Is Composite Deck Worth It

It Requires More Maintenance Than A Patio

The latter is comprised of three series, and there is a price point for everyone. While you can find out more about MoistureShield in our review, the main thing to keep in mind with this company is availability. Their products aren’t carried by big box retailers, so you’ll need to contact them directly or work with a contractor to source their composite deck boards. Fiberon’s lineup consists of premium and budget-friendly decking.

If you do PT wood or even composite decking, I think one thing people neglect is that the underside is not properly done. For instance if its deck over another deck, is it properly waterproofed ? Are stringers being used that give it adequate ventilation, etc.

There aren’t a ton of disadvantages when it comes to composite decking. It’s important to acknowledge that not everyone has the budget for composite materials. Definitely composite solutions are a good alternative to timber. These composite cladding and composite decking is made from real wood and plastic which give natural wood finish. Recently I purchased composite cladding panels from Teckwood in UK for my new home. Available in a range of styles and colours, composite decking proposes the perfect deck option for a variety of outdoor space designs.

Timber Decking & Fencing: The Drawbacks

• The main differences between decks and patios include their configuration, location and building materials.
• Composite decking is considered environmentally friendly considering the fact that they often use recycled or recovered materials in the manufacturing process.
• Consider the cost of installation of the traditional deck, with the costs of the constant cleaning, repairs and staining.
• The ingredients are processed in a way that makes the material look just like wood.
• Composite decking means that your deck is made from a combination if different materials, mostly being plastic and wood.

On a hot summer day with the sun beating down, nearly any surface will get hot however composite decking is more UV resistant and helps resist fading from the sun’s rays. Unlike traditional lumber decking, using composite decking around pools can provide a smooth, clean surface for many years with little to no maintenance.

Which Type Of Composite Decking Should I Pick?

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

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.

This article looks at whether a composite deck is worth the money and how to choose the best composite decking material. Although several features determine an ideal deck design, the overall style of a deck is dictated by the actual deck materials. Composite decks have become popular over the past years as the price range of decking boards continue to rise over time. There are different composite products on the market and the availability of these products may vary depending on your location. Most composite decks are manufactured from the by-products of wood such as wood chips, sawdust, and recycled plastic materials.

Durable decking and fencing solutions, with the warm appeal of timber and without the hassle of keeping it looking new. Not all composite materials are created equal and like timber, you can get your fair share of low quality products. The lower priced composite decking and fencing typically won’t offer the warm appeal of timber and won’t look as natural as some homeowners would like.

What Is A Composite Deck?

Composite Decking: Is It Worth Using?

Composite decking is not useful as a structural product. If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually. You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain. The cost of using composite decking for your home is 50% more than what you would pay for pressure-treated wood. It’s even more than redwood or cedar if you use a standard grade of lumber. 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.

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.

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.