16 Pros And Cons Of Composite Decking

Mold And Mildew On Composite Decking

Let’s have a detailed look at the advantages of composite decking and the benefits for the homeowners who have opted for that type of decking material. The appearance of composite decking materials dates back to the 1990s when they were first introduced. The technology developed rapidly and the components for manufacturing composite decking materials have developed a lot. Modern decking materials are manufactured from plastic and cellulose fibers (ground-up wood) and these are combined with natural or recycled products. Nowadays, the market features many brands which have specialized in the manufacturing of such materials.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Composite Decks?

It can be worse with certain colors or on uncapped products. This is a composite decking problem that’s impossible to predict until a deck has been in the weather for several months, which can lead to a very expensive problem. If you have to use a shovel to clear snow from your deck, only use a plastic shovel. As for ice, different companies recommend various products, but calcium chloride and rock salt are safe to use with Trex composite deck boards. Pros & Cons On Composite Panel - Awning Singapore Composite panels are highly versatile products and they offer both advantages and disadvantages. Pros One of the main features of the composite panels is that they are manufactured as a single unit.

The consequence to you as the composite deck owner is that the nice, tight, wood-like joints in your deck when it was installed in July may be wide, unsightly gaps in February. And, since plastic does not expand and contract evenly, those gaps may still be there the following July. There is not a lot that can be done about it – it's the nature of the material.

List Of The Cons Of Composite Decking

This advantage also means that your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood products. You’ll still need to follow the basic precautions to prevent mold growth, such as installing the product at least two feet above ground to allow for proper ventilation.

• Often, people choose premium products like composite decking, which an attractive, low maintenance finish.
• If you are thinking of removing your old wood deck and are on a budget, then treated lumber or cedar may be the best option for you.
• If however, you have a large budget and want to experiment with a long lasting and durable product then you might want to consider composite decking.
• For this reason, it is always a good idea to maintain or update your deck when it starts to fall apart and/or look outdated.
• We all know that patios provide a wonderful space to enjoy the warmth and relaxation of spring, summer, fall and depending on where you live, winter.

So, even if the factory's binder creates a perfect seal, and that's not possible, that perfection is soon compromised in the normal course of using the deck. Most manufacturers offer fade and stain warranties of up to 25 years.

Plastic Decking Boards End Caps

Unfortunately, one place where composite decking will probably last a lifetime is in the landfill. There is so far no recycling for composite decks, and those that end up in the dump will probably be there for about 2,000 years. Treated wood, on the other hand, returns to nature in 10 years or less, and untreated wood in as little as 2 years. On the plus side, most composite manufacturers use waste wood products as filler, primarily sawmill waste but also post-consumer recycled wood products such as used wood pallets. The most enviro-unfriendly material used in composite decking is plastic, particularly "virgin" or new plastic made primarily from petroleum or natural gas. Some manufacturers use vinyl which is decidedly un-green.

Even though the added costs up front makes it more expensive to build a deck, you can usually offset the expense with the lower maintenance costs down the road. If you’re not in a position to manage the extra expense, then natural wood is going to be the better solution to consider.

Composite Decking Review

Unlike hardwood deck boards, DeckPlus composite decking never has to be painted or stained. Your garden deck will last for years with virtually no effort at all - see our Warranty Information to find out how long you can expect your decking to last. A cedar deck will last 15 to 20 years, with decks built close to the ground or in the shade coming in at the bottom of that range. Certain pressure-treated decking products come with a limited lifetime warranty, and composite lumber decking products typically offer a limited 20-year warranty. EverGrain, for example, comes with a 20-year warranty against rotting, splitting, splintering and termite damage.

For this reason, it is always a good idea to maintain or update your deck when it starts to fall apart and/or look outdated. Often, people choose premium products like composite decking, which an attractive, low maintenance finish. Composite decking may contain different amount of wood and the total percentage of timber and other components in the composition can vary from 50% to 80%. Those are mainly waste materials from the timber industry – sawdust, shavings, wood chips, wood dust, etc. which result from wood processing. All waste is recycled to fine flour and chips with fractions of wood sized between 0.8-2 mm.

There are many factors to consider, including maintenance, budget, appearance, durability, and availability. If you are thinking of removing your old wood deck and are on a budget, then treated lumber or cedar may be the best option for you. If however, you have a large budget and want to experiment with a long lasting and durable product then you might want to consider composite decking. We all know that patios provide a wonderful space to enjoy the warmth and relaxation of spring, summer, fall and depending on where you live, winter.

This is before any of the boards need to be replaced. In addition to this, composite decking can deal with all kinds of weather. This means you can enjoy having it in your garden for many years to come. Maintenance is, perhaps, the biggest advantage of composite decking. Actually, the lack of maintenance attracts homeowners to this type of decking as no sealing, sanding, staining or painting is required.

This article takes a look at both the pros and cons of composite decking so you know exactly what you’re buying and what you need to look out for. Like any major home purchase, decking materials vary in looks, durability, and cost. Start your research by becoming familiar with types of authentic and synthetic decking. Composite decking can invariably be a little more expensive than other types of decking. While you might be tempted to purchase cheaper decking, the maintenance costs can soon add up.

Cons:

Timber decking is prone to splintering, which can be dangerous if you're walking around barefoot. DeckPlus composite decking doesn't splinter, making it a safer choice - note that our boards are also slip resistant, plus they don't get too hot on sunny days.