5 Advantages Of Composite Decks

Wood is usually the go-to choice when it comes to decking materials. However, since more and more consumers are starting to make eco-friendly choices, composite decking is becoming increasingly popular too. If you as well want to contribute to a healthier environment, consider Trex decking. Most manufacturers offer fade and stain warranties of up to 25 years. If you can find a product that goes beyond this timeframe, then that material should jump to the top of the list of preferences for your composite decking.

These decks are easy to cut and the cut edges are always clean and with no signs of blowout or chipping. Composite decking has a natural look due to the saturated colors and wood grain patterns that they feature. The colors range from pristine grey to spicy red and even the deep earth tones. There are also some composite accessories that homeowners can use in creating a customized outdoor space within their homes. Such include railings, gates, furniture, pergolas, and stairs. Composite decks are easy to maintain and do not need any staining, painting, or sanding.

Over the last decade or so, the popularity of composite decking has waged a new question for future deck owners everywhere – wood or composite decking? While each have its own share of pros and cons, including cost, durability, maintenance/labor and lifespan, the checkmarks in the pro-composite decking column seem to be stacking up. However, there are many dedicated wood users who advocate for the material, and thus the composite decking vs wood debate is still in full force.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• On the other hand, Trex boards are created from 95% recycled materials.
• When it comes to composite decking, it’s difficult to find a product that offers the style and substance of Trex while prioritizing environmental consciousness.
• Because of this, Trex saves over 400 million pounds of plastic and wood from landfills each year.
• Trex composite decking is a great alternative to wood decking for this purpose especially.
• As homeowners and consumers, each day it’s important for us to consider how we can spend more consciously and prioritize products that are better for the environment.
• So when your looking at the pros and cons of composite decking, take the time to make the decision is the right for you.

Composite decks are made of a compressed combination of vinyl, wood, and other recycled materials. With warmer weather in full swing, many of us start shifting our attention to the outdoor spaces of our homes, and what improvements can be made. Throughout the Baltimore and DC areas, decks are becoming a more common feature to help create an inviting home environment and way to make the most of the great weather. If you’ve looked into having a deck built for your home, you may have encountered the question of what material is best for your project?

Environmentally Friendly Product

Costs Over 10 Years

With real wood, it’s easy to re-stain it when the color fades. In most cases, though, composite wood isn’t compatible with paint. You may see some paint brands that say they work with composite wood.

However, the payoff you get over time in decreased maintenance costs and increased leisure time provides compelling value. According to Popular Mechanics, basic pressure-treated lumber goes for about 80 cents per linear foot, while redwood or cedar runs up to three times that amount.

Advantages Of Composite Decks

If you’ve always wanted wood for your deck, here’s an option that looks the same, but without causing harm to the environment. Trex decking is also made to resist fading, straining, and scratching. Chances are it’ll look the same as you first installed it even after several years of use. 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.

While a few composites are made with a blend of plastics, hardwood pieces and different materials, the rest contain vinyl and plastics. While composite decks won’t rot and are considered more durable than wood, it doesn’t mean they’re completely safe from damage. Patio furniture or debris from a passing storm may scratch the surface. Unlike wood, which you can sand and refinish, composite decking can’t be refinished.

Moreover, there are many brands of composite decks with very special features favorable for your building. This is one of the composite brands whose installation can be done even in water.

In addition to saving trees, the manufacturing process keeps other waste products out of landfills. The pros and cons of composite decking show that this material is useful in a variety of different situations. You can simulate the look and feel of natural wood while preserving the environment and reducing your maintenance needs. When you choose composite decking for your home, then you’re using a product that is primarily made of recycled products. That means you don’t need to cut down more trees just so that you can build a deck. The recycled plastic in the product takes waste away from the ocean or having it enter our food supply.

The long-term cost savings is another one of the benefits of composite decking. Traditional wood decksneed to be maintained at least every three years and replaced every 10 to 15 years — a labor-intensive process. You will need to power-wash and stain a traditional wood deck as well. When it comes to durability,wood just doesn’t compare to composite decking.

How To Fasten Composites Down

The ease and easier to design option can also end up saving customers a great deal of money over manually recreating the same look. There are even predone stair and landing designs with many composite products. For additional insights on wood vs. composite decking, and to see how MoistureShield stacks up against other types of decking materials, check out ourDeck Material Comparison Chart. While all-wood decking will eventually splinter, composite decking is made with small wood fibers encased in plastic, so it won’t splinter. This is especially important for walking on the deck barefoot, and for children and pets, whose feet are sensitive. Many homeowners choose wood decking because it is familiar, readily available and affordable. At the same time, wood decking problems like splinters, rot and high maintenance cause many headaches.

At Exterior Source, our Trex composite decking is made of 95% recycled materials, including plastic packaging, reclaimed wood and sawdust. Outdoor living spaces add value to a home because they add space, style, seclusion, and a new area in which to entertain guests. A deck is a vital investment that will benefit you for years to come. Composite decking, in particular, is popular among homeowners because of its durability and easy maintenance. Leland Fisher Lumber partners with Trex, Azek, Fiberon PVC and Timbertech to install the perfect composite decks for homeowners. Keep reading to gain knowledge about the benefits of composite decking.

Planks are dyed in a host of a colors and imprinted with a range of textures, most of which convincingly resemble genuine wood grain. If you’re putting the money into building a new deck for your home, you want your investment to last. In the case of wood decks, there are some concerns you should be aware of. Wood is a naturally porous material, meaning the longer it is exposed to the elements, especially without the proper coatings, the more it will begin to deteriorate. The wood can crack, chip, splinter, and rot as time goes on. Trex, on the other hand, offers fantastic durability to consumers.