Composite decking is an increasingly popular outdoor decking option. It brings a more natural and aesthetically pleasing ambiance to your outdoor living space while eliminating the hassle and high cost of regular maintenance. Read this guide to the pros and cons of composite decking to help you determine if composite material is right for you.
What is composite decking?
Composite materials are made from a combination of wood fibers and recycled plastics. Adding plastic to wood creates a deck that is moisture resistant, insect resistant and strong. As a result composite decking lasts longer. Composite decking is available in a variety of colors and wood grain effects. They can also be finished with a polymer outer layer for added protection.
Capped composite decking has a hard outer shell made from a plastic polymer. The polymer surface provides additional protection against water, dirt and UV rays. This hard synthetic wrapper creates a product that is scratch and fade resistant and low maintenance.
Advantages of composite decking
Composite decking is a modern solution to natural wood decking and can be a perfect alternative to traditional decking. Composite decking costs less upfront than fully synthetic decking materials such as PVC. Composite decking has the advantage of being long-lasting and virtually maintenance-free, so it’s easy to see why it’s become a popular choice for outdoor living spaces. Here are a few key benefits of composite deck boards:
Durable and long-lasting
Typically, a high-quality wood deck will last about 10 years, but it will require regular maintenance, sanding, and painting by the homeowner. High-quality composite decks, however, can last twice as long. A typical capped composite deck has a lifespan of 25 years, and can even last more than 30 years if you purchase a higher quality deck. This durable decking material is built to last and will not chip, crack, warp or peel.
Low Maintenance
Another reason to choose composite decking is that this product is virtually maintenance free. You can expect high-performance composite decking to last. It holds up well to rich colors without the need for staining or painting. The only necessary maintenance you’ll need is to clean the surface of the deck regularly to prevent dirt and mold buildup. You need to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on how to properly clean composite decks.
Moisture Protection
Unlike wooden decks, which are prone to mold and rot due to moisture. High-quality capped composite decking offers excellent resistance to moisture and mold. This advantage is one of the main reasons why composite decks last so long and don’t require regular maintenance. Capped composite decks are especially effective for decks that are low to the ground and tend to accumulate moisture underneath.
Non-Slip and heat-resistant
The most practical consideration for a homeowner with an outdoor deck is whether it will be too hot to walk on or too slippery. Composite decking surfaces are known for being highly slip-resistant due to their increased traction design. This makes composite decking a great choice for pool areas or rain areas.
High-quality composites are also heat-resistant, allowing for year-round comfort without making it difficult to walk on during the summer months. However, it’s important to note that all decking materials get hot in the sun. If your deck is constantly exposed to the sun, it’s best to choose a light-colored deck. This will reflect more heat in the summer, which makes it cooler.
Won’t Expand and Contract Easily
Compared to traditional wood decks, composite decking is less affected by temperature fluctuations. However, capped composite decking will still experience some degree of expansion and contraction. This is why composite decking should not be installed when it is hot. This is because it expands when it is fixed and contracts when it cools, resulting in wide and uneven gaps. Try to install your decking when the temperature is cooler during the day or when the area is in the shade.
Cost Effectiveness
The upfront cost of composite decking is much higher than traditional decking materials. However, composite materials offer long-term durability and do not require the tedious maintenance that traditional wood decking does. Composite decking is more affordable than PVC decking. For homeowners who want low maintenance but don’t want to spend a fortune, composite deck boards are a better option.
Seamless Appearance
Composite decking is generally installed using hidden fasteners. So if you want a seamless deck design, it’s easier to achieve a seamless look with composite decks. Just be sure to use the recommended fasteners with the specific composite decking product you choose to avoid damaging the planks.
Disadvantages of Composite Decking
Composite decks offer a number of advantages, but you still need to consider the disadvantages they can have:
Shorter lifespan than PVC
PVC decking is the longest-lasting decking material on the market today. Composite decking will last about twice as long as wood decking, but it won’t reach the impressive lifespan of PVC decking. Commonly available PVC decks on the market have an expected lifespan of 50 years or more.
Heavier than PVC or wood
Because of the mix of plastic and wood, composite decking is typically heavier than PVC decking and traditional wood. This can be a challenge for homeowners who plan to install composite decks themselves.
Higher upfront costs
Overall, composite decking is an affordable option. It has a lower initial price than PVC decking. But it’s higher than a typical wood deck, but given the fluctuating price of lumber and the ongoing maintenance costs of wood decking, composite decking will pay for itself quickly.