Why use composite decking instead of wood
Enjoying life on a comfortable outdoor deck is something that many homeowners want. So decks have become an increasingly popular demand. For a long time, wood decks were the dominant choice for people. However, as technology has evolved and people’s needs have risen. Composite decking has rapidly gained popularity over the past few years. Why use composite decking instead of wood? People are starting to seriously consider the advantages and disadvantages of composite material over traditional wood decking.
Each material has its own unique benefits and characteristics when compared to traditional wood decking. In this article, we’ll compare and contrast the two in detail so homeowners can understand why use composite decking instead of wood.
Table of Contents
Composite decking vs. wood
Wood
Traditional wood, a staple building material of the past, is more affordable and has a traditional, natural aesthetic. Solid wood has undeniable advantages in appearance and price and can bring more beauty to an outdoor space.
However, this comes at a time when decks require more maintenance and upkeep, so they can cost a lot of time and money later on. As lumber decks continue to rise, wood decks are starting to see a decline in usage.
Composite material
This is a new type of decking made from a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastics. It has more advantages and excellent performance. It is more environmentally friendly compared to traditional decks. The use of recycled materials makes it less likely to result in a large number of trees being cut down. Composite materials also come in a wide variety of finishes to choose from. While it doesn’t have the natural look of traditional wood, it still meets the diverse needs of homeowners.
This type of decking has excellent resistance to extreme weather and humidity, so it won’t break or crack easily. It requires less maintenance and upkeep than wood, which can reduce maintenance costs to a certain extent.
Advantages of composite decking
Durability
One main advantage of composite decks being an alternative to wood is their superior durability. Quite unlike wood decking, composite decking is mainly made from a mixture of recycled plastic, wood fibers, and adhesives. This structure is designed to provide better protection against corrosion, insects, and moisture. It ensures that the deck will not experience serious damage with use.
Wood decks are very susceptible to cracking, warping, and rotting, making them unsafe for homeowners to use on a daily basis. However, composite deck boards are the perfect solution to this problem, allowing homeowners to enjoy the outdoors better.
Low maintenance requirements
Another excellent benefit of this new type of deck is its low-maintenance nature. Wood decks require regular staining, maintenance, and sealing to ensure their longevity and performance. Which costs a lot of time and money. In contrast, composite decking requires much less maintenance. All you need is regular cleaning with mild soapy water and a soft brush to keep it looking its best.
In the long run, composite decking can save homeowners more energy and spending money. You don’t need to buy expensive maintenance materials and there is no need for tedious maintenance or replacement.
Versatile appearance
EVODEK offers homeowners a variety of deck styles and colors. Homeowners can choose a more appropriate look based on personal preference and architectural style. composite decks can create the perfect outdoor space, allowing your deck to complement your building.
Some homeowners prefer the grain and finish of traditional wood, believing it creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. But with advances in technology, composite materials have been able to mimic the grain and finish of wood perfectly. Whether it’s a traditional, classic look or a modern, stylish design. There are endless design possibilities to suit the homeowner’s needs.
More environmentally friendly
As we have described above, composite materials are manufactured using a large amount of recycled materials. Minimizing the waste of resources and the cutting down of trees. This minimizes the waste of resources and the cutting down of trees. Therefore Using composite decking instead of wood is a sustainable and environmentally responsible choice.
In addition to reducing the amount of wood cut down and wasted, it also eliminates the need for preservatives and chemical-laden maintenance. This is safe for the environment and for use and minimizes environmental pollution. With the growing concern for sustainability, composite decking is truly an eco-friendly option.
With the growing concern for sustainability, composite decking is truly an eco-friendly option.
Long term costs
In terms of upfront costs, composite decking is much more expensive than traditional wood. However, if you consider the long-term costs, then composite decking is more cost-effective. As we have described above, a composite deck requires very little care and maintenance. It does not require regular staining and sanding, effectively saving time and money on post-maintenance.
Additionally, composite materials have strong and durable properties, ensuring that they last longer than traditional wood. The longevity and performance of composite decking reduce the need for replacement and repairs at a later stage.
Safety
Wood is known to be a flammable material and therefore not a completely safe option. Composite materials have a much better fire resistance and will not ignite easily. However, due to its plastic composition, it may melt due to high temperatures. In addition to this, composite decking is crack and slip-resistant, making it safer for homeowners to use on a daily basis.
Other decking materials
PVC decking
This is an all-plastic deck that provides homeowners with rugged performance and personalized design. Because of its all-plastic composition, it won’t rot, crack, or swell in wet environments. It has excellent fade resistance and longevity.
PVC decking supports personalization and can be bent with heat to achieve a unique curved design. It should be noted, however, that PVC material shrinks or expands more than WPC as temperatures change.
Metal decks
While metal decking is not common, it does make an ideal deck material. It is more durable compared to other materials and is perfectly resistant to mold, extreme weather, and pests. However, this decking is more expensive, but it offers longevity and appearance.
How to design composite decking
If you’ve decided to use composite decking instead of wood, find out how to design a more unique outdoor space.
Outdoor decks with stairs
Decks with stairs can bring more enjoyment to a homeowner’s outdoor living, and they are simple and versatile in design. This design is better suited for larger decks, where the space can be fully utilized to create a clear pathway.
Multiple color combinations
Be bold with your design ideas and choose multiple colors to create contrast in your deck. This can further emphasize your deck design and create a striking atmosphere.
For example, use contrasting warm and cool tones, or mix bright colors with neutrals.
Use intricate patterns
With a wide variety of pattern design options, choosing the right deck pattern idea can make your outdoor space look more unique. From diagonal and diamond shapes to inlay designs. The variety of patterns available for decks can suit a homeowner’s aesthetic style. Intricate patterns can also add more depth and personality to a balcony, but it will require more expense and time.
Summarizing
To summarize, if you are looking to replace your deck or planning to build a brand-new one. Composite decking has more advantages than traditional wood. Its low maintenance needs, style, durability, and greater safety make it a perfect alternative to wood. While composite decks cost more upfront, they are a more cost-effective and smart choice over time.
With a few special design ideas, you can easily have a beautiful, durable, and hassle-free outdoor deck. Using composite decking instead of wood is definitely a suitable choice.