6 Advantages And 6 Disadvantages Of Composite Decking

Mold And Mildew On Composite Decking

Additional material required is slashed to only a third of a deck board for each side of the deck. Bringing costs to only slightly over a $100 to finish the composite deck board ends. Finishing the deck boards with a finishing detail that requires regular and extensive maintenance destroys the low maintenance advantage of the composite deck. The level and type of care needed for the end detail must match the decking maintenance. The number one driving factor in finishing the ends of composite decking is appearance. However, you choose to complete the decking; it must look good. You may as well trim the decking and leave it at that.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Composite Decks?

Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll want to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point as well.

The added material on the edge of the decking and treads increases grip, minimizing slipping. Without all the extra framing to support the decking as picture framing, reducing the task in half.

List Of The Cons Of Composite Decking

Once you have the frame built and attached to the primary structure, you just start laying the boards down horizontally, vertically, or diagonally based on your overall preference. If you choose a capped product for your composite decking, then the boards are sealed in plastic that can be embossed or colored to create the variegated look of a natural wood product. You’ll find that capped composite decking also tends to be more resistant to fading, scratching, and stain damage. Most manufacturers provide a 25-year warranty for the stain and against fading when you choose this option.

• The pros and cons of composite decking show that this material is useful in a variety of different situations.
• Modern decking materials are manufactured from plastic and cellulose fibers (ground-up wood) and these are combined with natural or recycled products.
• You can simulate the look and feel of natural wood while preserving the environment and reducing your maintenance needs.
• Nowadays, the market features many brands which have specialized in the manufacturing of such materials.

So, even if the factory's binder creates a perfect seal, and that's not possible, that perfection is soon compromised in the normal course of using the deck. Most manufacturers offer fade and stain warranties of up to 25 years.

Plastic Decking Boards End Caps

If you would like to keep your decking in good condition you may want to consider cleaning it. Use a low-pressure hose or a watering can and pour water on your deck. Now take a stiff brush and gently brush away any leaves or dirt. A wash every 2-3 months is all the treatment composite decking needs. You do not have to stain composite decking or spray it with any kind of chemicals. This is because this type of decking has already been treated.

Pros And Cons Of Softwood, Composite And Hardwood Decking

If you use real wood for your decking material, then you’ll need to sand and stain it periodically to preserve it. You won’t have that problem if you choose composite decking instead. The only thing you need to do with the product is to clean it periodically with some soap and water. That means you can spend more time enjoying the deck instead of taking care of it. This advantage applies in all environments and terrain options as well, so every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use. Keep in mind that composite decking is permanently colored in order to avoid or reduce maintenance. In other words, the color, tint, and shade cannot be changed.

Composite Decking Review

A company named American Woodstock produced automotive trimming out of extruded polypropylene and wood flour. At that time, however, wood-plastic materials have yet to have applications in the construction industry, at least not until the 90s.

Of these eight options for finishing composite deck ends, picture framing is my favourite. The decking finish I most often finish composite decking with. There are several reasons, appearance, maintenance and life of the deck of why I favour picture framing composite decking. Rip a composite deck board an inch or so thick and screw to the ends of the composite decking. Giving the decking boards end the nice clean finish of rounded decking edge.

Common issues with composite deck products can include severe scratches and deep gouges - difficult to repair without replacing individual deck boards. Since composite decks don’t need to be painted, stained, or treated. There is normally no need for annual or twice a year care. Keep in mind your typical wood deck will weather, fade, crack, and split as it dries over time. Therefore, In order to keep a pressure treated deck looking it’s best, you need to put in ongoing effort. A traditional look of wood decking but doesn’t always work with composite decking. More and more composite decking is scalloped to reduce cost and weight.

Resting on top of the deck and then hanging over the edge covering the cut ends of the deck. Picture framing a simple 12′ by 12′ (3.6×3.6m) can add $500 to the cost of the deck once the extra material and labour are accounted for. Often increasing as square composite decking boards without the groove often are only sold in 20′ lengths, which increases the costs with large offcuts.

As a result, you won’t end up with a slippery deck, as well as chipped or rotting boards. Apart from budget and sunlight exposure, there are a few factors you should consider when planning your project, so keep on reading to learn more about composite decking below. So unless some sort of anti-fungal material is added, wood flour can be a very attractive home for mold and mildew. Manufacturers caution in their care instructions that keeping the deck free of pollen and debris that may be food sources for mold is important to assuring a mold-free deck. What they forget to tell you is that the wood flour itself is a food source for mold. So, if it is not protected, or the protection wears off, your composite deck becomes a giant smorgasbord for many species of mold and mildew no matter how clean you keep it.

Timber decking is prone to splintering, which can be dangerous if you're walking around barefoot. DeckPlus composite decking doesn't splinter, making it a safer choice - note that our boards are also slip resistant, plus they don't get too hot on sunny days.