What Are the Different Types of Composite Decking?
Decking is an important part of connecting indoor and outdoor areas. Composite decking blends the good looks of wood with the better performance of man-made materials. Its different types can be used in a wide range of places, from private backyards to high-end business areas.
Among these, capped composite decking is the most popular. Uncapped composite materials have a longer history. Additionally, there are solid and hollow types of composite decking. This article will talk about the different kinds of composite decking and what makes them unique. It will help you make a professional and useful choice.
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Table of Contents
What is Composite Decking?
Composite decking originated in the 1990s. It was first made to solve problems with standard wood, like how easy it is to rot and how much it costs to maintain. Different kinds of composite decking are now available. They are made from wood fibers and materials that can be recycled. As materials and production methods have improved, so have the decking options. Its benefits in terms of success have also grown stronger.
- Durability: Composite deck boards can last between 25 and 30 years. It doesn’t fade or get damaged by UV rays, water, bugs, or mold.
- Minimal Maintenance: Composite decks usually only need to be cleaned with soapy water every so often to keep their look. This cuts down on long-term upkeep work and costs by a large amount.
- Versatile Aesthetics: Composite wood decking perfectly copies the grain patterns and colors of different types of natural wood. It goes well with any style of architecture.
- Safety Performance: Cracking and splintering are not possible with composite decks, which makes outdoor activities much safer.
Learn More: What is Composite Decking?
Composite Decking with Different Structures
The distinction between composite decking types primarily lies in their internal structures. Different structural designs directly impact performance, installation methods, and suitable applications.
Solid Composite Decking
Solid composite decking has a structure that is completely dense on the inside, with no holes or openings. Some of its main benefits are:
- High Load-bearing Capacity: Solid composite decks can hold heavy outdoor furniture and hot tubs.
- Impact Resistance: The solid structure minimizes damage from falling heavy objects.
- Steady Walking Feel: Solid composite decking feels like solid wood under your feet and makes less noise.
However, its drawbacks are also evident, such as:
- Heavyweight: Requires more labor and equipment for transportation and installation.
- Higher Cost: Increased material usage drives up pricing.
- Noticeable Expansion: Solid composite decking expands and contracts more, so expansion joints need to be bigger.
As a result, solid composite decking is often used in commercial areas and neighborhoods with a lot of foot traffic. It also works better in places where heavy tools can be used.
Hollow Composite Decking
Hollow composite decking features a regular honeycomb within its structure. This cuts down on the use of materials and has the following benefits:
- Lightweight: Hollow composite decking weighs 30 to 50 percent less than solid boards, which makes installation a lot easier.
- Cost-effectiveness: The prices of materials are much lower, which makes them a great choice for jobs that need to stay within a budget.
- Easy Installation: Especially good for DIY jobs and places that don’t need to hold much weight, like rooftop decks.
- Thermal Insulation: The air layer within the hollow composite decking also provides some insulation.
However, this structure also has some drawbacks:
- Limited Load-bearing Capacity: Not suitable for placing extremely heavy items.
- Potential Noise Issues: Hollow structure may resonate under specific conditions.
- Vulnerable Edges: Requires careful handling and installation.
Generally, Hollow composite decking is mostly used in family homes, especially for people who are trying to save money.
Learn More: What Is the Difference Between Hollow and Solid Composite Decking?
Composite Decks with Different Surface Treatments
Different surface techniques are also important for determining how well the composite deck works. Composite deck boards can be broken down into two groups based on the surface: capped composite decking and uncapped composite decking. The price and longevity of these types are very different.
Uncapped Composite Decking
When it comes to composite deck materials, uncapped composite decking is the oldest type. The surface doesn’t have an extra layer of protection. The following things can be said about it:
- It looks and feels the most like real wood, with its warm color and natural grain patterns.
- Moderate density and weight, facilitating easy processing and installation.
- More resistant to rot, insects, and moisture than solid wood.
- Relatively high thermal expansion coefficient, making it sensitive to temperature changes.
But uncapped composite decking is more likely to fade when it’s exposed to UV light. Its surface is porous, so stains may soak in. Because of this, it is usually used in residential places with light traffic, like on balconies and backyards.
Capped Composite Decking
Comparing capped composite decking to uncapped composite decking is a big step up. A polymer protective shell is put on top of the core material using co-extrusion technology. This improves performance in the following ways:
- UV Protection: The capped composite decking surface stops most UV rays, which makes fading happen much later.
- Stain Resistance: The dense surface repels stains and facilitates easy cleaning.
- Scratch Resistance: The polymer protective layer enhances surface durability, minimizing scratches.
- Moisture and Water Resistance: The protective layer stops moisture from getting in, which stops the material from expanding and deforming.
As a result, capped composite decking is the most popular type of composite deck on the market right now. It strikes a good mix between price, performance, and looks, which makes it a very good value.
Learn More: What Exactly Is Capped Composite Decking?
Composite Decking with Different Edges
Composite wood decking also comes with two different edge styles that affect how it is installed and how it looks.
Grooved Composite Decking
Grooved composite decking is the mainstream choice in the market. On both sides of its planks are special grooves that are meant to fit a secret fastening system. The following benefits come with this way of fastening:
- Clean Appearance: The edge grooves and specialized clips achieve a seamless look with no visible screws.
- Drainage and Ventilation: The grooves make it easier for water to run off and let air flow under the decks.
- Modern Aesthetics: The clean lines align with contemporary minimalist design trends.
However, the drawback is a slightly higher installation system cost. Homeowners must purchase specialized hidden fasteners, increasing the overall expense.
Square-Edged Composite Decking
Square-edged composite decking is installed in the same manner as traditional wooden decking. It utilizes conventional screws for fastening, offering a straightforward and simple installation process. The advantages of this installation method include:
- High Flexibility: Supports multiple fastening methods and pattern designs.
- Easy Replacement: Individual board replacement does not affect the overall structure.
- Low Cost: Requires no specialized fastening systems, resulting in lower installation expenses.
Another problem is that it might make the deck look worse overall because the screw heads will be visible.
How to Choose the Most Suitable Composite Deck Type?
Different composite deck types each offer distinct advantages. When making your selection, consider the following factors:
- Climate Conditions: Choose light-colored capped composite decks for places that get a lot of sun. It is much more resistant to UV light. In places that get a lot of rain or humidity, you should also choose areas that are textured and don’t slip easily.
- Usage Scenario: Solid composite decking is best for places that get a lot of foot traffic. For rooftop decks, hollow composite decking is a good choice because it is lighter and easier to install.
- Aesthetic Preferences: If you want a traditional style, you might want to look into uncapped composite decking. It has a color and feel more like real wood. Grooved composite decking with a hidden installation system is a good choice for modern, minimalist styles.
- Budget: Most of the time, hollow composite decking is a lot cheaper than solid composite decking. Also, uncapped composite decking costs less than capped composite decking.
Conclusion
Composite decks can meet the wants of people with different budgets, tastes, and needs. Now that you know about the different kinds of composite decks, you can choose the one that meets your needs the best. Feel free to get in touch with us if you want to know more. You can find a lot of different kinds of composite decking from EVODEK.
FAQ
Is Composite Decking More Durable than Solid Wood Decking?
Yes. Composite deck boards last a lot longer than solid wood decks. Common problems with solid wood include breaking, warping, and rotting. This material doesn’t have these problems and also doesn’t fade as easily. Pressure-treated wood only lasts 10 to 15 years, but high-quality composite deck materials last 25 to 30 years.
Is Composite Decking Environmentally Friendly?
Modern composite wood decking offers multiple environmental advantages, primarily:
- Incorporates significant recycled materials.
- Reduces logging of virgin forests.
- An extended lifespan minimizes replacement frequency and waste.
- Requires no chemical sealants, stains, or similar products after installation.
How Should Composite Decking be Selected and Used in Cold Regions?
Composite deck materials perform well in cold climates, but note:
- Select capped composite decking with superior waterproofing.
- Ensure proper drainage to prevent freeze-thaw cycle damage.
- Use plastic snow shovels to avoid surface scratches from metal tools.
- Choose de-icing agents safe for composite decking.
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