Composite Decking Vs Wood

Some composite decking boards even copy the look of lumber and hardwood, so you can still enjoy the appearance of wood without the upkeep. The boards are designed to be more lightweight, thanks to “hollow board” options. They can still be installed using the same kind of tools you need to cut wood and they are easy to manage on a project site. Also, many new composite decking products feature what’s called a “hidden clip system”, which allows easy fastening that results in a seamless, and visually appealing deck. For decking that homeowners wish to get up and running quickly, and for those moderately experienced DIYers who want to do the work themselves, composite decking is a go-to material. Once again, this is due to how much composites have evolved even in the last half-decade. For many busy homeowners, one of the advantages of composite decking is the ease of maintenance.

These decks are easy to cut and the cut edges are always clean and with no signs of blowout or chipping. Composite decking has a natural look due to the saturated colors and wood grain patterns that they feature. The colors range from pristine grey to spicy red and even the deep earth tones. There are also some composite accessories that homeowners can use in creating a customized outdoor space within their homes. Such include railings, gates, furniture, pergolas, and stairs. Composite decks are easy to maintain and do not need any staining, painting, or sanding.

Although composite wood decking is easier to maintain, some homeowners worry that composites won’t look as nice as wood. However, manufacturing advances have led to composites thatemulate the rich, natural look of woodwithout the hassles of maintaining a wood deck.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• Since composite deck boards are made with wood fiber, and recycled plastics, they are one of the many innovative products that make use of products that might otherwise end up in landfill.
• For the environmentally conscious, composite decking is a smart investment.
• Affordability, durability, and easy maintenance are only a few reasons to consider composite decking over wood, and there are several more to keep in mind.
• The primary drawback to composite decking is arguably the higher price tag.
• At $30-$45 per square foot for installation, the costs can rack up fast when compared to $15-$25 for natural wood.

Protected from the elements, pests, such as termites, and mold, composite decking boasts superior durability compared to those constructed completely of wood. Composite decking also doesn't splinter, scratch, fade or crack—extending its lifespan significantly longer than that of an all-wooden composition. Fortunately, Exterior Source, a premier home improvement company in the area, uses Trex® composite decking that can add value to your home. It’s been a few years since it was installed, but it still looks great even with all of the low maintenance that it’s had to have. I have to admit that I was skeptical at first, but TimberTech was very helpful at answering all of the questions that they have. I recently saw that their website had it’s own question and answering page on their site.

Environmentally Friendly Product

Costs Over 10 Years

More durable than wood, composite decking stays out of the landfill longer. If you walk on a wood deck barefoot, you risk a splinter—but that is not the case when walking on a composite deck. Composite decking materials are composed primarily of hard plastic, and unlike wood, this material will not splinter or crack. In fact, composite decking was created to eliminate the problems that occur with regular wood decking, namely splintering. Splintering and cracking are primary reasons why wood decks need to be routinely sealed.

This decking offers better products than ever before, because the industry has had to address the demands of consumers. Composite decking is not treated with these, and thus, does not share the same risks. This diverts hundreds of thousands of tons of wood and plastics from ending up in landfills.

Advantages Of Composite Decks

If the rays have a focus point through a window, then there is a chance that a hot day could melt it as well. If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction. 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.

Let’s take a look at why composite decking like Trex is becoming the new industry standard, and why Trex Decking in Maryland is a great option for your new deck project. Composite decking is not a weaker or less resistant option for a deck than wood. Quite the opposite, composite decking offers just as much, if not more, strength than wood.

Many homeowners love that a composite decking product has a uniform color and style across every board. Long lasting –Adding a deck to your home is an investment that should last for an extended period of time. Water, snow, ice, sleet, hail and other harsh elements can break down traditional decking materials quickly, causing them to rot, warp and splinter. By contrast, composite decking materials are designed for longevity and durability, resist fading and are insect resistant. Functionality of design another big reason why people select composite decks. Many composite lines offer ready to go picket railing, which is similar in style to wood railings. Others, offer a rich looking tempered glass system as well.

Invented in the late 1980s, wood-plastic composite decking (also called “composite wood decking”) is made of wood fibers encased in plastic. Composite decking is readily available at big box home improvement stores like The Home Depot and Lowe’s, as well as local lumberyards throughout the U.S. Looking at the advantages of composite decking, it’s undoubtful that composite decking has deservingly dominated over wood decking in the market. The many different designs give people a wide range of choices to make considering their desires and styles. Homeowners are now looking for quality and the chance to enjoy a beautiful outdoor space. Trex deck and railing accessories are recognized in the industry for being the leading eco-friendly alternative to wood. Trex composite decks are made out of recycled wood and plastic film.

The long-term cost savings is another one of the benefits of composite decking. Traditional wood decksneed to be maintained at least every three years and replaced every 10 to 15 years — a labor-intensive process. You will need to power-wash and stain a traditional wood deck as well. When it comes to durability,wood just doesn’t compare to composite decking.

This type of decking material does cost more initially than wood decking materials, but you will save substantial money in maintenance in the long-term. A wood deck may be less expensive to build, but it will cost you more money each season in upkeep maintenance and any necessary repairs than a composite deck. The maintenance required for a composite deck is simply a thorough wash or hose down every once in a while. Keep in mind that composite decking is permanently colored in order to avoid or reduce maintenance. In other words, the color, tint, and shade cannot be changed. Standard wood decks on the other hand can be re-painted, re-stained, or refreshed as desired. As idyllic as your backyard deck could be, maintaining that elevated expanse of lumber can be a downright chore.

Top 7 Things To Consider When Buying Plywood

At Exterior Source, our Trex composite decking is made of 95% recycled materials, including plastic packaging, reclaimed wood and sawdust. Outdoor living spaces add value to a home because they add space, style, seclusion, and a new area in which to entertain guests. A deck is a vital investment that will benefit you for years to come. Composite decking, in particular, is popular among homeowners because of its durability and easy maintenance. Leland Fisher Lumber partners with Trex, Azek, Fiberon PVC and Timbertech to install the perfect composite decks for homeowners. Keep reading to gain knowledge about the benefits of composite decking.

You won’t want to grill on this deck either for the same reason. Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll want to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point as well.