-term solution, or do you need something temporary and inexpensive in the beginning?
Cost of Subframe Materials
For each type of subframe you choose, prices will vary considerably. You can start by working out how many planks you think you will need and then get a quote for each plank. This will allow you to start calculating a rough budget cost.
If you want to find the best subframe for your area, you should keep in mind that you need to consider more than just the initial cost. Wood sub-frames need to be replaced every 5-10 years. So, if you want your deck area to last about 30 years, you may need to multiply the initial cost by three.
This will give you a good idea of the cost of replacing an aluminum sub-frame. Aluminum subframes last longer and do not need to be replaced after installation.
Service Life of Subframes
Durability is another very important consideration when picking the best composite deck subframe for your deck.
The service life of subframes made of different materials is usually as follows:
- Aluminum subframes have a service life of over 30 years
- Steel frames last 10 to 25 years
- Plastic frames last 10 to 15 years
- Composite subframes have a service life of 20 to 25 years
- Wooden subframes have a service life of 5 to 10 years, and in some cases, even less
It is best to choose a deck sub-frame material that will last at least as long as composite decking. The service life of the decking depends on the type of composite decking you choose. Composite decking boards made by EVODEK are very strong and have a service life of up to 25-30 years.
Ease of Installing Subframes
The ease of installing subframes can vary greatly depending on the subframe material you choose. This is definitely something to consider, as faster installation time means less installation cost and time.
Final Thoughts
Congratulations! You now have a better understanding of the various materials used for composite deck subframes. This will help you choose the best material for your needs.
If you still have questions about any of the above, please contact us. The experts at EVODEK would be happy to help you determine how many joists you will need, help you develop a framing plan, and provide materials. Contact us to get started on building your composite decking project.
FAQ
What kind of subframe is ideal for composite decking?
Pre-made steel subframes are some of the strongest, and they are galvanized to keep them from rusting. This ensures that steel subframes endure a long time. Another common material for building composite decks is plastic decking subframes.
What kind of base is ideal for composite decking?
The most typical sort of support for decking boards is a timber frame. Even though it’s robust and lasts a long time, it’s best to choose pressure-treated wood. So, it doesn’t rot, deteriorate, or get eaten by bugs.
How can you know if the deck’s substructure is good?
Check all of the parts you can see for signs of rot, deterioration, or damage. This means checking under the deck, where dirt and water can build up.
In addition, check for connections and fasteners that are corroded or missing. Look for any parts that are loose or unsteady, which could mean that the attachments are broken.
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