Is Composite Deck Worth It

It Requires More Maintenance Than A Patio

Don’t be fooled by the contractors on here saying it’s not what it used to be. New names every year and ground breaking technology every year. Inside is wood fillers and recycled milk jugs, garbage bags etc. outside is a cheap “vinyl” capstock. These are the only products most contractors can get so of course they’re going to say they’re good.

If you do PT wood or even composite decking, I think one thing people neglect is that the underside is not properly done. For instance if its deck over another deck, is it properly waterproofed ? Are stringers being used that give it adequate ventilation, etc.

It is important to choose composite lumber decking based on your budget, site and code requirements, fastener choice, and style and colour preferences. Although the price of quality composite decking will be higher than pressure-treated wood, they last longer and offer a greater appeal to home buyers when selling your home in the future. There are some very poor reviews of composite decking on the Internet. We were intending to put up a 400 square foot composite deck, but now we're a little concerned. You can find our decking materials and tiles at most major home improvement stores.

Timber Decking & Fencing: The Drawbacks

• There are different composite products on the market and the availability of these products may vary depending on your location.
• Composite decks have become popular over the past years as the price range of decking boards continue to rise over time.
• This article looks at whether a composite deck is worth the money and how to choose the best composite decking material.
• Most composite decks are manufactured from the by-products of wood such as wood chips, sawdust, and recycled plastic materials.
• This unique combination makes composite decks expensive than other types of decking material.
• Although several features determine an ideal deck design, the overall style of a deck is dictated by the actual deck materials.

However, keep in mind that you still need to maintain them to extend your deck’s lifespan. Composite wood decking materials come in many colors to complement your design style. At NewTechWood, we can make your materials any custom color you send us, including our natural wood tones. Consider matching the exterior siding of your house or the colors of the landscaping throughout your property. Dekorators is a fairly new company in the composite decking world, but they caught our attention with their solid lineup of PVC and composite deck boards.

Which Type Of Composite Decking Should I Pick?

The average size of a deck is 400 square feet which means a 20’ by 20’ deck built with high-quality composite material could be priced around $5,600. This same deck built with pressure-treated pine lumber may go for around $3,000. However, the cost difference can be erased after 2-3 years of routine maintenance. MoistureShield carries a nice mix of capped and uncapped composite decking. Everybody knows color fades in the sun, but composite decking companies seem to be oblivious to what their products are really capable of. Some composite decking has faded so quickly in just a couple of seasons that replacements boards stand out like a sore thumb. Just like the mold, this issue is unpredictable and hard to understand which decking will have problems and which will not.

Reasons Why To Install A Composite Deck

A concrete patio can last several decades, but a composite wood deck has the potential to last just as long. It’s essential to take care of your decking according to its usage and your home’s local weather conditions to preserve its quality. Synthetic wood can last much longer than natural wood because of its resistance to rotting and warping. However, if you don’t maintain your composite deck by getting rid of standing water and cleaning the debris off of the panels, it may not last as long as a concrete or brick paver patio can.

First and foremost, the most popular reason why homeowners choose to install composite decking in their outdoor living space is due to its unbelievable low-maintenance qualities. Unlike standard wood decking, composite decking never requires painting, staining or sealing. Saving you countless hours as well as hundreds of pounds on equipment.

I returned all the uncut boards to the lumber yard for credit. There are serious inherent design problems with the composite decking product. I am in the process of switching over to aluminum boards which are more expensive. As my father used to say, quality remains long after the price is forgotten. If you’ve founds some winners here then share them with us.