When building a deck, most people immediately look at what type of timber to use without even considering some alternatives. Timber may be a very popular material for building decks in Australia, but there are some things it can’t offer when compared to composite decking.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the biggest advantages of composite decking for you to consider.
It looks and cuts like timber, but composite decking is actually a combination of plastic and waste timber. Since it mostly uses recycled materials, it’s a good choice for the environment. Composite decking planks are made to look like natural timber by adding colouring agents and preservatives. Afterwards, its surface is stamped to achieve a wood grain finish. Sawing and construction techniques are pretty well the same as they are for timber decks.
When talking about the advantages of composite decking, two major qualities stand out: low maintenance and durability. Composite decking has it all over timber when it comes to maintenance. Instead of having to re-sand and refinish it like timber, you just hose it down to clean it. Composite decking resists rot, termites and fading. It’s stable in terms of swelling or shrinking, and it lasts a very long time.
Not all composite decking is the same quality. Composite decking is said to last close to 25 years, according to some manufacturers, but the warranty that comes with any particular type is the best indicator of its quality and likely lifetime. The warranty should cover long-term structural, fading and staining aspects.
Stick with composite for the entire structure; don’t mix it with other materials. Why? Because it doesn’t contract and expand as timber does, and if you mix it up with natural timber, some parts of your deck might get warped or distorted.
There are kits available with all the decking materials and fittings if you are a DIY person. However, remember that a custom-built deck or a larger project is best left to composite decking experts. This is to ensure that your deck is safe and built according to specs. Composite decking lasts a long time, is low maintenance and is a good option environmentally, so it is worth any extra costs to have professionals install it.
You can get quotes for composite decking through ServiceSeeking.com.au. Keep quality products and licensed professionals in mind when you compare any quotes.