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Composite decking is one of the fastest-growing businesses in the construction industry. This material is manufactured using a blend of wood and plastic, and this makes it very strong and durable.
There are many other reasons why people are turning to it when constructing garden floors. Here are the best reasons why you should also consider getting composite decking for your outdoor spaces.
They can withstand the harsh conditions of the outdoor spaces without degrading their quality. Unlike traditional wooden materials, composites are more resistant to erosion, fading, and bleaching than wood. It means that they can endure the rain, snow, and sun without quality loss. They are also less susceptible to rotting and moulding due to their plastic parts.
Aside from durability, composite decking materials are also safe for the whole family and eco-friendly. Traditional wood decking is prone to splinters and is very slippery when wet. Composite decking, however, is splinter-free and slip-free. You can be sure that you and your family are safe when staying in your outdoor spaces.
Wooden decks can only last up to 10-15 years. Composite decking can last longer. When properly maintained, composite decking can last up to 30 years or more. Also, as wood ages, their quality declines. You can notice that most wooden decks are fading as the time passes. You will need to replace a few blocks when they get too damaged. As for composite decking, it’s always at its top condition as long as there is regular maintenance, and it can be painted when the colour starts to fade.
When it comes to maintenance, composite decking is very easy to maintain. Since it is resistant to many forms of damage and fading, the replacement for them is rarely needed. Unlike wooden materials, composite decking is also very easy to clean. You do not require special tools and cleaning materials to clean their surfaces. You will only need simple household cleaning items like water and soap.
Another advantage of composite decking is, in most cases, you do not need to repaint it for the first 15 years, it does not stain, and you do not need to sand them. Wooden decking, on the other hand, requires you to do the mentioned maintenance works every two to five years. You can save a fortune for not being required to do maintenance work.
Many used wooden decking materials because of how it looks. But with composite decking, you can enjoy the same benefit without sacrificing quality. Composite decking looks just like natural wood. They have non-fading, high-quality patterns that imitate real wood. Since they are factory-made, you can also expect colour uniformity.
Aside from natural-looking patterns and colours, homeowners can also opt for non-conventional colours. You can find natural colours, such as browns and greys. But if you like something different, you also have other colour options, such as greens, blues, and yellows. You can use composite decking for various colours to create your fully-customized garden deck. You can use different colours to highlight different parts of your garden.
Aside from flooring, you can also use composite decking in many other ways. You can build pergolas, stairs, gates, and fences. You can also mix and match colours for a truly customised garden.
Working with composite decking is very easy. Like wood, you can use normal wooden tools in cutting and installing composite decking. They are also very easy to install. Most composite wooden decking materials have grooves and clips at the side which holds the boards firmly. Some composite decking manufacturers also offer joints made with the same material of the boards. Using these extend the life of the composite decking.
Another reason why most people choose composite decking instead of wooden decks is due to environmental reasons. As previously mentioned, composite decking uses a combination of wooden and plastic. The wood parts that are used to make composite decking are often composed of reclaimed wood fibres and sawdust. The plastic parts are from recycled plastic bags and bottles. Using materials decreases the demand for cutting down trees for lumber. The plastic in the composite decking is also recycled instead of throwing it on landfills. They are also free from pesticides and other components that are harmful to the environment.
Aside from the construction process, composite decking is also environmentally friendly when it comes to maintenance. Since they are pest-free, you do not need to use harsh chemicals on composite decking. With composite decking, you can enjoy both the feeling and the looks of real wood without harming the environment.
In terms of value, composite decking is a little more expensive than most common types of wooden decking. However, certain types of wood are pricier than composites. Overall, composite decking’s price is 60% to 70% more than conventional materials.
Despite the higher initial cost, you can save more from using composite decking. You’ll save money from replacements and maintenance fees. It will only take a few years to prove it’s real value over conventional decking materials.