| You may hear a lot about composite decking online | | | | are easy to clean. |
| and in the media. But what is it exactly? And how | | | | Composites also are beneficial to the environment. |
| can you know if it's the right material for your deck? | | | | Some companies use recycled material exclusively. |
| You will see a lot of companies claiming it's the | | | | Most do use a combination of new and |
| perfect material, but in reality, it's just like any other | | | | post-consumer materials. They re-use things like |
| material. You have to consider all the factors before | | | | construction debris, sawmill waste, and used pallets. |
| deciding. Here is some information to help you make | | | | This means no new trees need to be cut down! It |
| that decision. | | | | also keeps this valuable resource out of landfills. They |
| What is it? Basically it is a combination of plastic and | | | | also utilize post-consumer plastics, like plastic bags and |
| wood. The types and amounts of each material | | | | bottles. |
| differ depending on the company. Generally it | | | | One thing you should be aware of is that composite |
| consists of recycled wood from various sources, and | | | | decking materials are not entirely waterproof. They |
| all or part recycled plastics. The wood and plastic is | | | | are water resistant. This means they are not likely to |
| combined, heated and extruded into planks | | | | rot, but they can. The best way to protect yourself |
| resembling traditional wood planks. Some are even | | | | against this possibility is to get planks that have been |
| made with a grain-like pattern to resemble wood. | | | | treated with a preservative during the manufacturing |
| Composite boards come in two basics kinds, solid and | | | | process. Another thing you need to do is check you |
| hollow. They are both made by the same method, | | | | warranty or guarantee very carefully. Make sure it |
| but with some important differences. Some think | | | | covers all damage. Then, make certain you install the |
| that hollow planks are not as strong as the solid, but | | | | deck according to directions. Failure to do so may |
| this is not necessarily true. They can be as strong or | | | | result in the company not honoring the guarantee. |
| even stronger than solid boards. You will need to | | | | So what's the catch? It's a good question to ask, but |
| compare the strength ratings on a side-by-side basis. | | | | there really is no catch. As with anything, you have |
| Many prefer the feel of the solid board under their | | | | to be careful and make sure you get a quality |
| feet because it more closely resembles the feel of | | | | product. You must weigh the pros and cons of each |
| wood. Because hollow planks require end caps, they | | | | material and manufacturer. Composite decking is a |
| are not recommended for angled or curved shapes. | | | | great product, and may be exactly what you need. |
| Solid planks are usually more expensive than hollow | | | | Just be sure you know everything about it before |
| ones, so if your project allows, they may be a good | | | | you make your decision. |
| choice. | | | | Do your research, and definitely get samples from |
| So why choose composite materials over wood? | | | | many companies before you decide. Check with |
| Ease of maintenance seems to be the primary | | | | consumer watch groups to see if there are reports |
| reason. Composite planks are a uniform color | | | | on any of the companies. Getting a new deck is an |
| throughout, which is wonderful if your deck gets | | | | important investment. You want one you can enjoy |
| scratched. There is no need for staining, refinishing or | | | | for decades. It's worth doing the research up front |
| repainting, so if you get a quality product | | | | to make sure you're getting quality composite |
| maintenance should be minimal. Also, the plastic | | | | decking. |
| makes composite planks water resistant and they | | | | |