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2012年9月1日 星期六

Composite Decking Boards Create A Natural Alternative To Wood


For the home owner who is considering a new deck, yet wants to save on the cost, but wants the look, feel, and quality of real wood, the option to go with composite decking boards is one for them to consider. Although there are various options and companies to choose from when you select this option, as a home owner you must put in the time and effort to find the top provider, so that you get the quality, the look, the best material, and the lowest price when you do choose the composite decking boards to install in to your home's deck.

With hardwood, you are going to find the most luxurious look and design. But, with that luxury also attracts an exceptionally high price, not only for installation, but also for the maintenance of those decks. So, for the home owner that wants to have that look, the great quality, and the style which the hardwood gives off, but does not want to pay the high price, or have to deal with the maintenance (pressure washers or hiring a professional to do the work), the option to go with composite decking boards is one to consider for your home's deck space.

When you do decide to go with this option, as a home owner you must put in the time and effort to compare decking companies which sell composite decking boards. Not only to ensure you get the quality boards, but also to ensure the perfect installation when they are placed in your outdoor space. When you choose the company and installers, you have to make sure they offer a guarantee as far as price, and as far as quality, to ensure the decking will not begin to warp, mold, or have issues after a few months' time that it is in your home.

It is possible to get great quality composite decking boards, and the great look and feel of hardwoods, as long as you know where to buy the decking from, and which service provider to hire for the installation of that decking in your home's outdoor space. By comparing a few providers, the material of the decking, the strength and durability, and the overall product quality, prior to making the purchase decision, as a home owner you will be able to have the look and style you want, without the high cost hardwoods are going to run you.

Although some home owners complain about composite decking boards, as long as you choose the right company to purchase from, the best installers, and as long as you take the time to research all suppliers for composite decking boards prior to purchase, you can be rest assured you will get what you seek for your home. From the look and feel, to the quality and style, it is possible to get what you want, for a price you can afford as a home owner, if you choose to go with the right suppliers when purchasing composite decking boards.




Visit our website for more information on Composite decking boards





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2012年8月27日 星期一

Not All Composite Deck Boards Are Created Equal


Composite deck boards are the latest in permanent outdoor deck construction for the home. At one time considered maintenance-free, these newfangled building materials have been considered environmentally friendly. However, some types of composite decking are anything but permanent, or maintenance free.

For years, the most popular wood used in constructing outdoor decks has been redwood. However, most redwoods in the Western United States are literally hundreds of years old. The constant harvesting of these ancient trees has led to an environmental awakening. The redwood forests of America are being depleted at an alarming rate. Despite desperate attempts at replanting, it will take centuries to replace what has already been lost to the lumber industry. What has attempted to fill this void has been composite decking materials. However, not all composite decks are created equal.

Composite deck boards are made to mimic the look of natural wood. Made mostly of plastic resin, like a fiberglass, they have not stood up to the test of time. The argument for composite decking has always been that wood is high maintenance and subject to eventual decay. However, low quality composite deck boards have shown to be much less durable than wood. These plastic pieces of imitation lumber have been subject to fading, chipping and breaking. Unlike wood, composite material cannot be sanded or painted. Chemical cleaners are often used that contribute to the fading and they may actually contribute to weakening the boards themselves.

There are several forms of composite decking. The best has been found to be virgin vinyl. This type of composite decking does not contain wood pulp, as many vinyl decking products do. Virgin vinyl has been found to retain its resiliency and strength. This form of composite lumber mimics the look of wood better than any other product on the market today.




There are several choices for decking boards that can imitate wood. However, the quality and materials vary greatly. For the consumer, diligent research may be necessary. Especially, since the hope with outdoor composite deck boards is that they last as long as possible.





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2012年7月7日 星期六

How To Select Decking Or Boards That Last Longer In Harsh Environments - The Facts You Need To See


The Negative Effect Of Abrasion On Your Maintenance Bills?

The abrasion of construction materials used in marine facilities is a fact of life given the harsh conditions they are exposed to.? Abrasion is caused by the constant assault of sand and pebbles caused by wind and tide and, in some cases, constant use by humans or machines.

The inevitable result is an unwanted investment in the maintenance, or replacement, of the boards installed in marine facilities. With money increasingly scarce for maintenance projects, this takes valuable resources away from new projects that add value to your real estate.

Material abrasion may also be very uneven, which can make it very difficult to plan maintenance schedules.?

What information, therefore, is available to let you compare the resistance to abrasion of hardwood which is the predominant material in marinas, with its alternatives?

Not much!

Most of the comparisons you get are not based on hard data, and you may be a bit sceptical about the claims made by some raw material providers about the resistance to abrasion of their products.

This article gives you an accurate comparison of the resistance to abrasion between Greenheart timber and recycled plastic, and gets you a step closer to making the right decisions that reduce the whole life costs of your marine or building facilities.

Cranfield University Study Shows Higher Abrasion Resistance In Recycled Plastic Boards Compared To Hardwood

Some tests were done by Cranfield University comparing the resistance to abrasion for hardwood and recycled plastic boards. The tests equate to a minimum time in service of at least 20 years in extreme conditions.

For the tests, six 28 mm cubic samples were made from 28 mm thick recycled plastic decking and six samples of the same size were cut from Greenheart (hardwood) timber at room moisture content. All the samples were soaked in water until their weights were constant.

Each set of samples was placed in one of two cylindrical wire baskets of a polished stone test apparatus with an equal weight of 20 mm single-sized aggregate. The baskets were immersed in a water-filled bath with sand that could penetrate into the basket and have an abrasive effect on the samples in conjunction with the aggregate. The tests run at the same time for 50 hours, and the weights of each sample measured both before and after abrasion.

For the full results of the tests, please contact the author. What the results showed was an 8% loss of Greenheart timber with a corresponding loss of 0.98% for recycled plastic, when the same volume of material was subjected to the same duration and severity of abrasion. The ratio of timber abrasion to recycled plastic abrasion in this wet environment is 8.2.

Recycled Plastic wears 8x Less Than Greenheart Timber

These tests provide an excellent snapshot of what would happen if you installed hardwood timber or recycled industrial plastic decking in extreme environments. Greenheart timber is amongst the hardest hardwoods you can get, and far harder than any timbers used in decking. So imagine the effect on other timber varieties.

The whole life costs of your marine facilities will be affected by the resistance to wear and tear over time. In order to ensure your marine infrastructure maintains safety standards and is fit for purpose, you will need to spend more on maintenance, or replacement, if you installed hardwood as opposed to recycled plastic.

Until now, most information provided about the various construction materials for marine facilities has excluded data on their performance in extreme conditions. The results of the tests make it clear that you will incur maintenance or replacement costs much sooner if you install hardwood in marine facilities instead of recycled plastic.

What Else, Other Than Abrasion, Should You Be Looking At?

Resistance to abrasion is one of many factors you need to consider when buying materials for pontoons and marinas. It has a huge impact on whole life costs, with a higher resistance to abrasion extending the time before essential maintenance or replacement has to take place. This in turn will help you save money and give you peace of mind as your marine facilities are fit for purpose for a longer period of time.

Other things to think about are:

Product sustainability and environmental impact
Sustainability is becoming a big issue. The Marine Coastal and Access Act 2009 focuses on the sustainable development of marine infrastructures, and a lot of the debate here will inevitably focus on the sources of raw materials.
The deforestation of known hardwood reserves, and their inadequate replenishment, means that marine professionals need to think carefully about the alternatives to hardwood. Recycled plastic now has favourable cost comparisons, and added benefits that help in the sustainable development of marine infrastructure.
The oil-based polyesters used to bind the components in composite materials together require setting agents. These agents give off greenhouse gases and, therefore, have a negative environmental impact. The composites themselves need a lot of energy to produce as well, which is a factor that increasingly will need to be addressed.
Finally, fully recycled industrial plastic is the only product that completes the virtuous cycle. The feedstock is 100% recycled plastic that is manufactured without producing greenhouse gases. It has a long life in use, and at the end of its life can be taken back by the manufacturer and re-manufactured into new products. This has a positive impact on sustainability which is within the goals contained in forthcoming legislation.

Ease of installation

Tongue and groove boards need fixing once, and only once. The tongue and groove alignment also supports the boards very effectively. With square-edged boards, you need a fixing at every point of contact with the bearer which makes installation more difficult.

To summarise, anyone considering installing any type of decking or boards in extreme or wildly fluctuating environmental conditions should think about lower whole life costs offered by fully recycled industrial plastic. Its greater resistance to abrasion, and the fact that it remains fit for purpose for a much longer period of time, means that it offers better value to marine and construction professionals. For case studies that support the information in this article, please contact the author.




David Croucher is the Managing Director of Plasti Limited, providers of fully recycled industrial plastic products in the marine, building and civil engineering sectors. Plasti products are manufactured using feedstock from approved sources. They are also extremely safe, have very long lives, are environmentally friendly and require zero or low maintenance. This means they have excellent whole life costs when compared to hardwood and composite alternatives.

David's expertise in the specification and design of marine, building and civil infrastructures is recognised within the marine and construction industry. His technical advice and input into projects is highly valued, which is a result of his great experience as a senior procurement leader in complex, global organisations.

For more information about Plasti Limited, please visit http://www.plasti.co.uk.





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2012年6月21日 星期四

Decking Boards - The Ground Floor to Outdoor Living


Outdoor patio decks are great assets to any home during the warm days of spring, and the hot days of summer. However, they can be more of a chore than a benefit for some. Usually, the outdoor decks that are made of wood can deteriorate if not treated at least annually.

This is because wood has a tendency to rot, warp, crack and twist. Some newer solutions can cut down on the time required to maintain an outdoor deck. Decking boards are made of several different types of materials. Untreated wood, pressure treated wood and composite are among the most popular. For those who are planning on building a new deck, the choices can be confusing.

Traditional decking boards that were made of wood, usually had to be painted and then waterproofed. These were generally redwood boards that were sold untreated from lumber yards. They required a bit of carpentry skill to fashion correctly. Many forms of decking boards today are prefabricated and sized for a more user-friendly installation. These boards are typically made of pressure treated wood, composite or vinyl. There are even cedar wood boards that are pretreated and sized as well.

The outdoors decks and patios of today are much more sophisticated than they were in years past. However, some of the newer materials can become problematic over time. Composite materials were designed to be lower maintenance, but have turned out to require much more care than some wood based decks might.

This is because they have a tendency to fade and actually weaken over time. Pressure treated wood often takes on an artificial appearance that can be the source great disappointment for some homeowners who have used it. Vinyl is rapidly becoming a popular choice due to its ability to mimic the look of wood and for its high strength and durability.




Decking boards are taking on a more modern and environmentally friendly tone. Today's materials are much easier to install and some require very little maintenance. However, consumers would be wise to do their research in finding the most cost effective decking board materials that are high in quality, and aesthetically appealing.





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2012年5月20日 星期日

Not All Composite Deck Boards Are Created Equal


Composite deck boards are the latest in permanent outdoor deck construction for the home. At one time considered maintenance-free, these newfangled building materials have been considered environmentally friendly. However, some types of composite decking are anything but permanent, or maintenance free.

For years, the most popular wood used in constructing outdoor decks has been redwood. However, most redwoods in the Western United States are literally hundreds of years old. The constant harvesting of these ancient trees has led to an environmental awakening. The redwood forests of America are being depleted at an alarming rate. Despite desperate attempts at replanting, it will take centuries to replace what has already been lost to the lumber industry. What has attempted to fill this void has been composite decking materials. However, not all composite decks are created equal.

Composite deck boards are made to mimic the look of natural wood. Made mostly of plastic resin, like a fiberglass, they have not stood up to the test of time. The argument for composite decking has always been that wood is high maintenance and subject to eventual decay. However, low quality composite deck boards have shown to be much less durable than wood. These plastic pieces of imitation lumber have been subject to fading, chipping and breaking. Unlike wood, composite material cannot be sanded or painted. Chemical cleaners are often used that contribute to the fading and they may actually contribute to weakening the boards themselves.

There are several forms of composite decking. The best has been found to be virgin vinyl. This type of composite decking does not contain wood pulp, as many vinyl decking products do. Virgin vinyl has been found to retain its resiliency and strength. This form of composite lumber mimics the look of wood better than any other product on the market today.




There are several choices for decking boards that can imitate wood. However, the quality and materials vary greatly. For the consumer, diligent research may be necessary. Especially, since the hope with outdoor composite deck boards is that they last as long as possible.





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2012年5月9日 星期三

Composite Decking Boards Create A Natural Alternative To Wood


For the home owner who is considering a new deck, yet wants to save on the cost, but wants the look, feel, and quality of real wood, the option to go with composite decking boards is one for them to consider. Although there are various options and companies to choose from when you select this option, as a home owner you must put in the time and effort to find the top provider, so that you get the quality, the look, the best material, and the lowest price when you do choose the composite decking boards to install in to your home's deck.

With hardwood, you are going to find the most luxurious look and design. But, with that luxury also attracts an exceptionally high price, not only for installation, but also for the maintenance of those decks. So, for the home owner that wants to have that look, the great quality, and the style which the hardwood gives off, but does not want to pay the high price, or have to deal with the maintenance (pressure washers or hiring a professional to do the work), the option to go with composite decking boards is one to consider for your home's deck space.

When you do decide to go with this option, as a home owner you must put in the time and effort to compare decking companies which sell composite decking boards. Not only to ensure you get the quality boards, but also to ensure the perfect installation when they are placed in your outdoor space. When you choose the company and installers, you have to make sure they offer a guarantee as far as price, and as far as quality, to ensure the decking will not begin to warp, mold, or have issues after a few months' time that it is in your home.

It is possible to get great quality composite decking boards, and the great look and feel of hardwoods, as long as you know where to buy the decking from, and which service provider to hire for the installation of that decking in your home's outdoor space. By comparing a few providers, the material of the decking, the strength and durability, and the overall product quality, prior to making the purchase decision, as a home owner you will be able to have the look and style you want, without the high cost hardwoods are going to run you.

Although some home owners complain about composite decking boards, as long as you choose the right company to purchase from, the best installers, and as long as you take the time to research all suppliers for composite decking boards prior to purchase, you can be rest assured you will get what you seek for your home. From the look and feel, to the quality and style, it is possible to get what you want, for a price you can afford as a home owner, if you choose to go with the right suppliers when purchasing composite decking boards.




Visit our website for more information on Composite decking boards





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2012年3月8日 星期四

Deck Boards - What to Look For


At some point, most homeowners will invest in and build a deck or outdoor area. However, there are so many different types of deck boards available that it can become overwhelming. Picking the right material is an important part of the decking process for several reasons. The boards you select will determine how long the deck will last, whether you will have to treat the deck for insects, mold or fungus, if it will need to be built away from direct sun exposure, and the aesthetics and strength of the deck. Let's examine the different materials and what to look for.

The most common deck boards are pressure treated wood boards. This is also the least expensive but the lifespan for this material is only 5-10 years depending upon the environment. Pressure treated lumber also emit some nasty outgases of chemicals to living creatures and its surroundings. Due to the deeply degraded look of aged pressure treated decking, the likelihood of replacement in 10 years is high. In the long run, the cost factor does go up as labor and materials will have to be replaced, creating more work and materials at a future date.

A growing industry is the composite decking and PVC decking industry. The composite decking industry is a fairly new industry and is a mix of plastic and wood dust. The problem with this is the durability and strength deteriorates over time. It is because of the lack of structural integrity that joists cannot be made of composite. The increase in lawsuits and bankruptcy of different composite companies is a telltale sign of problems to come.

PVC decking has similar problems. Made of Polyvinyl Chloride, PVC decking is just manufactured plastic with toxic byproducts. Dioxin (potent carcinogen), ethylene dichloride and vinyl chloride are made in the production of PVC and causes health problems. Some documented problems of PVC plastic are neurological damage, birth defects, impaired child development, endocrine disruption, endometriosis, immune system damage, reproductive damage and cancer. In fact, this is one reason why Target is phasing out the use of this plastic material. There is a lot of good information out there on the hazards to you and your environment.

Exotic decking is also a growing industry and one that is sustainable. Unfortunately, this industry has a bad rap in the last few years for forest destruction. The truth is that, in reality, sustainable forestry can be an asset to forests as it creates a demand for trees. If you research the actual cause of forest depletion than you will find that cattle grazing and agricultural cash cropping are 90% of the cause. These uses destroy the soil for future tree growth where trees being logged can be replaced and if managed properly can help surrounding trees grow faster with access to sunlight and room for growth. This recent stir of accountability has increased associations such as FSC, Green Peace and Smartwood to form. Various government agencies are also working with lumber companies. The Brazilian agency IBAMA and our own government are creating laws such as the Lacey Act to regulate where the lumber comes from and verifying it is from a managed forest. These efforts prevent the illegal harvesting of hardwoods like ipe decking.

Now if you consider species such as Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood and Garapa you will realize you can have the best of both worlds. These species are absolutely beautiful and the density of these deck boards is very high. They are naturally repellant to insects, mold, fungus and rot. No insect repellant sprays are needed. And you can have peace of mind knowing that you won't need to replace your deck in 5 years. Choosing hardwoods like ipe decking is a no-brainer because the alternatives we create are not better nor are they as eco-friendly.




Learn more about Ipe Decking and other eco-friendly wood options. Rosi Lehr is a hardwood decking expert.





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2012年3月2日 星期五

Cedar Makes the Best Decking Boards With No Cracks


The outdoor deck is a popular feature that is part of many homes today. For those who are contemplating building one, there are several materials to choose from. The materials gaining popularity have been pressure treated wood, composite and cedar. Since most homeowners build their decks to be permanent parts of their homes, durability is usually the biggest consideration coupled with price. Therefore, quality materials that are affordable take precedence. Cedar deck boards have risen above the rest in these areas.

In the past wooden decks were made of redwood. However, redwood is rapidly becoming an endangered species due to the depletion of the redwood forests in America. What redwood is available for sale has become very expensive. Lately, imitation wood has arrived in the marketplace with a vengeance. However, many who have built deck using composite deck boards have found them to be inferior and withstanding the test of time. Composite boards are made of plastic resin that is like fiberglass. Pressure treated wood has done well in the deck outdoor building market, but can look a bit fake. Cedar deck boards provide the best natural wood appeal of any deck building material aside from redwood.

Cedar decking boards have enjoyed high praise from many who have used them to construct their outdoor decks. Not only have they proven a durable material, cedar has maintained its deep wood grain look for years. With a small amount of maintenance, cedar can last for years in the elements. Cedar decking boards are taken from the heart of the cedar tree. This particular species of wood is moisture resistant and usually will not crack and twist like other types of wood can.




Cedar deck boards are also very reasonably priced materials. Comparably, they are ranked as one of the best materials to use for building outdoor decks overall. Cedar decking boards deep dark wood grain appearance is very attractive and provides a nice accent to just about any home.





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2012年2月6日 星期一

Maintaining WPC Decking Boards


WPC decking boards, aside from being environmentally friendly, promise you relatively minimal cleaning requirements, compared to all-timber materials. Composites really do not need heavy maintenance procedures; however, they need to be regularly cleaned with usual housekeeping methods for them to last long. Take extra care of them to keep them looking good and to make them more durable. Here are some measures you should take to maximize the use of your composite boards.

In most types of surroundings and situations, regular sweeping or mopping of the boards would be enough. If you wish, though, you can scrub it gently with the use a homemade solution of warm water and soap.

Mold and mildew are among the worst enemies of your WPC decking boards. Your boards should be installed in such a way that they have enough space for ventilation. You should also not allow damp leaves and other moist substances build up on your deck. Be meticulous about the part of your deck that is in a shaded area. Make sure it is not left damp at any time. At the first sight of mold and mildew, treat your boards with a mold removing solution that does not require any scrubbing. You may also use Intergrain Reviva or any similar cleaning product that has a non-bleaching formula.

During the first couple of months or so, your boards would seem to be exhibiting water stains. If you do not want to wait until it settles down, you can scrub the deck with a non-bleaching cleaner. Being a recycled product, WPC decking boards normally change its color by more or less 10%.

If you plan to have barbecue parties on your deck, protect your composite boards by placing a flame-resistant mat on the area where you will be grilling. The feet of the grill, the hot coals and, of course, the grease from the meat and oil can cause scratches, burns and oil stains on your composite boards. If oil stains do happen, clean them up as soon as possible, since the longer the stain sits, the deeper it sets in the composite material. Wipe them off with an absorbent cloth right away and apply a degreaser, following the product instructions. You should follow this up by cleaning with a soap and warm water solution.

You can easily remove scratches with light sanding, but you should remember to follow the grain of the wood. To keep your boards from having scratches, avoid dragging your patio furniture or any item, particularly heavy ones, on your deck. You should also refrain from using pointed objects when cleaning.

If, however, you find that your boards have some stains and scratches that may be hard to remove, do not apply harsh chemicals or scrub heavily. Call the supplier or manufacturer of your WPC decking boards and ask their recommendation for product-specific stain and scratch removal.




WPC decking boards by Decker are totally made of environmentally friendly materials - recycled wood fibers and chips and reclaimed plastics. Browse the site for their product catalog and more information about sustainable timber alternatives that are easy to maintain and competitively priced.





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2012年1月8日 星期日

The Slip Resistance Of Marine Decking Boards - What You Need To Know And What You Can Do About It


Slip Resistance Of Marine Decking Boards - The Figures You Need To See Before Buying Any Decking

As you know, one of the biggest headaches you face is the need to deal with more stringent health and safety requirements related to the public walkways in your marine facility.

The safety of marina staff, boat crews and visitors means the materials chosen for marine facilities have to pass stiff British Standard (or equivalent) slip resistance requirements and be fit for purpose.

"Choosing the cheapest products may mean you compromise the safety of staff, crew and visitors - and pay for it in increased premiums, more accidents or more frequent maintenance"

The choice you make for the type of materials used in your marine facilities is, therefore, very important. You have to find products that conform to British Standards requirements, don't bust your budget, fit in with the character of your marine facility, are environmentally friendly and, more importantly, require as little maintenance as possible.

You also have various decking providers telling you their products pass BS 7976 slip resistance standards. How do you compare the various products? And more importantly, if you decide to choose a product with a lower slip resistance because you think it is cheaper to install, do you know what the maintenance costs are compared to alternative products?

So, slip resistance is important, but you need some facts to help you purchase the best decking available.

Cranfield University Study Shows Improved Slip Resistance In Recycled Plastic Boards Compared To Hardwood

Tests have been carried out at Cranfield University in the UK comparing hardwood and recycled plastic boards. For more details of the tests, please contact the author.

This comparison was done according to BS 7976 / BS 812 (UK Department of Transport - TRRL) criteria, where the minimum slip resistance is 40 for a pedestrian area.

Here are the mean values for dry and wet slip resistance of fully recycled industrial plastic and three comparative samples of square-edged profiled surfaced hardwood, followed by the slip resistance recommendations according to British Standards guidelines:

Fully recycled industrial plastic decking


Mean dry longitudinal = 116
Mean dry transverse = 80
Mean wet longitudinal = 52
Mean wet transverse = 61

Grooved hardwood marine decking


Mean dry longitudinal = 47
Mean dry transverse = 57
Mean wet longitudinal = 19
Mean wet transverse = 35

BS 7976 recommendations for pedestrian area


Dangerous: 24 and below
Marginal: 25 - 34
Satisfactory: 35 - 64
Excellent: 65 and above

So what?

"How is this relevant to me?" you might ask. Well, these tests show that even though hardwoods remain a popular choice for marine decking, fully recycled industrial plastic has more comprehensive slip resistance which you should seriously consider. This is especially so if you want to pass health and safety requirements regarding slip resistance.

The knock on effect of this is that should anything happen, and someone makes a complaint, you will have to let the relevant authorities know whether your choice of material for decking is fit for purpose and, if not, why? It is as simple as that! Will that make you sleep any easier?

The fact that almost all hardwood slip resistance tests did not exceed the minimum of 40 for a pedestrian area means you it is certainly worth looking at alternative products for decking.

Now that you have got some slip resistance figures, what else do you need to consider before purchasing new / replacement boards for decking?

What Else, Other Than Slip Resistance, Do You Need To Think About?

The whole point about this article is to get you thinking more about the risks associated with installing boards that have a poor slip resistance, and to consider the alternatives to hardwood decking. The wide range of options on the market does not make it any easier for you. In fact, choice can be a pain sometimes as there are so many things to then think about.

Four further questions to start thinking about then, other than slip resistance, are:

What is the whole life cost of the boards you want to buy?


If you have to continually repair or maintain the decking you install, the costs do add up. Annoyingly, the money spent fixing problems which are a result of products that rot and are not fit for purpose means you cannot invest in projects that add value or save you even more money. Hardwood decking needs maintenance, and in some extreme conditions will need replacing within 10 years!
Wouldn't it be great to have something that lasts more than double that and requires very low or zero maintenance?

How green is the product you are selecting?


Because of over-forestation, hardwood is not being replenished as quickly as it should be. This means you will see more, cheap, wood alternatives on the market (that are not good at all) or find it increasingly difficult to get the hardwoods preferred for use in marine facilities. Sustainability is a key issue here and has to be addressed.
Composite decking is available, but a lot of composites: (1) Are bound together using polyesters which are oil-based products, and need setting agents that give off noxious gases; (2) Are not very environmentally friendly (polyesters do nothing at all for green credentials); and (3) Use a lot of energy to produce.
Fully recycled industrial plastic pellets, which are a sought after resource in the UK and the rest of Europe, are recycled into decking. This requires zero or very low maintenance, does not need to be replaced as often as hardwood and is easy to install. The energy that goes into producing fully recycled decking boards is less than that for composites.

Are the installation costs for the hardwood alternatives much higher?


Actually - no! For example, tongue and groove boarding means boards can fit together much more easily. The fixing is either with stainless steel screws that are countersunk on the surface or are concealed by fixing through the tongue. This requires fewer man hours for installation. This is why they are cheaper to install than square-edged boards.

Will the alternatives to hardwood look as good?


To be honest, composites may look better than fully recycled industrial when first installed. However, this only lasts for 6 months after installation and then the wood component is attacked by algae. This then requires a lot of cleaning to maintain the appearance of the product.

Recycled plastic will look better than composite decking after 6 months, and looks far better than hardwood decking which suffers the same problems as composites that result from algal attacks.




David Croucher is the Managing Director of Plasti Limited, providers of fully recycled industrial plastic products in the marine, building and civil engineering sectors. Plasti products are manufactured using feedstock from approved sources. They are also extremely safe, have very long lives, are environmentally friendly and require zero or low maintenance. This means they have excellent whole life costs when compared to hardwood and composite alternatives.

David's expertise in the specification and design of marine, building and civil infrastructures is recognised within the marine and construction industry. His technical advice and input into projects is highly valued, which is a result of his great experience as a senior procurement leader in complex, global organisations.

For more information about Plasti Limited, please visit http://www.plasti.co.uk.





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2011年12月18日 星期日

Not All Composite Deck Boards Are Created Equal


Composite deck boards are the latest in permanent outdoor deck construction for the home. At one time considered maintenance-free, these newfangled building materials have been considered environmentally friendly. However, some types of composite decking are anything but permanent, or maintenance free.

For years, the most popular wood used in constructing outdoor decks has been redwood. However, most redwoods in the Western United States are literally hundreds of years old. The constant harvesting of these ancient trees has led to an environmental awakening. The redwood forests of America are being depleted at an alarming rate. Despite desperate attempts at replanting, it will take centuries to replace what has already been lost to the lumber industry. What has attempted to fill this void has been composite decking materials. However, not all composite decks are created equal.

Composite deck boards are made to mimic the look of natural wood. Made mostly of plastic resin, like a fiberglass, they have not stood up to the test of time. The argument for composite decking has always been that wood is high maintenance and subject to eventual decay. However, low quality composite deck boards have shown to be much less durable than wood. These plastic pieces of imitation lumber have been subject to fading, chipping and breaking. Unlike wood, composite material cannot be sanded or painted. Chemical cleaners are often used that contribute to the fading and they may actually contribute to weakening the boards themselves.

There are several forms of composite decking. The best has been found to be virgin vinyl. This type of composite decking does not contain wood pulp, as many vinyl decking products do. Virgin vinyl has been found to retain its resiliency and strength. This form of composite lumber mimics the look of wood better than any other product on the market today.




There are several choices for decking boards that can imitate wood. However, the quality and materials vary greatly. For the consumer, diligent research may be necessary. Especially, since the hope with outdoor composite deck boards is that they last as long as possible.





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