Once upon a time, traditional wood was all the rage and the only source for building good-looking, quality decks. But times are changing and bring advanced technologies. Composite timber decking is a sustainable combination of natural wood and recycled plastic, carrying the best of both worlds. At ArchiPro, we offer a range of composite decking products with a superior mix of benefits and advantages.
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Composite decking could be placed into one category: not wood. However, there’s a significant difference in compositions of actual ingredients. That means that, despite the same generic name, one brand of composite decking can considerably differ from another. Synthetic decking is basically a wood-polymer compound, a sustainable lumber alternative that combines recycled plastic with natural wood fibre.
Composite decking is designed for exceptional durability. The compound can resist scratching, or fading; it won’t rot, warp or crack or warp. It’s also resilient to stains and mould, insect-proof and splinter-free. This set of assets makes it a safe and comfortable choice, particularly for families with kids and pets.
Equally important is the low-maintenance, free of sanding, staining or painting. With composite decking, occasional cleaning with soapy water is enough to preserve stability and beauty for decades.
With constant improvements, composite decking looks and feels ever more organic. Its colour palette now ranges from light natural tones to deep streaked appeal of exotic hardwoods.
Eco-friendliness of composite boards is another vital asset. The compound mimics the wood without the environmental impact. Plastic composite decking consists of recycled content, including old paper and reclaimed industrial wood scraps.
Timber decking might seem like a safer option at first, but it also comes with downsides, like rot, splinters, and high maintenance. Composite decking can compare in pros, but also excels in cons.
Apart from similar appearance, one of the key advantages of composite over timber decking is that it’s far less prone to absorb water. Wood requires regular application of sealers or paint, while composite boards can be even waterproof. Additionally, unlike most timber decking, composite boards are not prone to damage from termites and similar pests.
Non-capped composites contain wood fibre and plastic mix. Composite boards are shaped like a typical wood plank, but the surface can’t aesthetically twin a real timber decking. This was the original type of composite decking, today mostly outdated and upgraded.
Capped composites are made with a specific technique. This kind features a composite core covered with a rigid PVC outer layer on 1-3 sides. Plastic coating guards the board against scratching, stains, fading, and warping more effectively than original, non-capped materials.
Pure PVC composites have no wood fibres, just high-grade plastics, yet those feature the most realistic timber-identical look. Plastic composite decking comes with first-rate fire resistance, scratch resistance, and heat dissipation. Furthermore, they are superior in lightweights, durability, and a lifetime warranty against termites and rot.
Composite decks are impervious to moisture problems, but still, need occasional sweeping with a firm bristled broom, to remove debris. It’s the most effective way to keep the spaces between each deck plank as open as possible to allow rainwater to drain off the deck.
Occasional rinse will do what rain cannot, in the form of an occasional wash with warm soapy water and a soft brush. Power washers should only be used very carefully, to rinse off the deck with a low power setting and fan tipped nozzle.
Timber decking can often be more affordable to purchase than composites. However, due to the minimal preservation and ease of use, composite can pay itself off within 2-3 years, while timber comes with long-term maintenance expenses.
Nothing is perfect, and composite decking also comes with several disadvantages. One is heat accumulation during summer, and the other is a slippery surface. Debris of all kinds tends to build upon the deck, trapping moisture against the surface and making it difficult to dry. It fills the grains that are supposed to provide traction.
Regular sweeping and washing help to prevent the issue. However, a few deck anti-slip measures, like anti-slip tapes, can solve the problem before it starts. Anti-slip decking inserts are designed to withstand the traffic, available in various colours and sizes, lightweight and durable.