Advantage And Disadvantages Wood Plastic Composite

Mold And Mildew On Composite Decking

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.

What Are The Drawbacks Of Composite Decks?

Composite decking can be slightly pricier than many other types of decking. While it is easy to purchase cheaper types of decking, labour and maintenance costs add up after a while. For example, wooden decking will need to be treated at least once a year to remove stains and prevent it from going mouldy. As composite decking does not need any treatment the cost evens out over time.

The consequence to you as the composite deck owner is that the nice, tight, wood-like joints in your deck when it was installed in July may be wide, unsightly gaps in February. And, since plastic does not expand and contract evenly, those gaps may still be there the following July. There is not a lot that can be done about it – it's the nature of the material.

List Of The Cons Of Composite Decking

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.

• Routine cleaning and maintenance are required for both wood and composite decks.
• Often, combining synthetic and organic materials seems to capture the best of both worlds , and creates a durable product that looks and feels similar to wood decking.
• 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 manufacturers now admit that there are no "maintenance free" decking materials of any kind.
• The fact is, there are many products on the market depending on your location.
• As for materials, most composite products are manufactured from wood by-products, such as sawdust, wood chips or recycled plastics.

For example, you will need to treat wood decking at least once a year. The good news is composite decking doesn’t require any treatment. This means the cost will work out even cheaper in the long run. This is great news for anyone who wants decking in their garden for at least another 15 years.

We will probably still need to replace about 30% of the decking, but most of it’s already there, so I’m not in any hurry to replace all of it. 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. You can choose matte, smooth, or highly textured options while still working to avoid the heating issue with some of the choices that are on the market today. If you live in an environment where it rains frequently, then choosing composite decking with a non-slip texture could be an investment worth making. 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.

Composite decking is anti-slip, mould-resistant and rust-resistant. You won’t have to spend a lot of time treating your deck you can simply get on and enjoy using it. One of the main reasons why many people tend to buy composite decking is its longevity.

Composite Decking Review

Keep in mind that all composite decking materials, including composites, are still largely experimental. Unlike wood – with which we have worked for about a million years and the characteristics of which we know very well – composites are a new and imperfectly understood material. Composites may last longer, but the initial investment is likely to be higher. Many composites are formulated to be fade, scratch, and stain resistant, but no lumber is immune to the elements. Although composite lumber may resist these marring effects better than other materials, it will still show signs of wear over time.

For this reason, it is always a good idea to maintain or update your deck when it starts to fall apart and/or look outdated. Often, people choose premium products like composite decking, which an attractive, low maintenance finish. Composite decking may contain different amount of wood and the total percentage of timber and other components in the composition can vary from 50% to 80%. Those are mainly waste materials from the timber industry – sawdust, shavings, wood chips, wood dust, etc. which result from wood processing. All waste is recycled to fine flour and chips with fractions of wood sized between 0.8-2 mm.

The wood starts off as a warm yellow tone and then silvers down over time. Softwood decking is a good, cost effective solution for play areas and family decks. Another reason for its popularity is because of its outer capping. Aside from providing durability, the exterior capping of composites makes it easier to maintain. Wood-plastic decks require very little maintenance, unlike wood which requires regular staining, sealing, and painting, which adds to the total upkeep costs.

You don’t need any special tools to complete the installation of composite decking either. The process is exactly the same as it would be for a standard wood product.

The first products were made from old shipping pallets and recycled milk cartons, advertised as being something that was 100% resistant to rot. Studies published in the Forest Products Journal in showed that this was not the case. Your boards must receive treatment with a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural aging process. Without this step, the natural wood fibers will still begin to disintegrate, which can leave uncomfortable plastic fibers sticking out of your deck over time, creating a walking hazard. When choosing the best decking for your patio, balcony or rooftop deck you have many available options.

Creating ugly decking ends with voids that paint cannot hide. Probablythe easiest way to finish decking ends with no additional costs. Simple trim the decking and install the fascia flush to the top of the decking. All steps and materials that every composite deck requires. The end finishing of the decking boards should not increase maintenance required for the deck.