What is the problem with composite decking?
Composite decking absorbs and retains heat, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. The boards may take hours to cool down before you can walk on them comfortably without shoes. Besides preventing you from fully enjoying your investment, scorching deck boards can put children and pets at risk.
How bad is composite decking for the environment?
Composite decking is widely considered an environmentally friendly alternative to some other decking materials because it is made from reused plastics, like polyethylene film, sawdust, and other wood-waste materials.
What are the negatives about Trex decking?
Durability: Composite decking is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. This makes it a good choice for decks in coastal areas or other humid climates. Low maintenance: Composite decking requires very little maintenance. It does not need to be stained or sealed, and it is easy to clean with soap and water.
Is composite decking a good choice?
While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn't last forever. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for.
What are the pros and cons of composite decking?
Rotting vegetation and leaves that pile up can contribute to the growth of lichen and algae. The risk of this is not really noticeable when the weather is dry, but once it becomes wet, the decking can get very slippery.
Why is composite decking so slippery?
Even in the event of snowy weather, composite decking is a fantastic surface that's built to withstand the frosty cold. Extremely hard-wearing, you can even fend of the snow and ice by using rock salt or calcium chloride without fears of damaging the decking surface beneath when the snow/ice melts.
Is composite decking bad in the winter?
Composite decking materials are a stellar choice for hot weather climates, thanks to their specially engineered qualities. Manufactured from a blend of wood and plastic, these materials are designed to resist heat absorption, keeping the deck surface cool even under the harshest sun.
Is composite decking good in hot climates?
While early composite decks were notorious for getting uncomfortably hot, new composite decking materials are much more resistant to heat. High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards, and often boast cooler temperatures to the touch.
Is composite decking good in the sun?
Stained, natural, and pressure-treated pine decks require regular maintenance to ensure the natural wood retains its high-quality look, but even with this - they are still susceptible to cracking, splintering, rotting, and warping as time goes by, which can be dangerous especially to homes with small children and ...
What is the downside of decking?
On average, wood decking can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years — the caveat being that you'll need to keep up with a maintenance schedule to get there. Composite decking, on the other hand, typically lasts roughly 25 years or more with only a fraction of the routine upkeep of wood.
How long will a composite deck last?
Composite wood may contain formaldehyde, which irritates the nose, throat, and skin and may trigger asthma. At high levels it's a known carcinogen. Because of these concerns, formaldehyde emissions from many products have been reduced more than 80 percent from earlier levels.
Is composite wood toxic?
All in all, modified wood outperforms composite decking in nearly all categories. Homeowners stuck between standard wood and composite would do well to opt for modified wood over either option.
What is better than composite decking?
PVC lasts much longer than other decking materials because it's entirely synthetic and resistant to rot and weathering. TimberTech's Advanced PVC has a lifespan of 50 years or more, so you can enjoy your dream deck for decades to come. Composite decking still outperforms traditional wood with a 25-to-30-year life span.
Is PVC decking better than composite?
Let's be honest composite decking is not 100% scratch proof, but it's very durable. Here's some tips on treating scratches and scuffs… NeoTimber® composite decking is a man-made product. It is designed to be durable and hard-wearing, resisting staining, scratching, warping and rotting.
Does composite decking damage easily?
Premium composite decking containing as little as 51% wood cellulose may withstand occasional salt exposure without issues. But cheaper grades with 70% or more wood fiber content are strongly advised against salting to avoid jeopardizing the deck.
Can I use salt on composite decking?
Typically, wood decking is lower cost to purchase than composites, especially in the initial purchase. However, although the initial cost of wood is less, composite decking usually ends up paying for itself within 2-3 years when including the cost of annual maintenance.
Should I get wood or composite deck?
The process by which composite deck boards are manufactured means that more raw materials are used, resulting in a product which performs better, lasts longer and requires no maintenance. We believe that's worth paying more for.
Why is composite decking so expensive?
While standing water can't harm your composite deck boards, it is still a good idea to remove the water for a couple of reasons: Water on deck boards can cause your deck surface to become a bit slick. Standing water can affect the vulnerable deck substructure which is made of traditional wood.
Does water damage composite decking?
Unlike natural wood boards, composite decking is resistant to mould and algae. As we mentioned earlier, composite decking tends to dry just 30 minutes after being exposed to water. This means that water doesn't sit on the surface creating the conditions for mould and algae to form.
Does water sit on composite decking?
In the hot season, the floor expands and swells, the gap between the floors becomes smaller, the fasteners are stressed outwards, and for a long time, the composite decking will crack and deform under uneven stress.
Can composite decking crack?
This polymer coating is the main reason why composite decking doesn't rot. It's completely waterproof and prevents any kind of water from penetrating the boards. It also protects the boards and preserves the finish and colour, so you'll never need to sand, stain, or seal your composite deck boards.
Does composite decking rot from water?
Yes - but not much. Composite decking undergoes an initial weathering process after which the colour stabilizes. This is a result of UV exposure and natural wood oils, called tannins, being washed out.
What happens to composite decking over time?
Composite decking won't warp purely because of the sun. However, it can fade depending on the type you choose. Not all composite is the same. Different suppliers will have different qualities with individual benefits.
Does composite decking warp in the sun?
Looking for the best composite decking for full sun? Look no further than TimberTech® capped polymer and capped composite decking. TimberTech deck boards are far superior to traditional wood in several ways, including in their ability to handle direct sunlight with less heat retention and minimal color fading.
What is the best composite deck for full sun?
Finally, a Composite Decking Designed to Beat the Heat
We created our CoolDeck® Technology to help reduce heat absorption by up to 35%* so you can stay much cooler under the hot summer sun. Available in our Vision® and MeridianTM capped wood composite lines, our products are the best decking to beat the heat.
What is the coolest decking material?
During the making of the composite decking, the wood flour and resin are mixed with colour pigments. The composite decking becomes resistant to UV once the polymer cap is applied.
Is composite decking UV resistant?
Composite decking is entirely inedible to pests and rodents. Unlike wood, which is susceptible to common pests like termites, wood wasps, borers and rats, composite decking's polypropylene-based material is not appealing to them and is thus, completely pest and termite resistant.
Does composite decking attract bugs?
So the surface temperature of the board may be higher but it will cool down a lot quicker and take a while to heat back up. PVC is a little hotter than your wood decking but significantly cooler than your composites.
What gets hotter PVC or composite decking?
Although composite decking has an uncanny resemblance to natural wood, it does not require the high maintenance levels a timber deck or PVC decking material would. Unlike conventional wooden decks that require staining, painting, and replacing, composite decking does not require this much time and effort to maintain.
Is composite decking high maintenance?
You can paint composite decks if they don't have polymer capping, which is mostly older decks. However, once you paint your boards, you'll likely have to repaint them within a few years when the finish degrades.
Can you paint composite decking?
Composite decking also comes in a range of color options and natural grain textures for creative and unique deck designs. While it doesn't look exactly like real wood, composite is closing the gap to offer a natural look that's just as beautiful.
Does composite decking look like real wood?
High-quality modern composite boards don't become hotter than traditional wooden deck boards. In addition, the lighter the color of the composite deck boards you choose, the cooler they will stay in direct sunlight.
How much hotter is composite decking than wood?
As we've mentioned, manufactured decking materials like composite boards and PVC require far less maintenance than wood. They're easier to take care of and are naturally more resistant to moisture, insects, and splintering; they also tend to last longer than wood boards.
Should I replace my wood deck with composite?
Composite decks require minimal maintenance. They're built for long-lasting beauty and durability. But like any product that is exposed to the elements, mold, and mildew can begin to grow on your composite deck boards. This can be especially true if a box or planter is placed directly on the deck.
Do composite decks mold?
Composite decking is the fastest growing alternative to traditional wood decking. The decking boards are resistant to moisture, weathering, and fading. Unlike natural wood, composite decking boards leverage high performance recycled materials and innovative technology for ultra long life protection.
Why is composite decking so good?
Composite decking is widely considered an environmentally friendly alternative to some other decking materials because it is made from reused plastics, like polyethylene film, sawdust, and other wood-waste materials.
Is composite decking really eco friendly?
In more than 30 years of usage, there is no evidence that MDF is a health risk. It has never been banned in any part of the USA or any other country (contrary to ill-informed rumours that surface from time to time that it has been banned in some country or other) and there is no reason for it to be so.
Why is MDF banned in America?
The safety of a deck should always be a priority. Composite decking offers a great slip-resistant surface that makes it a great choice for homeowners in the UK. Cleaning is an important part of maintaining the deck's slip resistance, as dirt, grime, or standing water can still cause a hazard.
Are composite decks safe?
As wooden decking is very prone to mold and rot, it needs lots of maintenance. On the contrary, composite decking is very resistant to rot and is therefore easy to maintain. The material doesn't require repainting or resealing. However, it is good to regularly clean the composite deck.
Is composite decking a good idea?
Durability: Composite decking is highly resistant to rot, decay, and insect damage. This makes it a good choice for decks in coastal areas or other humid climates. Low maintenance: Composite decking requires very little maintenance. It does not need to be stained or sealed, and it is easy to clean with soap and water.
Is composite decking a good choice?
Aluminum decking is the most expensive out of the deck material and will last the longest with a lifespan of 30+ years.
What is the most expensive decking?
While they often cost more than wood, composite materials offer the promise of greater durability and less maintenance. Wood is still the most common choice for deck material,1 but it doesn't last forever. Composites may be more durable, but they might lack the natural look and color you are looking for.
What are the pros and cons of composite decking?
Decking of composite is the most weather-resistant material and requires nearly little maintenance. If you want to build a beautiful deck that will endure for a long time, composite decking is the best option, whether evaluated in terms of long-term investment expenses or time saved on maintenance.
What is the most durable type of decking?
Brown, meanwhile, is the most common and traditional choice. From the warmest browns to cooler shades of tan, brown composite decking colors will go with almost any house color and can seamlessly blend into any natural outdoor environment.
What color composite decking is best?
The four disadvantages of composite decking are that it fades with sunlight, warps in hot weather, wears down in high-traffic areas, and, worst of all, causes timber subframes to rot and become unsafe. Interestingly, all these issues can be solved by choosing an aluminium decking board that has an integral gutter.
What are the complaints about composite decking?
All in all, modified wood outperforms composite decking in nearly all categories. Homeowners stuck between standard wood and composite would do well to opt for modified wood over either option.
What is better than composite decking?
The bottom line is any decking will likely get too hot to walk on barefoot if it's in the scorching summer sun all day. Although lightly-stained wood decking and some pavers may be slightly cooler than composite, the real culprit that causes your deck to heat up is the color you choose.
Why is composite decking so hot?
Never use bleach, harsh chemicals, or cleaning products containing chlorine bleach on composite decking. Always try the soap and warm water method on your deck boards first. If this specific cleaning method is unsuccessful, try using an oxygenated cleaning product like Oxylyse to clean composite decking.
Does chlorine damage composite decking?
Danger: CORROSIVE!
Most manufacturers will warn you that Bleach will fade colored composites especially when used in direct sunlight. Regular use of Chlorine Bleach can eventually lead to premature chipping, splintering, and cracking that can affect the structural integrity of your composite deck.
Does chlorine affect composite decking?
Wood is a natural, renewable resource, and therefore, biodegradable. Wood decks store carbon throughout their lives, making for a much lower carbon footprint. Unlike real wood, composites end up in landfills.
Why is wood better than composite?
Current estimates have the lifespan of modern composite decks at between 30-50 years, depending on how well they were installed, cared for, and maintained.
How long do composite decks last?
However, if you don't maintain your composite deck by getting rid of standing water and cleaning the debris off of the panels, it may not last as long as a concrete or brick paver patio can. A concrete patio can last several decades, but a composite wood deck has the potential to last just as long.
What are the negatives about Trex decking?
Let's be honest composite decking is not 100% scratch proof, but it's very durable. Here's some tips on treating scratches and scuffs… NeoTimber® composite decking is a man-made product. It is designed to be durable and hard-wearing, resisting staining, scratching, warping and rotting.
Is composite decking better than concrete?
The primary reason is that composite material is softer than wood and can easily be damaged by a composite deck power wash. If the material becomes damaged, this can lead to a host of compounding issues that could ultimately increase your maintenance needs and costs while reducing the lifespan of your deck.
Does composite decking damage easily?
Even in the event of snowy weather, composite decking is a fantastic surface that's built to withstand the frosty cold. Extremely hard-wearing, you can even fend of the snow and ice by using rock salt or calcium chloride without fears of damaging the decking surface beneath when the snow/ice melts.
Can you ruin composite decking?
But it's not invulnerable. Here are just three factors that contribute to the fading of a composite deck: UV rays: The sun's UV rays are one of the main culprits when it comes to fading. The more exposure your composite deck gets to direct sunlight, the faster fading occurs.
Is composite decking bad in the winter?
Let's be honest composite decking is not 100% scratch proof, but it's very durable. Here's some tips on treating scratches and scuffs… NeoTimber® composite decking is a man-made product. It is designed to be durable and hard-wearing, resisting staining, scratching, warping and rotting.
Will composite decking fade in the sun?
On average, wood decking can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years — the caveat being that you'll need to keep up with a maintenance schedule to get there. Composite decking, on the other hand, typically lasts roughly 25 years or more with only a fraction of the routine upkeep of wood.
Does composite decking damage easily?
So, how long does a composite deck last? A minimum of 25 to 30 years, possibly lasting from 30 to 50 years. In addition to being the manufacturer-reported number, third-party testing can also help confirm the lifespan of a deck.
How long will composite decking last?
Current estimates have the lifespan of modern composite decks at between 30-50 years, depending on how well they were installed, cared for, and maintained.