During the planning stage of building your deck, the first thing you'll consider is what kinds of materials to use in its construction. Wood is often the first material that comes to mind. But if you're looking to build a deck that's maintenance-free, yet retains the great, outdoorsy look of wood, look no further than composite decking.
Composite decking material is simply a combination of cast-off wood by-products, like shavings and wood pulp, and recycled plastic or polyethylene. But don't let the words "by-products" or "recycled" fool you; much care and craftsmanship goes into the design of a good composite. Decking made from wood, while beautiful and sturdy, requires a level of upkeep that simply isn't necessary with wood composites.
Composite decking resists decomposition, fading, moisture-seeking fungi and hungry insects. And it does it all by itself - you don't have to lift a finger. What's more, all composite decking responds well to standard woodworking tools. When you use composite decking, the result is an attractive, long-lasting deck that never fails to please.
Different brands of composite decking have different strengths. Some feature a broad array of colors. Others are extra-friendly to bare feet, offering a silky-smooth walking surface. Still others put up a stronger fight against elements like precipitation and sunlight. Spend a few hours with a cup of coffee and a search engine; many of the finer brand names have informative Web sites.
Many composite decking materials were developed with reflective pigments that keep them cool to the touch, even on the hottest days. Most are also splinter-free and skid-free, making them an excellent choice for poolside decks or boat docks. TimberTech's Florizon planking, for instance, is well known for ensuring the authenticity of real wood without the knots or splinters. But TimberTech isn't the only decking brand that's comfy on bare feet; when planning your deck, be sure to spend a lot of time making sure the decking you choose is right for you and your family.
Decks spend all of their time outdoors, and are subject to some of Mother Nature's more unpleasant moods. Procell, for instance, offers composite decking with flax additives that minimize the expansion and contraction that can come about with extremes of heat and cold. Many other decking products feature dense, stain-resistant surfaces that prevent scratching and grain loss.
As a result of all this, the value added to your home by composite decks is much more profound than if the same decks were made of wood; while wood is attractive and durable in its own right, it often requires a greater investment when it comes to upkeep and elbow grease.
Kevin Ott writes on a variety of home improvement topics, including (but not limited to) decking projects and the installation and maintenance of outdoor decks. One of his clients is Sequoia Supply, the premier source of composite decking in the Northeast.
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