What Are the Disadvantages of Composite Decking?
Composite decking has numerous advantages that make it a popular choice for outdoor decking projects. Most notably, it offers superb durability and a long life span. In addition, composite decking requires minimal maintenance and does not require regular staining, sealing, or painting. This is one of the biggest advantages of composite decking.
Unlike traditional wood decking, composite decking is highly resistant to rot and insect damage. This inherent durability ensures that composite decking can withstand harsh weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, and the test of time without warping, splitting, or fading.
So, is there anything wrong with composite decking? Should you really buy it? Here, we will talk about the good and bad of composite decking boards so you can decide if it is the right choice for your backyard.
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Advantages of Composite Decking
More and more people are using composite decking these days. composite decking has many advantages and we can give a long list of them. They are less expensive to maintain than traditional wood decking and do not need to be painted every year.
The color of composite decking boards is determined during the manufacturing process, so there are many colors to choose from. And composite material doesn’t rot, attract bugs, or wear out over time. So it is one of the most durable options available.
Disadvantages of Composite Decking
After learning all about the pros of composite decking, it seems like a good choice. In fact, the problems with composite decking are often caused by low-quality goods, wrong installation methods, or improper use.
Composite decking has strict installation standards
When installing composite decking, there are often more rules to follow than when installing stone, wood, etc. For example, composite decking boards need to be placed in an area with good air circulation and drainage. A good keel or frame must be in place before laying the decking.
In addition, the distance between each support point on the deck must be set as indicated. There must also be enough space where two pieces of decking meet. The considerations listed above are only a small part. We recommend that you read the installation guidelines carefully to avoid problems caused by improper installation.
Composite decking can cause damage
Some composite decking is not very sturdy and may be produced by some low-quality brands using cheap plastic and unreasonable recipes. Don’t forget that it is very important to choose a good composite decking brand.
EVODEK’s composite decking boards use a patented formula that is constantly being developed, and it maximizes the benefits of the composite material. Long-term use will not cause cracking, and it has a 20+ year warranty, so you don’t have to worry about its quality.
It may fade
First, you should know that any material will fade over time. This is not a problem with composite materials. Also, over the next two months, the color of composite decking boards will begin to change. We call this the “color stabilization period”. After that, there will be no major changes in the color of the floor.
Mold or insect infestation
In most cases, composite decking will not become moldy or eaten by moths. The mold growth on composite decking is more due to the accumulation of garbage. When you remove this trash, the mold will also disappear.
But some low-quality composite decking boards have wood fibers that are not properly wrapped in HDPE. These cheap decking boards are prone to mold and are easily damaged by termites and other pests.
Higher initial price
Compared to inexpensive pressure-treated wood decking, composite decking is a bit more expensive to purchase and install. Of course, the low-maintenance benefits of composite decking make up for this disadvantage. The longer you use your outdoor deck, the more you save on maintenance and upkeep costs.
How can I avoid problems with composite decking?
Choose a reputable composite decking brand
In most cases, choosing the right composite decking product is more important than how to maintain it. EVODEK is a fairly well-known company in the industry that manufactures composite decking. It has a standard production line, full production development, quality testing methods, and quality assurance regulations.
Theoretically, EVODEK’s decking products can last 20 years or more. They work well for decks, patios, plazas, and boardwalks, both for large public projects and private areas. A comprehensive quality assurance system takes away your worries.
The right way to install
Please install composite decking in a well-ventilated area and do not use a wood frame that does not provide adequate protection. Moisture damage is a major cause of problems with composite decking boards.
Water and rain can cause damage to the deck if it is not properly sealed. Decking can shift, crack or split due to water damage. Please read the installation guidelines and warnings for decking installation carefully and follow them to the letter. For most brands, if you break the product by not following the installation guidelines, it may void the warranty.
Proper Use and Maintenance
Remember, everything breaks and loses its usefulness over time. The good news is that EVODEK’s high-quality decking has been used outdoors for more than 15 years and has received rave reviews from users around the world.
EVODEK gives you enough professional floor care guides so that you can spend just a little time enjoying the good life that composite decking brings to you in the long run. In addition, if you have any questions, we are happy to help.