Wood And Composite Decking Pros And Cons

Winner: Trex

Most all-plastic decking is made from vigin polyvinyl chloride or recycled high-density polyethylene . Some of these products have thin walls and hollow profiles, making them lighter than composites or wood but also requiring special installation hardware. Capped composite decking gives the material added longevity compared to its uncapped counterparts. Decks made from capped composite boards can last for at least 25 to 30 years. Composite decking lasts, on average, years with only minimal upkeep in comparison to natural wood decking. This is partly due to it being made from materials that are resistant to weather, rot and insect damage.

A dry space under the deck is a great place to continue your deck party during a rain shower, or to create some useful dry storage. The best strategy for a slip-resistant deck surface, whether made of wood or composite material, is to perform routine cleaning and maintenance. If you’ve founds some winners here then share them with us. For me, I’m not comfortable trusting the same companies who told us 20 years ago that their product was foolproof and failed that now they’ve REALLY made it foolproof.

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This advantage also means that your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood products. You’ll still need to follow the basic precautions to prevent mold growth, such as installing the product at least two feet above ground to allow for proper ventilation. You can then remove the green stuff right away with a cleaning solution designed for that exact purpose. 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.

Also check the technical specifications, specifically the slip resistance value. Most non-slip composite decking products would have been tested in the laboratory using the pendulum slip resistance test. A value of 35 or higher is good but if you can, go for those with values of 55 and higher. At these values, you’ll know that you have a good non-slip composite decking.

In winter, decks made of lumber are more likely than their composite counterparts to be slippery. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to what their products are really capable of.

Your final cost will depend on different factors and features that you want to have on your boards, such as scratch resistance or UV protection. That means you can select a product that works well for your geographic location without compromising how you use it each day. Every homeowner can customize their deck based on the grade and included features that they want to have in their base product. 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.

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Eventually, as sun and rain cause the wood to crack, splinter, and rot, boards will have to be torn up and replaced. To keep a wood deck looking its best takes time and money. Composite decking manufacturers have also found ways to offer more cost-competitive options, such as Trex’s new lower-cost board, to fit a wider range of budgets. Now, it’s possible for a homeowner or commercial contractor to build with composite decking materials and realize the same long-term benefits without breaking the bank. Composite decking is one of the most durable decking materials on the market.

• So far, however, a nationwide safety standard has not been established.
• Sometimes slippage is caused by mold on the deck surface.
• According to Richmond, who installs plastic and composite decks, all-plastic planks seem to be a little more slippery than regular wood, whereas composites are not.
• “Most plastic boards are smoother on top than composites, which have a rough texture to improve slip resistance,” he says.
• It is important to note that soap and water are used daily for regular cleaning to keep the decking clean.

I have a hot tub on it and there has never been a problem with it being slippery. Two things to remember, all composite decking is not the same, high and low. The above information is great, especially the transferrable warranty, but what about the dangers? Most people don’t realize, in terms of safety, that composite decks are actually more dangerous than lumber found at a big box store due to the manufacturing process and materials. Yes, composite decking is easier to clean and lasts for many years. But it’s also susceptible to mold, mildew, and regular wear and tear.

Slip & Fall Problems Areas On Synthetic Wood

An anti-slip decking oil, on the other hand, will not crack or peel and is easy to replenish when needed. These oils are usually natural and contain compressed particles to create a rougher, non-slip surface. This option can be a little pricey, especially if you have a very large decking area, but it’s a worthwhile investment if you don’t want to change the appearance of your decking too much. Once you have chosen and installed the composite decking that seems alright, just do the minimum maintenance to keep it non-slip. Wash it with soap and water from time to time to scrub the surface off of dead leaves, dirt, and debris.

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Timbertech Composite Decking Color Chart

Many popular brands are made from 50 percent wood fibers and 50 percent recycled plastic. Composite decking is a solid color all the way through, so the ends of boards are not as noticeable. It’s stiffer than PVC decking boards and can span greater distances. Its stiffness also makes it easier for one person to handle and helps hide minor imperfections in the framing. Composite is also less slippery than PVC decking boards when it’s wet. You should be able to get at least 20 years of use, depending on the conditions.