Learn how to upgrade your home with composite decking

Composite decks are made of artificial materials consisting of a mix of plastic and organic filler, like rice hulls. Our composite decking materials require very little maintenance. Sweep ’em off, rinse ’em down and that’s it for most composite products. No more paint or stain with one of your synthetic decks.

There was a long period of time in which no contractor or retailer would recommend composite decking over wood, and actually mean it. This is because, during that time composite rarely looked good and often warped. But composite decking has taken huge leaps and bounds in the aesthetics and construction of composite. Composite decking companies are now using more natural materials such as bamboo that are a very durable, organic, and antimicrobial option. They are now able to give composite the more natural look that so many homeowners desire.

Composite decking, as mentioned, has had made huge leaps and bounds in recent years. More and more people are choosing composite because it is a low maintenance option that can often look just as good as a wood deck, and sometimes even better. It really depends on your personal preference with this one. If you’d prefer low maintenance over a more natural look, this is a good option. But here is a full list of the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Low maintenance- No sanding or staining. Cleaning is simplified with a simple spray of the hose.

• Natural Materials- Can use natural materials such as bamboo to create the composite material. This helps avoid deforestation.

• Clean the Planet- Often companies will use recycled plastics in their process.

• Better Looking- Composite decks are becoming better looking as the companies develop and can sometimes mimic the look of real wood fairly well.

• Reasonably Protected- Composite decks are reasonably protected against inclement weather as it will not rot, split after drying or give splinters after cracking.

• Warranty- Most composite products come with a 20 year warranty.

Cons:

• Color Face- Composite, just like traditional and pressure treated wood, will fade in color. This can be a real problem for composite since it relies on the manufactured colors to give it a more real look.

• Mold- Any surface can grow mold and a composite deck is no different (especially a problem if the deck is not fully capped.

• Cost- Typically costs more than a wood deck

• Contains Plastic- Not everyone is happy that it contains plastic material in its composition. Especially since not every company uses recycled plastic.

• Unnatural Look- Some people don’t like the lack of a natural look- especially since even composite can still get scratched and then look even worse than wood.