First introduced in the early 1990s and continuing to grow more and more in popularity, composite decking has become the new go-to for a simple, no-fuss decking option. Furthermore, it’s also become a top favourite for builders. Manufactured from a combination of recycled plastics and hardwood waste, many composites are made from unused items such as sawdust, used plastic milk bottles and shopping bags – all materials that would have just ended up in a landfill. Not only do composite decks combine the traditional appearance of timber with the durability of an engineered composite, we believe it’s such a diverse product and here are just five reasons why:
1. Low Maintenance
Composite decking, as well as straight PVC decking, is designed to stand up to the elements, allowing it to maintain its beauty for years to come. You never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting. Just an occasional soap-and-water cleaning is all that’s needed to maintain the deck’s stability and beauty for decades. Furthermore, because it’s resistant to weathering, warping, and wood-burrowing insects, you won’t find it necessary to replace rotting, uneven, or damaged boards.
2. Safety
Unlike many traditional wood decks, composite decks are splinter-free and slip-resistant, making your home that much safer for your entire family and even your pets. Due to its innovative fittings, no nails or screws are needed to go through the deck making it completely barefoot-friendly. Finally, because of how well the material holds up against the elements, the risk of deck collapse is greatly reduced when the deck is installed by a Frontier professional who knows the capacity limits of the deck.
3. Durability
Traditional wood decks can be beautiful, but unfortunately they don’t stay that way for very long. Wet springs, blistering summers and frigid winters quickly take their toll, leaving some wood decks faded, splintered, and warped. Composite and PVC decking on the other hand, are made from a process that results in consistent, low-maintenance decking performance. Because of its UV-stability, it wont crack or disintegrate due to sun exposure. Most composite decking brands even come with warranties that may cover the rare instance when extreme weather does manage to damage the composite material.
4. Aesthetics
Featuring high-definition wood grain patterns and rich, saturated colours, composite decking looks and feels more natural than ever before. Colour options range from deep earth tones to spicy reds and pristine greys, including tropically-inspired boards that feature the distinct streaked look of exotic hardwoods. In addition to the range of decking looks available, homeowners can also find a wide selection of composite accessories, such as railings, stairs, gates, pergolas and furniture, to create a truly customized outdoor space.
5. Value
Many homeowners are surprised to hear that pressure-treated decking can be more expensive than composite decks in the long run. Although the initial cost of pressure-treated wood is less in most cases, when you add in the cost of ongoing maintenance on a wood deck, including cleaning and sealing every few years, a wood-plastic composite deck can pay for itself in as little as five years! More importantly, with damages less likely to occur with composite decking, you will be saving yourself even more money in the long run.
In the end, choosing whether to go with a composite deck or a different style of deck is a personal choice and one that is best made after talking to a licensed professional from Frontier. If you’re considering replacing or adding on a deck to your home or cottage within the Brant and Norfolk area, contact us today to receive a FREE quote. Don’t forget to visit our Decks page to learn more about the variety of styles we offer to best suit your needs.
