The Pros and Cons of Composite Decking
If you are considering building a deck in the garden, then you have the choice of many different types of material. One hugely popular material at the moment is that of composite. Below we explore the pros and cons of composite decking, so that you can make an informed choice as to whether it is the right decking material for you and your garden needs.
What is composite decking?
So, what exactly is composite decking? Well, simply put, this type of deck is incredibly eco-friendly as it made from recycled wood and plastics. They also come in a variety of colours and finishes. When you buy composite decking from the store, they come in the same form as standard wood, that of planks. They are also available in tile form, depending upon where you wish them to be placed in your outdoor space.
The pros of composite decking
Composite decking has many advantages.
Minimal maintenance is required Maintaining a composite deck is incredibly easy. It will need to be swept free of debris and given a wash down during the early Spring, but that's about it. No chemicals or treatment are needed as you are not dealing with natural wood.
Environmentally friendly If you are environmentally conscious then composite is your natural choice as it is comprised from all recycled materials.
Tough wearing If you are planning a deck area with a lot of foot traffic, then composite decking is a great choice, as it is incredibly tough, and will withstand heavy and prolonged use.
Longevity Composite decking will last you a long time. It will not rot, mould. or warp over time. Additionally, there will be no nasty splinters.
Easy installation One of the great advantages of composite decking is that it is very easy to install. You will need to buy special fasteners, but other than this no special tools are required.
Great choice One of the great benefits of composite decking is the wonderful choice of colours that are available. You can choose from natural looking wood stains. Alright through to blues and pinks!
Minimal maintenance is required Maintaining a composite deck is incredibly easy. It will need to be swept free of debris and given a wash down during the early Spring, but that's about it. No chemicals or treatment are needed as you are not dealing with natural wood.
Environmentally friendly If you are environmentally conscious then composite is your natural choice as it is comprised from all recycled materials.
Tough wearing If you are planning a deck area with a lot of foot traffic, then composite decking is a great choice, as it is incredibly tough, and will withstand heavy and prolonged use.
Longevity Composite decking will last you a long time. It will not rot, mould. or warp over time. Additionally, there will be no nasty splinters.
Easy installation One of the great advantages of composite decking is that it is very easy to install. You will need to buy special fasteners, but other than this no special tools are required.
Great choice One of the great benefits of composite decking is the wonderful choice of colours that are available. You can choose from natural looking wood stains. Alright through to blues and pinks!
The cons of composite decking
Although composite has many wonderful benefits, as with any outdoor material, there are a few downsides which you need to be aware of. These include:
Cost One major downside is that of cost. On average a composite deck will cost four times as much as a timber deck. However, once you take into consideration that you will not need any varnish or chemical treatments, the price gap is dramatically reduced.
Heavy Composite decking boards are a lot heavier than traditional timber boards. This needs to be taken into consideration when building your deck supports, as they will need to be able to handle the extra weight. It's also advisable that more than one person fits the deck, due to the excess weight.
Not suitable for extreme heat Composite decking materials are incredibly durable and tough acting, however it does not cope well in extreme heat as it can become too flexible and bend. Therefore if your garden is a heat trap, composite decking may not be the best choice. Additionally, bright sunlight can cause the deck to fade over time.
Scratches If you have furniture placed on your deck, such as chairs and a table, it is important that you use protective covers on the feet as the movement of such furniture can caste slight scratching.
We do hope that you have found our quick guide on the pros and cons of composite decking useful.
Cost One major downside is that of cost. On average a composite deck will cost four times as much as a timber deck. However, once you take into consideration that you will not need any varnish or chemical treatments, the price gap is dramatically reduced.
Heavy Composite decking boards are a lot heavier than traditional timber boards. This needs to be taken into consideration when building your deck supports, as they will need to be able to handle the extra weight. It's also advisable that more than one person fits the deck, due to the excess weight.
Not suitable for extreme heat Composite decking materials are incredibly durable and tough acting, however it does not cope well in extreme heat as it can become too flexible and bend. Therefore if your garden is a heat trap, composite decking may not be the best choice. Additionally, bright sunlight can cause the deck to fade over time.
Scratches If you have furniture placed on your deck, such as chairs and a table, it is important that you use protective covers on the feet as the movement of such furniture can caste slight scratching.
We do hope that you have found our quick guide on the pros and cons of composite decking useful.
For more info, visit: Garden Decking Idea’s.
