The Benefits of a Composite Deck
Surprisingly, the history of composite decking is quite colorful. Manufacturers were immaturely optimistic about the young product, and claiming that composite decking was “maintenance-free” and “impervious to mold” quickly became expensive as the law suits piled up. But that was in the past, and composite decking has come a long way since its conception, and its popularity is steadily increasing.
What is a composite deck?
First, let’s learn a little about what composite decking is. Today’s composite decking combines a plastic polymer (either PVC, polyethylene, or polypropylene) with wood flour, and the resulting boards are more durable and weather-resistant than wooden decking. When done well, composite decking can even incorporate wood grain, making it closely resemble natural wood. Because of this, it has become possible to have the best of both worlds – a sturdy material that can be just as beautiful as natural wooden decking.
What’s so special about a composite deck?
Most manufacturers use recycled plastic and excess lumber in composite decking, making this product environmentally low-impact. Many companies source materials directly from the local area so that the business is profitable for the whole community. Research individual manufacturers before buying.
While calling this product maintenance-free is misleading, composite decking does require much less upkeep than traditional wooden decking. Since composite decking is nonporous, its boards are generally resistant to staining, fading, termite infestation, and mold. These problems are common to wooden decking due to its organic, porous nature, and they can end up costing a fortune to fix.
Because composite decking is a relatively new product, many companies offer warranties to encourage buyers to make the switch. The initial investment to install composite decking is greater than that of wooden decking, but the investment pays off down the road. Composite decking’s longevity is unmatched.
DeckMAX believes in knowing all the options before making a decision. Good luck with your new deck, and contact us for any and all deck cleaning needs, whether wooden or composite!
