Wood Vs Composite Decking

Some composite decking boards even copy the look of lumber and hardwood, so you can still enjoy the appearance of wood without the upkeep. The boards are designed to be more lightweight, thanks to “hollow board” options. They can still be installed using the same kind of tools you need to cut wood and they are easy to manage on a project site. Also, many new composite decking products feature what’s called a “hidden clip system”, which allows easy fastening that results in a seamless, and visually appealing deck. For decking that homeowners wish to get up and running quickly, and for those moderately experienced DIYers who want to do the work themselves, composite decking is a go-to material. Once again, this is due to how much composites have evolved even in the last half-decade. For many busy homeowners, one of the advantages of composite decking is the ease of maintenance.

It also will not have you working hard only to keep it looking good. Increased heat levels can also cause some of the materials in the composite decking can cause some of the materials to become more flexible.

Although composite wood decking is easier to maintain, some homeowners worry that composites won’t look as nice as wood. However, manufacturing advances have led to composites thatemulate the rich, natural look of woodwithout the hassles of maintaining a wood deck.

Advantages Of Composite Wood

• Even though composite decking isn’t actual wood, today’s vast options provide the natural look of wood.
• Matching gates, stair systems storage systems, and so much more can be customized to give you just the look you want.
• Did you know that a decking installation in MA offers nearly a 73% return on your investment?
• Unlike wood, composite decks naturally resist the tendency to split, scratch, and absorb water, so your deck looks new for decades.
• You can’t say the same for wood decks, which require board replacements, and of course, that tedious, time-consuming task of annual staining and sealing.
• Contact Franca Services today for a free decking installation consultation.

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

Your only option is to shell out a few bucks to replace the damaged plank completely. Our capped polymer and capped composite decking lines combine recycled material with all the beauty of traditional wood. For many homeowners, one of the primary benefits of composite decking is the security provided by the protective caps. Our leading competitor only caps part of the deck board, leaving the composite core open to invasion by mold and mildew. Our TimberTech PRO® decking line is capped on all four sides to offer superior protection against moisture, and even boastsMold Guard™ Technologyto keep mold and moisture damage out.

Popular Mechanics notes that this type of decking generally costs between $2.50 and $3.50 per linear foot. In contrast, Decks.com notes treated lumber decks cost on average $0.75–$1.25 per linear foot. Composite decking is an environmentally friendly lumber alternative that combines plastic and wood fiber. Our protective polymer capping and innovative materials science combine to keep colors vibrant, moisture out, and structural integrity intact. It’s important to wash, stain and seal wood decks—a process that can take several days and may require the use of heavy equipment like a power washer. High-performance composites retain their beauty for decades with minimal upkeep, meaning you’ll spend more time enjoying—rather than maintaining—your deck for years to come.

It also saves countless trees from being chopped down to meet the demand for exterior building materials to construct new decks. Composite decking can be separated into wood and non-wood composites.

Advantages Of Composite Decking

Just like installing tiles, composite decks are easy to install. So long as you have professionals doing the job, the installation will be complete in a few hours.

Not only does this make it safe for your own feet, it helps protect the bare feet of small children and pets. Additionally, while composite decks will eventually react to heat, they’ll do so at a higher temperature than a traditional wood deck. As such, if you have fun features on your deck like a fire pit or fire table, you can rest easy knowing you have some extra protection with a composite deck.

Since the boards are manufactured from a batch of mixed material, each board has the same look as the next. Composite decking is a relatively new product to the decking industry. It's many benefits make composite decking a truly viable option to wood decking. Another frequent problem with composite decking is that if it fades, you may not be able to refresh the color.

If you are thinking of removing your old wood deck and are on a budget, then treated lumber or cedar may be the best option for you. If however, you have a large budget and want to experiment with a long lasting and durable product then you might want to consider composite decking. This is a huge advantage to those who hate to spend time and money treating and maintaining their wood decks. We all know that patios provide a wonderful space to enjoy the warmth and relaxation of spring, summer, fall and depending on where you live, winter.

How To Fasten Composites Down

Just like when computers and flat-screen televisions first entered the market, new technology eventually fixed many consumer complaints and pushed the industry forward. In the case of composite decking, mixtures with mineral and organic-based fillers helped create products that were lighter, and with more tensile strength. However, some homeowners and builders were dissatisfied with composite decking in that era.

Top 7 Things To Consider When Buying Plywood

Homeowners that plan to install their deck somewhere next to a pool on their property will want to make use of this advantage as well. You’ll still get boards that look like natural wood and install on a pressure-treated frame, but you’ll also be reducing the risk of slipping and falling if your feet are wet. This advantage helps in the winter too if you plan to use your deck as part of your standard entryway. Another key benefit to consider when choosing composite decking over real wood is the fact that you can find a lot of color options available. Most manufacturers provide a series of brown, gray, and tan colors to complement the classic Earth tones that a natural wood product would provide. Additionally, most composite decks have built-in UV resistance, so they won’t fade or lighten as much as natural wood would over time. But if your composite deck does fade over time due to direct sunlight exposure, you can stain or paint it to make it look new again.

Matching gates, stair systems storage systems, and so much more can be customized to give you just the look you want. Did you know that a decking installation in MA offers nearly a 73% return on your investment? You can’t say the same for wood decks, which require board replacements, and of course, that tedious, time-consuming task of annual staining and sealing. Contact Franca Services today for a free decking installation consultation. Another one of the benefits of composite decking is that it requiresno hands-and-knees scrubbing, staining, or regular replacement.