Considering Composite Decking?

Composite decking has been on the market for several years and found mixed reviews. However, lately composite decking material has been improved significantly and many of the issues that homeowners and builders had about these products in the past, such as mildew and aesthetic problems, have been corrected. Today composite decking is gaining in popularity primarily for its “green” appeal and its improved aesthetics.

What is Composite Decking Material Made of?

Composite decking material is a mixture that is usually made from wood fibers and plastic. The wood fibers come from wood waste products like saw dust, pulp and scrap wood. The plastic that is added to the mixture can be either recycled polyethylene, which comes from plastic soda bottles, or it can be from polypropylene. Usually the plastic used is recycled, although some composite decking manufacturers do use virgin plastics as well. The wood fibers and the plastic pieces are mixed together and color pigments are added. The mixture is processed until a homogeneous composition is created. It is then pressed or poured into a form to create either hollow shapes or solid composite lumber pieces.

What is the Cost of Composite Decking?

One of the reasons why some people avoid using composite decking is that composite decking prices are between two and three times as expensive as pressure treated decking lumber. However, this comparison doesn’t take into consideration the money that will be spent on maintaining a treated lumber deck, such as the cost of sanding, staining and sealing the deck every year, as well as the cost of replacing lumber planks that are damaged. When these extra costs are added into the price comparison the composite decking becomes less expensive after only a few years.

Pros and Cons of Composite Decking

There are many pros to using composite decking. The first advantage is that it is a very low maintenance decking material. It doesn’t require sanding, staining or sealing. In fact, the only real maintenance that it will require is an occasional hosing off. Secondly, composite decking is a durable material. It resists insect damage, sun damage and the usual wear and tear. It won’t splinter or chip. Composite decking also has color that goes all the way through the product. This means that if the composite decking material does get nicked or gouged the damage will be less noticeable because there won’t be a color variation between the solid surface and the damaged area. This is also a perk when cutting the pieces, as you won’t have to paint the ends. Finally, composite decking is eco-friendly. This is because it is made from recycled wood fibers and plastics that are normally thrown away, and because the composite decking last longer than traditional decking materials it utilizes fewer resources in the long run.

On the other side of the argument are the drawbacks of composite decking. The initial cost of composite decking material is a turn off for many people. Secondly, the look of the composite decking is not exactly the same as traditional decking material. Fortunately, these problems are beginning to resolve themselves and in time will become less of an issue.