How to choose composite decking boards?
In addition to traditional wood decking, composite wood decking boards are a great option. One of the benefits of composite decking is that it comes in a lot of different styles and colors. However, there is also a problem with this. We need to know how to choose the right composite decking boards.
Table of Contents
Different types of plastic composite decking boards
Deck boards made of composite wood are easier to clean than wood. It took a while for the composite wood decking industry to get off the ground. But composite wood decking is getting better and better, and the number of good products on the market keeps growing every year. It used to be that there were 10 different ways to do this. As of right now, you can choose from more than 50 different types of composite deck boards.
Trim panels made of PVC and plastic lumber are also used in the same way as composites. Here, we’ll talk about composite decking boards, but most of what we say also applies to PVC and plastics. Because there are so many different styles, colors, and brands, it will be hard to choose the best composite decking for your home.
You should choose the cheapest composite decking that fits your money. At the same time, choose plastic composite decking boards that match the style of your home.
Here, we’ll show you how to narrow down your choices and make shopping for the best deals easier. High-quality composite wood decking, such as EVODEK decking, is what you should use. Because it costs two to three times as much as pressure-treated wood, it lasts two to three times longer than it would have.
Please keep in mind that just because a product is available at your local home center doesn’t mean it’s safe to use where you live or for every use. Before you buy a house, check with the building department in your area. Each type of system has different fastening and installation needs. if you don’t follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions, you won’t be able to get a warranty. To rebuild your deck, composite decks are a good choice because they are more durable than wood decks.
How do you choose composite wood decking boards?
Are you on a tight budget?
Installing wood railings instead of composite railings cut the cost of building a deck. Wood, on the other hand, needs more work. Composite decking made of the best materials, like EVODEK decking, is the best choice. Most lumber mills and home centers only have a few brands on hand, but they can order more if they need them.
Most brands use the same basic outdoor decking material, and it works well. The differences are in the design, color, the mix of plastic and wood, the mounting system, and the texture of each piece of wood and plastic furniture.
Pro tip: When you plan your composite outdoor decking design around these measurements, you can save money and avoid waste.
Does the “look of the wood” matter?
They have the best texture and look and feel like wood. The higher-end composites are the best. Some of the most expensive decking brands have subtle shading and “texture” variations so that no two boards are the same. This means that no two decks are the same. A lot of manufacturers polish each board at the factory to get rid of any “plastic” sheen that might be on them.
Like EVODEK gray composite decking, there are more colors and accessories to choose from for high-end decking. As well as balustrades, balustrades, posts, post caps, skirts, and other decorative trim, like a decorative trim.
How wet will it get?
This is because a composite decking board with a smooth surface can be slippery. In this case, you should make sure your deck is far enough away from the pool so that it doesn’t freeze. Please choose a style that has a unique texture.
Are hidden fasteners important?
Many people don’t care when they see fasteners when they look at their decks, but some people do. if you don’t like it, choose a system that doesn’t show fasteners. In the tongue and groove system, the screws are hidden and their drive is cut down.
Clips work with composite decking that has grooves, which are lighter and thinner than face screws. Clips work with decking that has grooves. In other words, if you don’t put in end caps or other special trim, or use a mounting design that hides them. These systems may have parts that let leaves and dirt fall into them, so they can be cleaned up. Concealed fastener systems are more expensive than systems that are put together with face screws. Hidden fasteners alone can raise the price by 30%.
Have you included all the extras in your budget?
To install the composite planks, you don’t need to use any special tools. They can be installed with the same basic tools that you use to install wood. That doesn’t mean that the decor itself isn’t going to cost you a lot of money. Each system needs hidden fasteners or screws made of grey composite decking. For the best results, use screws that are made of composite materials.
Depending on the system you have, you may need end caps, reinforcements, special trim or skirts, and extras like railings, posts, and post caps, as well as other things. Before you buy trim panels, make sure you know how much it will cost to install and add on.
Cautions
Before you buy the materials you’ve chosen, call your local building official to make sure the composite decking material you want to use meets local building codes. Some composite systems have rules about the materials that can be used for stairs, or they need special framing in some cases. During the inspection, make sure you know how far apart each fastener must be.