Is Composite Deck Worth It

It Requires More Maintenance Than A Patio

Don’t be fooled by the contractors on here saying it’s not what it used to be. New names every year and ground breaking technology every year. Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course they’re going to say they’re good.

Composite decking is considered environmentally friendly considering the fact that they often use recycled or recovered materials in the manufacturing process. The upfront cost of the composite decking may be more than the traditional deck, but that is an investment that you won’t regret anytime soon.

However, the next homeowner may not feel the same way as they may see it as a chore rather than a passion or hobby. A new homebuyer may view pressure treated wood deck as a structure that requires a lot of maintenance to create a long-lasting appeal. This can be a deal-breaker on the sale depending on the condition and size of the old deck.

Timber Decking & Fencing: The Drawbacks

• Opt for higher quality composite materials like new tech wood composite to avoid this issue.
• Not all composite materials are created equal and like timber, you can get your fair share of low quality products.
• Reclaimed sawdust, offcuts, and household plastic waste are combined and ground down under heat and pressure to come up with composite decking products.
• Composite boards are comprised of waste wood and recycled plastic, so you’re getting the best of both worlds.
• Durable decking and fencing solutions, with the warm appeal of timber and without the hassle of keeping it looking new.

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. I wouldn't walk out barefoot on any deck which is exposed to the sun to begin with, especially wood deck because of "getting a splinter" reason.

Which Type Of Composite Decking Should I Pick?

Traditional wood decks have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years. Because composite decking is weather, insect, and rot resistant, it will last longer. TimberTech offers warranties up to 50 years depending on which style you choose. Depending on your budget and the needs of your project there are lots of options available. You may be wondering whether composite decking is right for your project and if it’s worth the added cost.

Despite the added weight of this recycled product, it does not usually have the same strength as pressure-treated or natural wood. That means your home could struggle to support this installation and the deck itself may not be as supportive of your needs as you hoped it might be. Depending on your market costs, composite decking could be as much as five times more expensive than using pressure-treated wood for your building needs. The problem that you have with nails or screws when building a deck is that they create a place of weakness for the board. You can experience cracking, corrosion, and premature rotting depending on the quality of the construction. At the very least, you end up with a product that requires precision fastener placement to create the clean look you want.

This article looks at whether a composite deck is worth the money and how to choose the best composite decking material. Although several features determine an ideal deck design, the overall style of a deck is dictated by the actual deck materials. Composite decks have become popular over the past years as the price range of decking boards continue to rise over time. There are different composite products on the market and the availability of these products may vary depending on your location. Most composite decks are manufactured from the by-products of wood such as wood chips, sawdust, and recycled plastic materials.

Natural wood also needs regular treatment for mold and insects. While there were maintenance issues with some of the early composite products, the newest composite is solid and provides long-term good looks with very little care.

If you lie in a climate that sees a hot summer season most years, then you’ll want to select composite decking boards that have a lighter color to them. You can choose matte, smooth, or highly textured options while still working to avoid the heating issue with some of the choices that are on the market today. When you start shopping around to look at the various deck brands, you’ll discover that there is a wide range of warranty options. The best choice you can make with your composite decking is to choose an item that comes with a fade and stain warranty. If you don’t have this option, then you have every right to question the longevity of the boards that you purchase. The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider. This man-made product includes about a 50/50 mix of recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic.

These materials make the product almost impervious to rot, which means there are fewer needs to sand, stain, and seal the boards to preserve their lifespan. You’ll pay a little more to use this material, but the initial expense is made up over the lifetime of the deck.

I think people think just putting PT wood or composite over any old patio structural framing member will do, and its just not that simple. For every twenty feet of decking, thirty pounds of sawdust, milk jugs, and plastic bags that would have ended up in landfills is put to good use. Using a composite material can enable you to have the look of wood and still save help the environment. The best part about composite decking is it looks just like natural wood. It’s shocking how you can’t tell the difference just by looking. You won’t have to worry as much about the environmental impact. As a homeowner, you’re well-aware of how important it is to have a realistic budget.