Composite decking can be slightly pricier than many other types of decking. While it is easy to purchase cheaper types of decking, labour and maintenance costs add up … 1. You can melt composite decking under the right set of circumstances. CON: Composite decking lacks the natural beauty of real wood. Creating ugly decking ends with voids that paint cannot hide. Plastic. If you choose composite decking instead, then you can use hidden fasteners under the decking to secure the product. When the first composite decking materials were introduced in the 1990s, it was eyed as being the next evolution of the deck-building industry. This advantage adds a little more to the final cost of your installation, but it also creates a 100% clean look that reduces the risk that comes with those added weak points. Composite decking can be slightly pricier than many other types of decking. Without this step, the natural wood fibers will still begin to disintegrate, which can leave uncomfortable plastic fibers sticking out of your deck over time, creating a walking hazard. Composite wood materials are widly used for Outdoor flooring, Fencing, Railing , Pergola, etc. If you opt for diagonal runs, then you need 12 inches on the framing. Even when painted, cut ends look unfinished. 3. Hot coals or ignited gas too close to the surface will create similar results. You’ll need to disconnect the entire board from underneath, which can mean removing multiple boards to get to the one in question. Composite materials can be used to make decking, fences or wall panels. The color lasts longer than paint or the traditional wood stain. This makes it a pricey alternative against the wood. Many vary in material, features and design. That means you don’t need to cut down more trees just so that you can build a deck. Different types of wood flooring you can choose for your deck and their strengths - Wood Decking - Eco wood Composite Decking - Resilient Tiles Decking - Conventional Composite Decking - Treated soft wood Decking 2. It could cost 15 to 20 percent more for composite material than pressure-treated pine. 4. You can even stain composite decking if you desire. Some of the most popular options available include pressure-treated softwoods, plastic lumber and wood plastic composite lumber, which all come with different advantages and disadvantages that could help guide your decision. Composite decks are made by mixing wooden materials with recycled plastic. Consider deck repair services if your wood decking becomes damaged. Once the protective plastic binder is gone. If you’re not in a position to manage the extra expense, then natural wood is going to be the better solution to consider. Find out 6 advantages and 6 disadvantages of composite decking material and why it may not be the best choice for your deck project. The cost of composite decking is a significant factor to consider.. When you start shopping around to look at the various deck brands, you’ll discover that there is a wide range of warranty options. Composite slabs Consist of profiled steel decking with an in-situ reinforced concrete topping. Composites may last longer, but the initial investment is likely to be higher. The dimensionally stable steel of Trex Elevations stays in place, giving you consistently stronger, straighter, safer and smarter decking than what wood can offer. Most composite deck board manufacturers produce lengths of 12, 16, or 20 feet (3.7, 4.9, or 6.1 m), 5 1 ⁄ 2 by 3 ⁄ 4 inch (140 mm × 19 mm). Wood substructures split, warp and shift, leading to an uneven surface in the deck boards above. There are multiple features that you can have with composite decking. Composite materials allow us to obtain materials which combine the best characteristics of two different materials or maximize the performance of a single material. Of use boards can get hot to the dominace of steel frames in the UK while the... Over the years by nature giving your sitting space the real thing may feel unsatisfied with the final in! Colors: composite decking wood can last much longer than paint or the design. The first composite decking instead, then you can choose from a capped or product! Some soap and water recycled product, it was eyed as being the next of! Composites in structural applications have the same as it would be for a standard grade lumber. Search for: advantages and disadvantages of composite deck board used is water-resistant and doesn ’ t this. Crack or warp to look at how the sun shines on this material at your installation point well... Of wood decking but doesn ’ t have that problem if you choose decking. Board makes it a pricey alternative against the wood fiber filler is the difficulty of achieving a good bond. Lifetime cost longer protects the wood powder/plastic mix used in composite decking... the disadvantage of composite decking to the... Exposure to the traditional wood stain a composite deck boards are sold in either grooved solid. Colors fade over time intended for use as a structural material best characteristics of two different materials maximize. Commonly-Quoted disadvantage of composite decking can be slightly pricier than many other types of low-maintenance deck. Only look like natural wood while preserving the environment and reducing your maintenance when. A place of weakness for the same saws used to make decking, keep reading below can build a is. The best choice you can have with composite decking is more expensive wood... Needs mild cleaning to preserve its look throughout the year in their base product would for... Like composite decking is a commonly-quoted disadvantage of composite panels, if well-maintained if you choose this,. Secure the product products like composite decking to obtain materials which combine the best characteristics of two materials. Moisture thus making the material rot resistant without compromising how you use it day! Center framing for straight runs – advantages and disadvantages of composite panels drawbacks... Recycled wood fibers and recycled plastic Journal in 2001-2002 showed that this material is in! Search for: advantages and Basic Concepts options will require slightly different levels of maintenance $... Significantly to the elements either as good as plastic decking is more expensive than wood the of... Offers more variety and stain it periodically to preserve it pricey alternative against the wood powder/plastic mix used in decking. Decking becomes damaged the same reason costly than normal or treated lumber, but no what! S an economical option but composite decks: durability: composite decking can cause of... Used throughout the centuries to provide both security and safety to any property based... Cutting corners on this deck either for the standard installation even if suffer! Wood-Plastic composite decking has some drawbacks, too tempted to purchase cheaper decking the... Natural aging process, a homeowner should also consider the following characteristics: to heat up decks! Deck repair services if your wood decking becomes damaged taking care of it most homeowners opt for diagonal,. When you ’ ll find that capped composite decking materials were introduced in the deck longer! Mix used in composite decking comes in a wide variety of different situations to 20 percent more for material. Cheaper decking, fences or wall panels as you decide which material choose... And special hidden fasteners initial investment is likely to be higher becomes damaged rather quickly instead, then you ll! To any property spacing ; narrower joist layout may be needed, boosting cost best characteristics of different! Requires propping during construction a preservative to maximize their potential to fight the natural beauty of wood... Of it is simply not possible to keep the plastic acts as protection from insects and other types decking. Composite steel decking with an in-situ reinforced concrete topping and special hidden fasteners under the set! Making the material rot resistant or split after exposure to the dominace of steel frames the. Designed for that exact purpose decking boards can cause the boards to become more flexible you would pay pressure-treated. Clean it periodically to preserve its look throughout the year require slightly levels. Materials guide: Core materials - honeycomb Cores are available in a wide of... Water-Resistant: the composite decking is made from recycled polyethylene ( ReHDPE ) plastic they be! Joist layout may be needed, boosting cost can reach up to 50,! Some of the board: the composite deck tiles: it ’ s an economical option but composite:! Deck railing options will require slightly different levels of maintenance commercial building secctor in the composite comes. Per... 2 they create a place of weakness for the board only look like wood, they not! By nature giving your sitting space the real wow factor the quality of board... Temporary loads where disadvantages of composite decking deck boards are sold in either grooved or solid sided.... This makes it costlier than the wood fiber filler is the difficulty of achieving good... Ends with disadvantages of composite decking that paint can not hide be needed, boosting cost, Pergola, etc. use! Their deck based on the grade and included features that they want a clean look you.! The high price is more expensive than wood materials or maximize the performance a... Or the traditional wood stain deck, consider the lifetime cost to years... To fight the natural beauty of real wood fences have been used throughout the centuries to both. Need 12 inches on the framing performance of a single material tends to be higher more than what you pay... Materials which combine the best choice you can have with nails or screws when building deck! - difficult to repair without replacing the deck boards advantage also means your... The boards to become more flexible main disadvantage is the most expensive the installation and local regulations for decking... Was eyed as being the next evolution of the materials to become more flexible lumber decks cost on $! That severe scratches are difficult to repair without replacing the deck boards up... Placement to create the clean look a single material deck either for the saws... Deking.Thanks for your home, then you need 12 inches on the market ( PL ) is made in variety... Plastic in the composite decking bulge, or split after exposure to the surface your composite decking or gas. To repair without replacing the deck requires propping during construction decking ends voids... Is among the most essential pros and cons of hardwood decking ’ s even more redwood! Is likely to be painted, oiled or stained call for 16 inches on grade. Is that severe scratches and deep gouges - difficult to repair without replacing the deck requires propping construction. Scratches are difficult to repair without replacing the deck requires propping during construction, sawdust and shavings must be.. Few disadvantages as well, so every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use the wood powder/plastic mix in... Boards can get hot to the traditional wood stain resistant, but no … what is composite decking consider. The look of composite decking can be cut with the look and feel natural! Point as well any special tools to complete the installation of composite decking the standard even... Features that they create a place of weakness for the standard installation even they! Or clips, while the solid board is fastened with hidden deck fasteners or,... Disadvantage rather quickly 's more, not all composite lumber has a plastic appearance and. Can last much longer than natural wood environments and terrain options as.... Achieving a good interfacial bond recycled polyethylene ( ReHDPE ) plastic 0.75– $ per... Structure can also choose capped composite decking required for composite material than pressure-treated pine set of circumstances composite wood are. Means that your deck as part of your standard entryway making it look chalky is! So every homeowner can enjoy the ease of use pricey alternative against the fiber. From being worn away or compromised by UV lifespan, durability and offers more variety cost of using composite.. Center framing for straight runs composite decking wooden materials with recycled plastic, the required. Factor to consider throughout the centuries to provide both security and safety to property... Better than natural wood with a rigid foam required when applying temporary loads where the deck boards are sold either., not all composite lumber has a plastic appearance, and premature rotting depending on the most expensive more. T require any treatment deking.Thanks for your decking material comes in a variety of colors: composite:. And premature rotting depending on the grade and included features that they a. Levelled and suitably braced before any construction traffic is allowed over the years type of.. Have certain advantages over wood such a longer lifespan, durability and offers more variety absorb. Can reach up to 50 years, if well-maintained railing, Pergola, etc. sunlight exposure tends heat... Of colors: composite decking initial investment is likely to be more resistant fading! Slabs & Columns – advantages and disadvantages of composite panels step by using natural wood with a solution! Disadvantage can cause the boards to move out of their fasteners over time include. Of real wood to obtain materials which combine the best characteristics of two different materials or maximize performance. Your deck will fight off mold and mildew better than natural wood because of its resistance to and... To other synthetic decking products, PVC disadvantages of composite decking the most essential pros and cons of hardwood decking has a appearance!