What is Composite Decking and Why Choose a Composite Deck?

Wondering to spend some time with your family members in an outdoor living space! With a composite deck, you can remarkably spend your special moments with your loved ones. 

You might be thinking, “What exactly is a composite deck, and what is composite decking?”. A composite deck is created from composite decking boards made of 100 % polymer or a mixture of natural wood flakes and plastic. Such a board can have a partial or full encapsulation on three or four sides through a protective covering known as capping that adds structural support to the board. In Australia, you should construct this deck in your yard to enjoy family time, have private conversations, and entertain guests, etc. 

This deck is also resistant to all negative climate changes due to composite decking. Yes, with a standard composite deck, you don’t have to worry about the negative effects of UV rays, moisture, temperature changes, and rain, etc. because the deck material and its cap are resistant to these effects.

Now let’s discuss:

History of Composite Decking

For the initial period of 1990s, the option of material for decks was only timber decking. Many people were tense about using new timber at a high level; therefore, they made composite decking. This sort of decking assisted the environment and performed better too. 

Then, composite decking passed through large-scale changes over 25 years, and it became improved with some design improvements and new technologies. So, composite decking became the best option for the people who require an attractive deck that works great as well. 

There are many types of composite decking too. Let’s discuss them one by one.

Types of Composite Decking

 

Solid composite decking

Solid composite decking boards are used in the creation of permanent floors for hotels, houses, and offices. Solid composite decks are strong and durable, so these are used to produce swimming pool decks, outdoor kitchen floors, and pathways of houses, etc. 

Hollow composite decking

Hollow composite decking/blank composite decking is a lightweight decking material that is mostly applied to install cables, cladding, and siding, etc. This decking material is less resistant to the negative impacts of the environment, so this requires a cap or fascia board on its edges.

Capped composite decking

Capped composite decking comprises a cap and core. The core consists of organic wood filler and recycled plastic material. On the other hand, the cap is made from a synthetic material and available to increase the resistance for stains, scratches, and discolouration. The boards of capped composite decking are utilized to create swimming pool decks and outdoor pathways. Usually, the boards are applied for such areas that are exposed to extreme weather circumstances & wear and tear.

One more point. To purchase composite deck materials, you should visit Trex. 

A question might arise in your mind:

What are the Pros and Cons of Composite Decking/Composite Deck for Homeowners?

Benefits or advantages of composite decks

There are seven benefits of composite deck. Let’s discuss them one by one below.

More outdoor time with less maintenance

You may enjoy more time in your outdoor space with a composite deck that you have to maintain with less effort. Yes, composite decks unlike traditional timber decks require less maintenance and are more resistant to the external negative effects of the environment. Isn’t that great!

Multiple options for your deck

There are many options for you to customize your deck. Yes, you may choose from a wide variety of choices; for example, you may pick a colour for your deck that matches your home’s exterior and choose a specific feature (e.g., stain resistance and ultraviolet protection) for your product.

Environment-friendly nature

The composite decks are environment-friendly by nature. Due to these decks, which employ recycled wood, less trees are harvested as the requirement of timber is less. Then, owing to the recycled plastic, the amount of plastic in oceans is reduced. One more point. As the composite decking components acquire a longer life duration for being recycled, there is less waste in landfills.      

Capped and uncapped nature

Composite decking boards are capped and uncapped, so you may choose whichever suits you more. As uncapped boards are more affordable, you may purchase them easily. However, obviously when you purchase capped boards, these not only resemble wood more because of embossing and colouring techniques but also these are highly resistant to scratches, fade, and stains. 

Hidden fasteners

Conventionally, professionals apply screws and nails to construct a deck, and these items were not only noticeable but also these may cause premature corrosion, rotting, and cracking if inappropriately installed. Nowadays, the hidden fasteners of a composite deck which are used under the deck’s surface offer a smooth and elegant appearance for the deck.

Water resistance

The composite decking boards are water-resistant by nature, so they can easily resist wet weather conditions like rain or snow and are helpful for homeowners who intend to use these boards in areas that face more rain or snow.

Non-slip texture

When the water splashes from the swimming pool over the composite decking boards or when it rains over the boards, people may still walk over them without falling or slipping due to their non-slip texture. 

Drawbacks or disadvantages of composite decking

Initial cost of composite decking

While you do not have to spend much money in maintaining the composite decking boards, you have to spend more dollars in purchasing the composite decking than you may spend for wood decking. But obviously, as maintenance costs are lower for composite decking compared to that of wood decking, your initial investment would not matter much for you in the long run. 

Weight

As the weight of composite decking is higher than that of wood decking, so the decking requires a stronger frame that increases its material cost. Plus, as the labourers have to face difficulty in handling this decking and its frame, so the labour cost would be higher as well.

Melting potential

As the composite decking is made of some recycled plastic, this could melt in some circumstances. For instance, if you spill hot grease or coals on the surface, the deck would not only melt but also move out of its fasteners for being more flexible with the heat. Aside from melting, the boards can also be too hot during the hot days of summer. However, when you choose a lighter colour for the deck, this may assist prevent the deck from being overly heated. 

Hidden fasteners

While the hidden fasteners cause smoothness and elegance for the deck, these can be disadvantageous in one way. If you have to replace any section of your deck, you have to disconnect the deck underneath that may require you to detach its multiple parts, so your work would be unnecessarily increased. 

Now let’s move towards some important FAQs for composite decking.

Which Company Can You Contact for the Construction of your Composite Deck?

GTG Constructions is your answer. We’ve been effectively providing deck construction service to our customers for a long duration and are well-known for our quality work in the market. You may read some of our customer reviews online to assess our credibility as a deck builder. To contact us for any query, dial 0428 117 075 or email us at tom@gtgconstructions.com. We’ll reply to you shortly within our official hours.

Conclusion

That’s all what we have to share with you regarding what is composite decking and why choose a composite deck. So, keep in mind the points of this guide while purchasing the material for a composite deck. We hope you like our content related to what is composite decking and composite decks. If you really appreciate our efforts for this guide, please share our piece with your connections so that they may know everything about composite decking/composite decks and may also contact a credible company for deck building service.