Do you know that recycled plastics when mixed up with wood threads are a good use for decking a modern house? You might wonder but this deserves your best attention when you are considering a modern and eco-friendly decking option. With limited knowledge in decking materials, it is possible to feel overwhelmed with endless choices. You want a smart and cost-effective material, so the composite decking fits right to your needs. For this reason, this blog will guide you through an overview of composite decking, its cons, and pros, to let you decide on installing composite decking by the Greenhill Timbers team for your home.
Composite Decking: Overview
Traditionally, composite decking which was in existence 17-18 years ago used to have only wood and recycled plastic as core materials. Manufacturers used to produce deck boards with high quality machines and engrave them with grain patterns.
However, the traditional composite decks had exposed wood fibres, which means that they could not resist mould, stains, or can fade easily.
As a solution for long-term decking, manufacturers today create wood-recycled plastic decks, layering it with high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic. This is known as capped composite decking and provides much better protection against mould, stain, and colour fades than the traditional composites.
It is best to order capped composite decking by the Greenhill Timbers for wide availability of different brands.
Cons
Let’s begin with understanding the cons of composite decking to set right expectations and make a balanced decision.
- Higher Upfront Costs:
Composite decking is pretty expensive, almost 5 times more costly than traditional timber. That is because factory owners source recycled plastic and wood fibres from less available and sustainably managed forests which increases the production costs.
Alongside, shaping the panels and meeting quality control requires modern machinery that further adds to the final cost. In terms of the eco-friendly aspect too, this decking fits right and demands higher prices. Not to forget, you also need to buy fasteners separately that go along with composite decking, further making the decking expensive than traditional timber.
However, the high-end costs are fair for getting durability, aesthetics, and eco-friendly outdoor decking together in a pack. It is good to order composite decking by Greenhill Timbers for affordable and costly options.
- Gets Hot in Direct Sunlight:
One of the major challenges of having composite decking in your home is the material’s inability to protect against direct sunlight. It can get really hot when you walk on the composite decking barefoot.
So, if your house attracts direct sunlight regularly, it is best to have decking carpet to be able to walk on the area. Rest, minor UV rays or scattering sunlight do not bother the decking material and you can stroll over safely and conveniently.
- Minimal Water Absorption:
Composite decking is built for durable use. But capped composite decking absorbs very little water which is both a con and a benefit. In terms of downside, capped systems make the area slippery and leave no space for the water to drain, especially with poor drainage slopes.
However, since the water does not absorb in the panels, you will find no moisture and its negative impact on the decking. Composite decking by the Greenhill Timbers offers a best-in-class installation process, so that water drains away quickly.
- Need Precision Cuts During Installation:
Lastly, installing composite decking is a frustrating experience in itself because it requires multiple measurements to cut and install the decking precisely.
Pros
Now let’s move on to the positive effects of composite decking to make your decision simple.
- Super Durable:
You will find no cracking, bending, or discolouration after decades of installation. Conveniently, brands offering capped decking even offer warranties on its durability which is a big selling point.
- No Maintenance Costs:
The best thing about composite decking is that they are super durable which requires no repair or replacement. While you spend heavy money on buying composite decking by Greenhill Timbers, you are saving on maintaining them regularly.
- Looks Eye-Catching with Multiple Colour Options:
As beautiful as the capped composite decking looks with hidden fasteners, it provides multiple colour options, which is quite a rare quality in decking.
- Easy to Install:
Capped composite decking is easy to install when you are handy with precise measurements and cuts. But for best installation techniques, it is always safe to pick a reliable supplier who can install capped composite systems.
Final Words
We hope you found this blog useful. Coming to an end, composite decking is sustainable, cost-effective, and super durable material for homes that want a permanent solution to decking.
You can trust a reliable supplier who can come to your place and install them. Composite decking by Greenhill Timbers takes responsibility for offering high-quality products from brands that feature capped composites for best results.
