Composite Decking Animal Durability


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Old 04-12-07, 06:03 PM
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Composite Decking Animal Durability

I'm looking to put in a deck and am curious how the composites will stand up to half a dozen dogs hauling there way out the back door because they really have to go.

I'm assuming it's going to get scratched up, but does anyone have an experience with brands such as trex, veranda, or lowes brand?

Are certain certain brands/colors/grains going to be better? Getting scratched up is a given, just wondering if people have any experience with minimizing or covering up. Even if it includes some sort of drop rug or the likes.

Thanks,
 
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Old 04-13-07, 03:45 AM
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If it's something that's suppose to look like real wood, then it's likely that it is not as durable as real wood. See the following article: http://www.gardenstructure.com/composite_decking.html
 
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Old 04-13-07, 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by twelvepole
If it's something that's suppose to look like real wood, then it's likely that it is not as durable as real wood. See the following article: http://www.gardenstructure.com/composite_decking.html
Eh? That first sentence really doesn't make much sense to me. It looks like wood because people like the look of wood, not because it's trying to be as durable as wood.

I read that article before I posted to this site and while I am certain it has valid points it also seems to be an article written by someone who prefers to build wood decks as a living to composite.

I know the misuses, I'm just not sure how much of a minus possible dog damage is. What impact does a 50lb dog have on it? Wood is going to splinter and need refinishing/sanding more often. What's the impact on the composites? Is it going to look trashed in 2 years? Or get scratched but not really noticable unless you are peering down at it.

Having dogs at all means I'm willing to accept some extra damage, but the big question is what to expece.
 
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Old 04-13-07, 05:08 PM
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Composite decking materials are a composite of materials like plastic vinly and fiberglass and olefin and sometimes wood fibers. Not all composite decking is created equal. The vinyl composites are touted to be harder on the surface and are more durable. Olefin products with wood fibers require sealing like wood and will stain because they are absorbent, and olefin products are not as durable as the vinyl products. While composite decking is marketed as a cure-all for the problems associated with wood decking, it has its own unique problems, too.

Composite decking scratches easily. So does wood. Wood, however, can be sanded. Beware of the term 'scratch resistant.' This does not mean scratch proof. Both composite and wood can be scratched if subjected to abrasive objects and severe treatment. Also, 'UVB resistant" does not mean there will be no color change, some products fade more quickly than others. Composite decking materials are a new product and not enough time has elapsed to gather accurate information on the long-term durability.

http://www.deckspecialists.com/composites.htm
 
 

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