Steps To SUCCESS In Buying The Most Appropriate Decking Material

The steps to successful buying of any decking material can easily be remembered by using the pneumonic - SUCCESS

S - Start with a clear view of what you are buying and why (consider benefits as well as features).

U - Understand what your own customers really want. It may be different to your opinion.

C - Comparative analysis of alternative materials.

C - Centre your buying activity on customer needs.

E - Educate yourself regarding alternatives.

S - Sincerity is the key to lasting customer relationships; do not try to sell your own prejudices.

S - Start from the beginning each time you buy, whilst remembering to build on previous relationships where value has been obtained.

During the mobilisation phase of any large project it is usual for the project procurement manager to issue procurement procedures specifically for the project well in advance of the first commitment being made. These procedures determine how the vendors will be selected and how awards will be made.

It is usual to state that the cheapest material that is technically acceptable will be procured. This stark requirement process is however in danger of ignoring any special requirements that your customers may have, and it is vital that these requirements should be fully established at an early stage so that SUCCESS can be achieved.

What are the minimum requirements that should be met when selecting decking material?

The following are minimum requirements that the decking material under consideration should meet, in no particular order of priority:

It should be safe for pedestrian traffic
It should be weather resistant and rot free
It should provide value for money and offer good whole life costs
It should be structurally sound and durable
It should be (environmentally friendly), sustainable in production, use and eventual disposal

There are of course a number of other desirable qualities that the decking should possess such as being splinter free, stain resistant and algae resistant (nonporous) but for the purpose of evaluation these other qualities can each be assigned to one of the main categories set out above

How do you ensure client requirements are met?

It is the first duty of the procurement manager to ensure that the client's requirements are met, and within budget. A happy client will be likely to return again and again with repeat business and importantly is likely to recommend the contractors work to other potential clients - thus becoming a salesman for the organisation.

There are four main groups of decking material from which the modern procurement manager can make his selection:

(1) hardwood from, ideally, a sustainable source;

(2) recycled plastic decking;

(3) glass reinforced plastic; and

(4) decking manufactured using wood flour and polyester (composite decking).

Each group has different benefits and disadvantages that can make a balanced evaluation difficult. There are however a number of aids that assist the procurement manager in his duty and these include, published data, technical papers, published test results and articles in trade papers.

Set out below is a comparison between recycled plastic decking and composite decking.

Recycled Plastic Decking

This is typically made from high quality recycled plastic residue mainly from the nutrition and packaging industry. The various constituent plastics are ground, mixed and fused at high temperature and pressed into moulds.

Properties (relevant material characteristics):

Maintenance free - no algal growth
Potential life of 50/70 years
100% recycled input material
Polymeric material is recyclable after use
Does not exude toxic substances
Thermal expansion 0.1mm/m/oC
Fire resistance Class B2 DIN 4102
European manufacture

Composite Material Decking

Composite decking boards can be formed from a mixture of wood flour and ground recycled plastic mixed together with virgin polymer resins and curing agents before being extruded to the required section. If polyester resins are used durability can be compromised.

Properties (relevant material characteristics):

Algal growth can feed on surface wood flour
Life 25 years (10 in extreme conditions)
Resin supplies have high oil demand
Polymer composites discarded after use
Resins & curing agents emit greenhouse gas
Some thermal expansion
Fire resistance Class 3 BS476 Part 7
Often Far East manufacture

What does the information above tell us?

When you compare the properties for recycled plastic and composite decking, it is clear that recycled plastic decking gives better value for money as it requires little or zero maintenance, lasts longer and is actually better for the environment.

When aiming for SUCCESS, more thought has to be given to alternatives to traditional hardwood or composite decking as the impact on maintenance schedules, safety and replacement timetables is huge. Recycled plastic decking is now readily available, and offers better value for money while maintaining a low negative impact on the environment compared to alternatives.

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.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.

Buying a Composite Deck - What to Look For

Busy homeowners who don't have time for extensive deck maintenance are increasingly turning to composite decking, a low maintenance and highly durable alternative to cedar. In just the past couple of decades, the composite deck market has grown significantly, with $1 billion spent annually, and by next year it is expected to account for nearly a third of the deck marketplace.

Made from wood fibers encased in plastic, composite decking has more durability and protection from the elements than cedar. But not all composite decks are equal in quality. To ensure you get the best deck for your money, here's a look at how composite deck brands can differ:

Recycled materials. Manufacturers can make composite decking eco-friendly by using recycled wood and plastic, but not all companies take advantage of this benefit. Composite decking materials can vary from 100 percent recycled content to 100percent virgin materials. WestStar composite decking, made specifically for the Pacific Northwest, comes from 100 percent recycled materials.

Wood-to-plastic ratio. The proportion of wood to plastic can also vary. Many manufacturers use an equal blend of wood and plastic, while other brands contain up to 70 percent wood. A higher wood level means the final product will be more vulnerable to mold and rot.

Plastic type. Composite decks made from recycled materials should contain High Density PolyEthylene (HDPE) plastics, which come from hefty materials such as milk jugs, detergent containers and soda bottles. These plastics don't disintegrate as easily as weaker plastics, resulting in a longer-lasting deck.

Questions to Ask Your Composite Decking Contractor

Whether you're having a deck installed for you or building it yourself, you should ask the following questions before purchasing composite decking materials:

What type of warranty does it have?

Composite deck warranties can range from a 10- to 20-year guarantee on materials to a lifetime warranty. Find out what problems are covered under the warranty, such as termite damage, checking and splintering. You should also ask what types of actions, such as painting, can void your warranty.

How will the deck boards be fastened?

Contractors typically use nails or screws to fasten deck boards to the framework. This can expose nearby wood fibers to moisture damage and cause cracks or splitting. For an additional fee, some contractors can eliminate such damage by using hidden deck clips to fasten the boards to the frame.

Does the decking material have non-skid protection?

Composite decks can become slippery from water or mildew. For extra safety, look for a brand with a non-skid finish.

What degree of fading should I expect?

Most composite decks will fade somewhat when exposed to sunlight, due to lignin in the wood material. To combat this, some manufacturers add UV protection.

How can I get the most life out of my deck?

Because composite decking can vary, it never hurts to ask your contractor for specific maintenance tips based on the brand of deck you're buying.

~Nicole Krueger, 2010

Read more about the benefits of composite decking for Northwest homeowners on the Composite Decks Northwest website.

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.