Is composite decking pet-friendly?
An excellently designed outdoor space can provide the homeowner with the perfect escape. When designing and building an outdoor space, it is important to consider the needs of each family member. Make sure that family members can enjoy life together, and that includes the family pet. Composite decking has become a popular choice for homeowners because of its durability, low maintenance, and greater cost-effectiveness. But is composite decking pet-friendly?
Pets can damage your deck, leaving the deck’s surface with scratches that are difficult to repair. Traditional decks may also not be pet friendly, with harmful chemicals that can affect your pet’s health. However, using a composite deck can be the perfect way to avoid these problems. In this article, we will discuss is composite decking is pet-friendly and its wealth of benefits to see how it can create a safer environment.
Table of Contents
Is composite decking pet-friendly?
Composite decks are a popular choice due to their durability, low maintenance requirements, and versatile appearance. There is absolutely no risk of pet injury with it, and this decking will not easily break, rot, or crack. The sturdiness reduces the likelihood of injuries to pets and barefoot walking.
Slip resistance
When it comes to a safe outdoor space, one of the main concerns of homeowners is composite decking slip resistance. pets can easily slip and get injured on wet decks in the early morning or after rain. However, composite decks often have textured surfaces and non-slip designs, so they can provide better traction for pets.
Please compare different brands according to your needs and choose the best nonslip composite decking to ensure your pet’s safety.
Apart from the non-slip feature of composite materials, deck railings are also effective in reducing fall injuries. When installing railings for your outdoor space, make sure that they are not too low or your pet may jump over them.
Scratch resistant
A pet, especially a dog, can be very active. It may scratch or dig into the surface of your deck, creating scratches that are difficult to repair. Traditional wood decks are easily scratched or damaged by your pet’s claws.
However composite material is much stronger and more durable, so composite decking can withstand some extreme wear and tear and scratching. EVODEK offers high-quality composite decking specifically designed to be scratch-resistant to ensure durability in your outdoor space.
Stain-resistant and easy-to-clean
Pets can sometimes make a mess on outdoor decks, making the outdoor space look very cluttered, which creates stains and odors. Composite decking is often excellent at resisting stains and is easy to clean, making it even more suitable for homes with pets. Using this type of decking keeps outdoor spaces from looking full of stains and dirt.
It won’t absorb liquids or be as difficult to clean up as traditional wood decking, so any spills or pet urine can be easily dealt with. You can use soap and warm water to finish cleaning composite decking boards and keep the deck clean and odor-free.
Sturdy and durable
Unlike traditional wood decks, composite decking will not crack, rot, or warp easily. This sturdiness and durability keep pets from risking injury. Pet activity can put a lot of stress on outdoor spaces, especially decks. Composite decks’ unique design and durability allow them to withstand more stress and withstand the running, wear and tear, and jumping of pets.
It will last for decades without cracking or breaking, so you don’t have to worry about your pet getting scratched by deck debris. If you’re looking for a more durable and long-lasting safety deck, then composite decks can fulfill your needs.
Safe and non-toxic
Another important factor that makes composite decks a pet-friendly material. That’s the fact that it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals. EVODEK decks are made using a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics that are environmentally friendly and non-toxic. So it won’t harm your pet.
It is a known fact that pets like to chew on things, and if they chew on composite decks, it doesn’t cause harm. Composite materials are completely non-toxic and very safe.
In general, we consider these materials to be non-toxic to pets. However, for safety reasons, it is always best to consult the manufacturer before installation. Make sure you purchase a brand of composite decks that do not contain any chemicals.
Deck temperature
Pets prefer to be outdoors, especially in warm, comfortable weather. Typically, composite decking has a cooler surface than traditional wood decking. The cool and comfortable surface makes it more comfortable for pets to walk and rest on the deck. Its unique design and materials make it less likely to absorb heat, so pets won’t burn themselves walking on the deck on hot summer days.
How to design a pet-friendly space
In addition to choosing a pet-friendly composite deck, there are many ways to create a pet-friendly outdoor space.
Create a pergola
Consider creating a shaded area or pergola that can provide a cool and comfortable place for your pet. They can help protect your pet from UV rays and damage, and prevent the deck surface from overheating. Pets also enjoy resting and moving around outdoors, so a cooler space will allow them to better enjoy the outdoor air.
Install deck railings
Installing railings for your outdoor space can effectively reduce the risk of pets slipping and falling, and it can also reduce the risk of everyday use by homeowners.
When choosing deck railings, be sure to look for materials that are durable and won’t break easily.
Consider installing a mesh screen on the railing, which not only enhances the aesthetics of your outdoor space but also provides safety for your pet. Even if your pet slips and falls on the deck, he or she won’t fall through a gap in the railing and onto the ground.
Conclusion
Composite decking is truly a pet-friendly decking material. Its slip resistance, durability, ease of cleaning, safety, and non-toxicity make it more pet-friendly and safe.
By choosing higher-quality composite decks according to your needs and keeping your pet’s safety in mind, you can easily create a comfortable environment.