Composite decking is a building product manufactured from recycled wood fibers and plastic. While real wood is still the go-to material when it comes to building decks on homes, the following are 5 advantages to having a composite wood deck instead.
1. Durable
Whether you want a deck to host big parties, enjoy with family, or spend time with a loved one, you want the material it is built from to be durable. Otherwise, it will sustain significant damage that can make it took bad and alter its structural integrity.
Decks made of composite wood are popular because the planks used are extremely durable. While decks made of real wood will warp, crack, and rot, composite wood will stay intact. Composite decks are also not susceptible to pests such as termites and carpenter ants that can ruin a deck if not addressed in a timely manner. As a result, you can build your deck knowing there is little that will harm it and you will get decades of use out of it.
2. Appearance
A nice-looking deck attached to your home gives a great deal of curb appeal and class to the house. It is for this reason that many homeowners are choosing decks made of composite wood as opposed to real wood or vinyl.
While composite wood is not made of real wood, it can feature many different grains, giving off the appearance of cedar or redwood. The composite wood is available in many different colours such as dark brown, light brown, grey, and red. Coupled with railings, stairs, and gates designed especially for composite wood, you are guaranteed to have the deck of your dreams.
3. Safe
In addition to wanting a deck that meets your needs and looks great, you obviously want to guarantee that it is safe. Otherwise, people and pets that use it risk injury and, in extreme cases, death.
As stated, composite decking is resistant to pests and rotting that can alter the structural integrity of the deck significantly. This is because these factors can affect the planks and support beams that guarantee the safety of the deck. Materials used in the construction of composite decks are also splinter-free which is especially important if there are small children and pets in the vicinity. Real wood can become slippery due to rain, snow, and algae, causing injury to many people. Composite decks are slip-resistant, guaranteeing the safety of everyone who is using it.
4. Cost
The cost of a wood deck can be expensive. In addition to materials and labour having one built, you need to wash and sealing it every few years so it will maintain its great appearance.
Admittedly, composite wood to build decks with is more expensive up front. However, you do not have to seal composite wood as it is resistant to moisture and will not fade from the sun. You can also save on labour costs to build a deck if you are handy enough to take on the job yourself. This is due to the composite planks being pre-manufactured and therefore easier to work with and assemble.
5. Low maintenance
If you have a wood deck, chances are you have spent a lot of time sanding, staining, sealing, and cleaning it. This can cost a lot of money for materials and take you away from other jobs or things you enjoy.
Because composite decking is made from wood fibres and plastic, it does not require as much maintenance as a real wood deck. It does not require staining, painting, or sealing to maintain its great appearance and all it takes is a sweep and a soap and water cleaning every so often.
