Composite decking has been making rounds across the globe for its sustainable and durable benefits. Some homeowners and builders alike believe that composite decking is continuously improving, making it an excellent alternative to wood decks. On the other hand, some people remain skeptical if it is worth paying the cost of converting their wood decks into composites. Understandably, homeowners want nothing but the best material for their outdoor living spaces. So, it is especially important to determine what composite decking is all about. Is it a boon or bane? For you to make an informed decision, you must determine what composite decking can or cannot do. In today’s blog, let’s run down the list of pros and cons of composite decking.
Components Of Composite Decking
Composite decking consists of equal parts of plastic and wood fiber that are mixed with ultraviolet inhibitors, borate preservatives, and pigments. These components are typically heated and extruded. In the case of a textured composite decking, the design is normally embossed onto the warm surface before it even cools down. The wood fiber of the composite decking is typically made of ground-up wood from the furniture factories and mills. On the other hand, the recycled plastic is usually shredded polyethylene from shopping bags and milk jugs.
Cost Of Composite Decking
According to Home Advisor, the price of building a composite deck ranges from $3,600 to $7,700 between $25 and $54 per square foot. The material cost is averaging between $15 and $36 per square foot, while the labor cost is typically between $10 and $14 per square foot. However, these costs vary depending on the size of your deck, designs, and complexity of the project. It is better to talk to a professional deck contractor to provide you a quote, so you can make a wise decision.
Warranty
Most manufacturers and builders offer either a limited-lifetime or 25-year warranty. This warranty is usually provided on any issues related to the structural integrity of the deck. Some manufacturers offer a warranty that is transferable from one homeowner to another. In most cases, deck issues due to scratches, stains, and fading are not covered by the warranty. So, before you start moving the project into construction, always ask your prospective deck contractor regarding warranty coverage.
Pros Of Composite Decking
Composite decking has grown its popularity for it is expected to deliver a sustainable, eco-friendly, and long-lasting solution as compared to traditional wood decking. Here are some significant benefits it can offer:
Durability
One of the great advantages of a composite deck, as opposed to a wood deck, is its known durability and long-lasting strength. The traditional deck can easily fade and crack over time, particularly when exposed to extreme heat and harsh rain. The wood deck is not dimensionally stable to prevent any cracking, splitting, or warping, the reason why it needs periodic care and treatment. The composite deck, on the other hand, is extremely tough and hard-wearing. Its plant and fiber composition make it sturdy, so it won’t easily warp and disintegrate even under direct sunlight. Composites are a perfect wood-alternative without compromising the stability and strength in the long run.
Variety Of Colors
A composite deck offers a wide variety of colors and textures to enhance your curb appeal. The versatility of composite makes it an ideal choice for someone who is looking for customized and non-traditional finishes and designs. Visually appealing as traditional timber decks, you can choose among high-definition grain patterns, color options, and styles that will complement your outdoor living space. There is no doubt that it adds charm and elegance to your exterior landscape.
Environmental-Friendly
The real deal about the composite material is its environmental benefits. A composite deck is one of the top choices for builders and homeowners because it is highly sustainable and eco-friendly. It creates an appeal of natural wood without posing an environmental effect. This is because the materials are typically composed of recycled content of plastic and wood. A lot of manufacturers are using virgin material that does not need harmful substances to be mixed in. This keeps your outdoor space green and environmental-friendly.
Low Maintenance
If you are looking for a hassle-free and low maintenance material for your deck, composites are your perfect choice. Since the materials are mixtures of recycled plastic and wood, it requires very minimal upkeep. There is no need for periodic sealing, sanding, or staining. All you need to do is an occasional cleaning to maintain its stability and natural look. This is suitable for homeowners who want to spend less time on maintenance.
Longevity
Another known and incredible benefit of the composite deck is longevity. Composite materials are weather-resistant; thus, they can withstand any extreme weather conditions over time even without periodic maintenance. It is very ideal for a homeowner who wants to reduce the cost of repair and treatment along the way. It normally lasts over 30 years as opposed to over 15-20 years of average wood decking. This seemingly makes composite decking a less expensive solution in a long run.
Functionalities
Composite materials are known to provide a multitude of functionalities. It is very lightweight which makes it easy to install. Thus, it is not labor-intensive. It also has UV-stability, so you do not need to worry about overexposure to the sun. This is very ideal for families with kids and pets because the material is highly resistant to scratching and staining as well.
Safe
A composite deck is splint-resistant and splitter free, which makes it a perfect choice if you have kids or pets at home. This is also ideal for families who enjoyed eating dinner outside or loved cooking their meals during an outdoor party. Also, it is barefoot-friendly because of its innovative fittings, so you don’t have to worry about the scattered nails or screws left unnoticed.
Cons Of Composite Decking
With all its benefits, functionalities, and everything in between, the composite deck has its fair share of disadvantages. Let’s see the downside of using composite material for your deck.
Cost
The price is the most distinguished negative aspect of a composite deck. The initial cost of composite decking is relatively much higher as opposed to traditional or wood decking. It is normally rated 15% to 20% higher than its wood counterpart. The price varies depending on the brand, designs, and patterns. However, it would be necessary to talk to a professional builder to discuss options and affordable solutions.
Discoloration, Fading, And Damages
Composite materials are also subject to wear and tear over the years. Some darker colored decks manifest discoloration and fading over time. It is not 100% maintenance-free, so you still need to clean its debris occasionally. Also, materials are susceptible to surface damages due to high foot traffic and some exposure elements. The reparative solution is a bit challenging because you need to inspect and replace individual deck boards.
Permanent Deck Colors
To reduce the work and cost required for maintenance, composite deck colors are permanent. This is designed to also avoid periodic sealing and staining along the way. If you wish to change its appearance, you need to request surface cleaning.
Non-Resistant To Mildew And Molds
Composite materials are also prone to the effects of molds and mildew, especially in prolonged exposure to water elements. Like its wood counterparts, humidity and moisture on its surface can also harbor bacteria or microbes, leading to the formation of molds and damaging elements. This may also result in sagging or bending deck boards and surfaces.
Little Or Less Return On Investment
A composite deck is seemingly a great wood-alternative because it provides less return on investment. This is mainly due to the cost and type of materials used. It normally labels a lower price tag as compared to its wood counterpart. Products also vary depending on the quality and manufacturers. So, it is better to talk to professional builders as to what possible option they can give for this type of project.
Know The Types Of Decking
Knowing the type of composite decking is beneficial whenever you communicate your ideas with your prospective deck contractor. It might not be necessary, but it pays to understand which type of decking works best for your outdoor living space. Textured Grain. Both faces are characterized with a rough, cut in grain. It adds character to your outdoor living space and is a good way to hide scratches and scuffs. Plastic-Wrapped. This type of decking has reversible matching faces. The covering of resin makes it scratch-, fade-, and stain-resistant. Embossed Grain. Because it is typically pressed into the board, the graining of the composite decking is much deeper. This is different from the usual cut in grains, which is evident in a textured grain.Veranda. In this type of decking, you will notice that one side of the board is brushed, while the other side has the usual wood-grain look. Paper Board. Paper board is created from a combination of recycled paper and plastic. It has a better fade resistance capability than wood fiber. Weathered Wood. To show a resemblance of aged cypress wood, this type of decking has extra pigments, creating a veining design in your composite deck.Watertight. The best thing about watertight is that it absorbs nearly no water even if you submerge it. This is very ideal in moisture-prone or high humid areas.
How To Maintain Your Composite Deck
Maintaining a composite deck can never be so easy. Let’s run down some simple ways to keep your deck in pristine condition. Food Stains. If you notice any food stains on your composite deck, make sure to wipe it up quickly. For oily spots, you can use a degreaser. If it is wine or fruit stains, use a bleach and hot water solution to clean it. But prevention is always better than cure. Do not forget to place mats near the tables or around the barbecue area. Tannin Stains. The best way to get rid of tannin stains is by scrubbing them with a cleaning solution that contains oxalic acid. Mildew Stains. When removing mildew stains on your composite deck, prepare a cleaning solution made of 50-50 mix of hot water and oxygen bleach. Add a little amount of dish soap to this solution, then use it to clean your deck. Clogs. If you find any clogs on your deck, the simplest way to remove them is by sweeping or blowing away any debris or dirt between the boards.
How To Install Composite Decking Properly
Installation of a composite deck isn’t always the same as wood decking. There are a few differences that you may want to keep in mind. Edge Spacing. In composite decking, you need to set the between-board spacing to prevent narrow gaps. Make sure to avoid narrow gaps because they can clog, which increases the chance of boards prematurely falling apart and becoming waterlogged. Narrow gaps also increase the likelihood of mildew and stains.Joist Spacing. If the joists on your composite deck are spaced more than 16 inches on the center, there is a tendency that the deck will sag. On the other hand, if it is too close to the edge, it may crumble. To mitigate this, you can keep the screw approximately ¾ inch from the edges and ends.
Final Thoughts
The composite deck offers a world of benefits, but it also presents a few disadvantages. That is why you need to do your own research and gather more important information, so you can decide whether or not to use this decking material. It would also be beneficial to discuss your thoughts with a professional deck contractor to create a more structured concept. Whether you will build a composite deck or not, keep in mind that it is necessary to make thorough planning and always consider essential factors such as labor, materials, layout, and budget for your project. In this way, you can better ascertain potential problems that may hinder you from getting a perfect outdoor living space. If you’re looking for an incredibly creative solution on deck building and composite decking, then feel free to call us today. Deck Ready is a team of specialists who know nothing but exceptional work for your next home renovation project.
For you to make an informed decision, you must determine what composite decking can or cannot do. In today’s blog, let’s run down the list of pros and cons of composite decking. 