Have you been dreaming of lounging on a beautiful deck in warm summer months but don’t want the maintenance that comes with wood? A composite floor deck may be the choice you are looking for!
This alternative decking material came onto the scene in the 1990s and quickly became a popular option for decking.
Are you wondering if composite decking is the right material for your new deck? Read on to learn about the positives and negatives of this type of deck!
What Is a Composite Floor Deck?
All a composite decking means is that it was made of more than one material. There are several different types of composite decking on the market today using different combinations of materials.
One common composite choice is a wood-plastic composite that mixes wood dust and plastic. Concrete counts as a composite because it is a combination of sand and cement. Another familiar type of composite material is alloy, which consists of a combination of different metals.
Another similarity with composite materials is in the way that they are formed. All composite material has to go through a heating process to get to the final product.
Benefits of Composite Decking
There are some big benefits to using composite decking as your deck material of choice. Because a composite floor deck is made of more than just wood, it results in a stronger and longer-lasting deck. This is because with composite you can take the best of both materials and mix them together to make one new substance.
Composite decking is also much more lightweight than traditional wood decking. One example of strong but light composite decking is from Bushwick Metals, which can be found at https://www.bushwickmetals.com/product-category/decking/.
Composite decking is also great for the environment! Many types of composite use things that are typically thrown away like recycled plastic or sawdust, which helps reduce waste.
Another asset of a composite floor deck is that they are easy to maintain. These types of decks keep their color and don’t fade and need to be re-stained year after year. They also last for years without any rotting, splinters, or bug damage.
Although you can usually tell the difference between wood and composite decks, composite choices have come a long way in their appearance and now come in an array of color choices to fit many looks.
Challenges of Composite Decking
If you are considering using composite materials to create a deck, there are a few things to consider. Although it lasts longer, the upfront cost of composite decks is higher than that of wooden decks.
Scuff marks can sometimes be a challenge with composite decks. Dark colored composite decks can also get really hot on summer days when the sun is shining.
Is a Composite Floor Deck Right for You?
As you can see, composite floor decking has many advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for a sustainable, long-lasting, deck with simple upkeep, a composite material may be the right choice for you.
If you choose a composite floor deck, you’ll be making memories for years to come!