Decks can be an excellent addition to any backyard space. They provide ample space for hosting, hanging out, grilling, and just enjoying the outdoors when weather permits. Under the right circumstances, they can even add value to the home.
Choosing the right decking material is of the utmost importance, however. Some materials are better than others, and composite decking is becoming a favourite choice. There are many benefits to be had by going with composite decking. It offers superior durability, requires less maintenance than other materials, provides more colour choices, is environmentally responsible, and even offers no threat of splinters. For these reasons and more, composite decking is becoming the preferred choice for deck materials.
What is composite decking?
If you are unfamiliar with the various types of decking materials out there, composite may be something you aren’t quite sure of. We typically think of either plastic or some sort of wood for decking materials, but what is composite?
Composite decking means that the boards are made of either a blend of wood and plastic or a 100% polymer material. Composite is different from most wood decking in that there is capping (a structural layer) that offers additional protection.
What are the benefits of composite decking?
You may find that composite is a bit pricier than some of the other options out there. That comes with good reason, as there are more than a few benefits of going with composite decking. If you aren’t sure whether or not to go with composite for your deck, there are more than a few benefits to be had.
Far less maintenance
One of the major downsides to wooden decking is that it requires sealing each season. Without a proper sealant, moisture can permeate the wood. This leads to warping, discoloration, and the growth of mould and mildew. All of this takes away from the appearance of the deck and can compromise structural integrity as well.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of composite decking is very low maintenance. In most cases, a good cleaning is all that is required to keep your composite deck looking good. There may be a need for a spot treatment here or there, but that is nothing compared to the sanding, staining, and sealing that wooden decks require.
Unmatched durability
A major consideration when it comes to decks is the cost. Because decks are far from cheap, it means needing to ensure that you are going to get the proper amount of time and use out of it. Otherwise, it isn’t worth the cost.
But thanks to composite decking, you can get far longer out of your deck than you would with traditional wood. The costs are higher for composite because it is more durable than just about any other material on the market.
Composite holds up to the weather and the weight of furniture, pets, and people without any issue. Composite is exceptionally strong and able to resist wear and tear that can make other materials look worn down and fade over time.
Far more colour choices
Without a doubt, the aesthetic of a deck is at the top of the list in terms of important factors to consider. A deck has to look good and having access to more colour choices can put one material ahead of the others.
That is precisely what you get with composite decking. Woods can be stained or painted to achieve a number of different finishes. That said, they require touch-ups and new coats over time in order to maintain that look.
But with composite decking, it can be crafted in a ton of different finishes and colours. Even better, they keep their hue and don’t require touching up over time as wooden decks do. Minimal maintenance and better colour choices rolled into one create a much better option for decking material. It costs more in the short term but can save a ton of time and money that would have otherwise been spent on maintenance.
Eco-friendly
In this day and age, having an eye for eco-consciousness is vital. Individuals and organizations are doing all they can to minimize their carbon footprint. That means cutting down on waste and making more eco-friendly choices along the way.
Because composite decking is made of wood flakes, plastics, and other recycled materials, it has a much more positive impact on the environment than traditional wood decking. No trees have been harmed in the construction of composite decking while traditional decking requires quite a bit of lumber to be created.
That means composite decking has almost no environmental impact. Even better, since they are made from recycled materials, they are actually doing good things for the environment.
No splinters
Though they aren’t major concerns, splinters can be a pain – literally. Walking on a wooden deck means there is always the potential for splinters on your feet or on your hands. That is an unpleasantness at best.
But with composite decking, there is no chance of splinters. Walk barefoot in confidence and never have to worry about getting a splinter again. Not to mention that composite decking just looks cleaner because there is no splintering, contributing to the superior look offered by this material.
The final word on composite
There is a lot to like about composite decking. It may have an increased cost compared to other decking materials, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. It offers more colour choices, improved durability, fewer maintenance concerns and is far more environmentally friendly than wood.
If you are looking to get the most out of your decking investment, go with composite. You won’t have to worry about anything more than enjoying your time on the deck instead of having to seal, stain, or sand it as you would with wooden materials.
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