| You may hear a lot about composite decking online | | | | repainting, so if you get a quality product |
| and in the media. But what is it exactly? And how | | | | maintenance should be minimal. Also, the plastic |
| can you know if it\'s the right material for your | | | | makes composite planks water resistant and they |
| deck? You will see a lot of companies claiming it\'s | | | | are easy to clean. |
| the perfect material, but in reality, it\'s just like any | | | | There are also some environmental advantages. |
| other material. You have to consider all the factors | | | | Some use strictly recycled materials, most use some |
| before deciding. Here is some information to help you | | | | combination of recycled and new. Composite planks |
| make that decision. | | | | make good use of of post-consumer wood bits like |
| What is it? Basically it is a combination of plastic and | | | | pallets, sawdust, and construction leftovers. No new |
| wood. The types and amounts of each material | | | | trees need to be cut down, and it keeps a precious |
| differ depending on the company. Generally it | | | | resource from being wasted in landfills. It also creates |
| consists of recycled wood from various sources, and | | | | a viable market for post-consumer plastics. |
| all or part recycled plastics. The wood and plastic is | | | | The most important thing to realize is that composite |
| combined, heated and extruded into planks | | | | planking is weather resistant, not weatherproof. Even |
| resembling traditional wood planks. Some are even | | | | with the plastic present in the composite, they can |
| made with a grain-like pattern to resemble wood. | | | | still rot. Be absolutely sure that it is treated |
| Composite boards come in two basics kinds, solid and | | | | throughout with a preservative that inhibits mold and |
| hollow. They are both made by the same method, | | | | rot. Make sure you get a guarantee or warranty. And |
| but with some important differences. Some think | | | | to make sure you can collect on that guarantee, |
| that hollow planks are not as strong as the solid, but | | | | follow the installation directions exactly. Otherwise |
| this is not necessarily true. They can be as strong or | | | | your warranty could be void. |
| even stronger than solid boards. You will need to | | | | So what\'s the catch? There really is none. As with |
| compare the strength ratings on a side-by-side basis. | | | | any investment, you need to make sure you get the |
| Many prefer the feel of the solid board under their | | | | best available for your needs. You have to weigh the |
| feet because it more closely resembles the feel of | | | | pros and cons of each company and each product. |
| wood. Because hollow planks require end caps, they | | | | Composite decking may be the best purchase you |
| are not recommended for angled or curved shapes. | | | | ever made! You just need to know what you\'re |
| Solid planks are usually more expensive than hollow | | | | getting before you make that decision. |
| ones, so if your project allows, they may be a good | | | | |
| choice. | | | | So go ahead, do your research! You should also |
| So why choose composite materials over wood? | | | | request samples. This will let you get a feel for how |
| Ease of maintenance seems to be the primary | | | | your deck will look and how the material will perform. |
| reason. Composite planks are a uniform color | | | | A new deck is an investment. If you choose your |
| throughout, which is wonderful if your deck gets | | | | supplier carefully, you should be able to enjoy it for |
| scratched. There is no need for staining, refinishing or | | | | decades to come. |