What Is the Difference Between Hollow and Solid Composite Decking?
It lasts a long time, doesn’t need to be taken care of very often, and is good for the environment. Hollow composite decking has air spaces in it, which makes it lighter, cheaper, and easier to install than solid decking. It is ideal for budget-conscious projects or DIY applications. Solid composite decking boasts higher density, greater strength, and heavier weight. Consequently, it is more durable and suitable for high-traffic areas.
These two structurally distinct composite deck types each possess unique characteristics and applications. Solid composite decking performs better than hollow decking, but it also costs more. Also, because it’s heavy and expands, it needs to be more carefully installed. This piece will go over how hollow and solid composite decking differ in terms of structure, performance, installation, and cost.
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Table of Contents
What is a Hollow Composite Deck?
Hollow composite decking has a core that is hollow instead of solid. High-quality hollow composite decking has special interior supports. This design keeps enough load-bearing ability while cutting down on weight compared to solid boards. EVODEK is one of the brands that uses advanced arched designs in its hollow composite decking. This design gets the best mix between being light and strong.
What is a Solid Composite Deck?
The structure of solid composite deck materials is totally dense. This building is designed to look and feel like real wood. It gives a more classic and sturdy feeling when walked on. Because it is all solid, this decking is denser and heavier than empty decking of the same size.
In fact, it usually weighs about 5 kilograms more per square foot than hollow composite deck boards. A solid structure takes more stuff to build. This is one of the main reasons why solid composite deck boards cost more.
Learn More: What is Composite Decking?
Comparison of Hollow and Solid Composite Decking
The differences in structural designs make them install, cost, and fit in different situations.
Load-Bearing Capacity and Strength
One very important thing to think about when choosing decking materials is how much weight they can hold. Most people think that solid composite decking has a big edge when it comes to holding weight. Things are more complicated in life.
Because it has an even density, solid composite decking spreads weight across the whole area. It can handle strong impacts, like heavy things falling, without breaking. It also maintains stable long-term load-bearing ability, resisting deformation under continuous loads. Because of this, it can handle the high-traffic needs of businesses.
Hollow composite decking has an internal support system that is designed to help with load distribution. It has a lot of strength when it comes to bending, and in some ways, it can hold more weight than solid boards. Hollow composite decking of high quality is tested very carefully to make sure it meets the building code standards for how much weight it can hold.
Weather Resistance
Decking materials for the outdoors have to be able to deal with a wide range of weather conditions, such as changes in temperature, humidity, and UV exposure. High-quality composite wood decks naturally stand up to bad weather very well. It can handle the effects of severe weather, especially on capped composite decks. It has an extra protected layer that makes the deck last a lot longer.
Solid composite decking changes more with the weather, expanding and contracting more than other types of decking. So, enough room to expand has to be given during installation. Fasteners may come loose in places where the temperature changes a lot.
Hollow composite decking has holes in it that allow it to expand and contract with heat and cold, so it doesn’t change size much. This lessened movement means that screws and other things that hold parts together are less likely to come undone. Because of this, it is better for places near the coast or towns where the temperature changes a lot.
Daily Durability
The surfaces of the deck have to be able to handle impacts and abrasion that happen every day. Solid composite decks are better at resisting impacts. Its high surface hardness resists scratches from moving furniture, and dropping heavy things on it is less likely to leave lasting dents. Its surface also wears more evenly, which stops extra wear in one area.
Hollow composite decking might have a little less strength to impact. Dents can form in areas between support structures when heavy items hit them. Its surface is resistant to damage because it depends on a layer of high-quality protection. So, direct hits from sharp or heavy items should be avoided during daily use.
Walking Experience
The general outdoor experience is greatly affected by the deck. Solid
composite wood decking absorbs sound much better. Its high population helps keep foot traffic noise down. When you walk, there isn’t much shaking, so it feels like you’re walking on wood or a solid surface.
Hollow composite decking may resonate a little when people walk on it, which makes sounds a little easier to hear. But a lot of people like this brighter, springier feel. Professional installers can also help with sound issues.
Installation Difficulty
How easy it is to install the composite deck is another important thing to think about when choosing one, especially for people who like to do projects themselves. Solid composite decking is heavy and usually takes two people or special tools to handle. As a result, installation and fastening require more hard work. During placement, support structures need to be strong enough. Because hollow composite decking can usually be installed by just one person, it is a great option for do-it-yourself jobs.
During assembly, homeowners often have to cut and trim the decking to make it fit in certain places. Using normal woodworking tools, it is pretty simple to cut solid composite deck boards. Its uniform density across the board guarantees reliable machining performance. After cutting, no special end caps are needed to keep the look of the project up to par.
When cutting hollow composite deck boards, the support structure’s location must be carefully thought out. Cutting exposes the internal system, so end caps need to be put on to keep water out.
Appearance and Texture
Looks are an important factor when choosing decking materials, particularly for people who want their home to look nice. Composite wood decks can look and feel like different kinds of wood. Also, good composite decking has UV blockers in it, which let it keep its color and look over time without having to be painted or stained.
Solid composite decking makes your outdoor space look and feel like it’s made of real wood. The edges are finished naturally, so you don’t need end caps. They use the same surface and core materials, and the color will change evenly over time.
Hollow composite decks usually look more modern and clean. While end caps can help with style, they might not look as good overall. Also, end caps might wear differently from the main board, so you have to pay attention to color matching.
Cost Comparison
One of the most important things for most people is how much decking costs. Because it uses more material, solid composite decks are more expensive at first. It costs more to move the bigger item. Hollow composite decking uses about 30% to 40% less material because of its hollow core design. Usually, this is cheaper than wooden decking of the same quality.
If you need to save money on a job, choosing hollow decking can help you do it without hurting quality. Also, installation prices depend on the weight because that changes how much needs to be done. Hollow composite decks can be put in by just one person, which saves on labor costs. Homeowners can either do it themselves or have a professional do it quickly.
EVODEK Hollow Composite Decking
There are only a few companies that offer hollow composite decks, and EVODEK is one of them. Hollow boards of the same length are a lot lighter than solid boards. The lighter boards can be used more easily. Compared to hollow boards, solid boards put more stress on older subfloor systems. So, if you are using composite wood decking instead of old wood deck boards, hollow boards are the best option.
The EVODEK hollow composite deck makes it easier to do home projects like making a new deck or fixing up an old one. If you’d rather not do it yourself, getting professionals also costs less and takes less time than doing it yourself. That’s why EVODEK makes hollow composite decks.
Conclusion
When it comes to outdoor decking products, hollow and solid composite decking are two options. Hollow composite decking is easy to install, cost-effective, and lightweight, which makes building easier. It is the perfect thing for DIY lovers who want to save money. Solid composite wood is stronger and more long-lasting. No matter what kind of modern composite deck you use, they make spending time outside better than using regular wood. If you want to know more about composite decking, you can call the EVODEK professional team.
FAQ
How Should I Decide Between Hollow and Solid decking?
Hollow composite decking is a good choice if you have a tight budget, plan to install the decking yourself, or if your current subfloor doesn’t support a lot of weight. Hollow boards are usually the cheapest option for private backyard decks. If you can afford it, and you plan to have heavy loads on your decking, you should use solid composite decking. Also, solid composite decking is a good choice for business decks or places where a lot of people walk.
How Far Apart Should The Joists Be for Hollow and Solid Composite Decking?
The width of the joists is very important for making sure that the deck is structurally safe. Most building rules say that the distance between the centers of two objects should not be more than 16 inches. Hollow boards of good quality usually let 16-inch space. 12-inch spacing may be needed for thinner or lower-quality goods.
Most of the time, solid composite decking allows 16-inch spacing, but some products may suggest tighter spacing for better support underfoot. Installation directions from the manufacturer and local building codes should always be followed.
Is Hollow Composite Decking Prone to Water Accumulation and Rot?
Hollow composite deck boards do have a chance of holding water inside. But if you set it correctly and take care of it, this will never happen. Key considerations:
- Install End Caps Correctly: All cut ends need to be sealed with high-quality sealant and fitted with end caps that the manufacturer gave.
- Ensure Proper Drainage Slope: Make sure the decking has the right drainage slope when you put it in.
- Do Regular Checks and Upkeep: Once a year, look at the end cap seals and quickly change any parts that are old or broken.
- Choose High-quality Goods: Premium hollow composite decking makers include waterproofing needs in their design and materials.
Is Composite Wood Decking Environmentally Friendly?
Today’s composite wood decking is much better for the earth. It’s mostly recyclable materials, including plastics and wood fibers that have been recovered. It lowers the need for naturally grown wood. Also, it lasts two to three times longer than wood, so there is less waste from having to replace it.
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