Should I Choose Composite Decking?
Warmer weather and longer days turn our minds towards summer, and summer living just isn’t the same if you don’t have a functional and beautiful outdoor space to enjoy it. If you are thinking about adding a deck or replacing your worn decking, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by your decking options. Don’t allow the wide variety of material and style options to get in the way of your summer.
The basics of decking come in two categories: wood and composite. Both choices come with various options, but in this piece, we will go over why composite decking might be a better choice for your home.
What is Composite Decking?
Also called wood plastic composite (WPC) decking, composite decking consists of a mixture of mainly wood and plastic which might be virgin or recycled materials depending on the brand. Most often, the plastic content of composite decking is partially recycled, often sourced from post-consumer items such as plastic wrapping and grocery bags. The wood fiber, or cellulose, can also be sourced from waste sawdust, chips, and fibers from the lumber industry.
Despite the mixture of materials, composite decking as a product looks finished and consistent. It is produced and styled to look exactly how you’d like it, whether that’s to mimic the look of wood or offer something entirely new.
Benefits of Composite Decking
There are many benefits of composite decking when compared to natural wood decking. When deciding what material to use to build or update your deck, consider durability, maintenance, lifespan, appearance, and more.
Low-maintenance and Long-lasting
Wooden decks, as with other additions that use wooden building materials, require a higher level of maintenance. Because wood is organic, it needs regular painting or staining to prevent it from absorbing moisture, which can lead to rot and insect damage. Composite decking, on the other hand, is entirely impervious to all wood-boring insects and won’t rot and warp like wood.
Because it is much more low-maintenance, composite decking only needs to be swept and occasionally cleaned if dirt builds up in a particular area. Your composite deck won’t splinter or crack like wood, so you won’t need to sand it and finish it.
Composite decking lasts a long time with very little maintenance. Manufacturers are so sure of its durability and longevity that they offer warranties typically covering the decking from 25 to 50 years depending on the brand. In comparison, wooden decking only lasts around 10 to 15 years.
Resists Environmental Damage
If you live in an area with harsher weather patterns, such as in the Northeast region of the U.S., you’ll want to seriously consider how your deck will hold up to freezing snowy winters and hot wet summers. Decks are subject to a lot of environmental stress, and water sits on the surface when it rains and snows. The sun beats down on the decking, too, which can lead to UV damage to building materials.
Composite decking is much more resistant to these environmental stressors because it is man-made. High levels of moisture and temperature extremes can cause warping, cracking, and rotting in wooden decking. Composite decking is moisture-resistant, insect-resistant, and heat resistant, so you’ll never have to worry.
Related Article: Conducting a Fall Deck Inspection
Flexibility of Appearance and Style
While early versions of composite decking may have looked less realistic, modern composite decking convincingly mimics the natural texture and appearance of real wood. Composite decking comes in a variety of colors so there is something available for every palette and style, and this style will last for its life without the need for paint touch-ups.
In addition, composite decking opens up the opportunities to have decks for homes that otherwise pose a challenge for their construction. If you want to add the outdoor space to your home, but you’d face challenges with ground level and water, composite decking is the perfect solution. Some composite decking can be installed in or on the ground and even underwater! As a result, some composite decking can be used for docks or other features near or on the water.
Related Article: Summer Inspiration for Outdoor Spaces
Advance Inc. Helps You Choose the Right Decking
Here at Advance Inc., we carry Trex and Moisture Shield composite decking options. Each brand has its own unique features and advantages, and our in-house experts can help you explore your options. Advance Inc. is a TrexPro Platinum Contractor, which means that they are your local experts in creating bold and innovative outdoor projects for your home.
Contact us today to find out more about how composite decking can create the outdoor experience you deserve for your home.