As summer reaches an end and fall is in full swing, you’ll likely want to spend more time outdoors. And what better way to achieve this than with a beautiful, functional outdoor deck for entertaining family and friends. There are many different types of materials to choose from for a deck. These include wood, concrete, and the increasingly popular composite decking. We’re here to explore the pros and cons of composite decking, to unveil why more homeowners are leaning towards this choice.
If you aren’t sure what composite decking is, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered it without realizing it. Composite decking is a mixture between wood fibers, plastic, and a binding agent. It looks like a hard plastic wood, but provides excellent durability. There are many benefits to choosing composite decking.
Composite decking is known for its durability, low maintenance, and many other great qualities. Let’s take a closer look at these advantages.
The durability of composite decking is one of the greatest advantages of this material. Composite decking consists of wood fibers, plastic, and binding agents to create an incredibly durable material. It can bear heavy weight and high traffic without a compromise in structural integrity. The initial attraction to composite decking often lies in this feature.
Maintenance for composite decking is relatively easy, making this type of material a great option for homeowners. Since composite decking is composed of plastic fibers, it won’t rot over time like wood. You won’t have to worry about restaining or painting the deck either. It also doesn’t crack or require sealing like a concrete patio would. Composite decking only requires an occasional pressure wash to keep it looking pristine and like-new. The low maintenance requirements for composite decking is a very desirable quality, especially for homeowners with busy lives.
Composite decking can be manufactured in many different colors. This is a wonderful opportunity to create a cohesive outdoor space that matches the rest of your home. From blues and grays, to shades of brown or black, the color options for composite decking are truly endless. Once you have a composite deck installed, the color will always remain the same- no painting or staining needed.
Since composite decking is made of a durable plastic material, you will not have to worry about splinters. This is especially great for families or if you own animals. Being able to walk barefoot on the composite deck is a huge benefit when compared to wood.
Composite decking is environmentally friendly due to the recycled plastic materials that are used to create the product. They are also durable and built to last, meaning you won’t have to replace it for many years. This also contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.
When it comes to composite decking, there are not many disadvantages. But with durability comes a price and nothing beats the real authentic look of wood. Let’s look closer at the cons of composite decking.
Since composite decks are incredibly durable and built to last, they come with a heftier price tag. But don’t worry- the price difference between a composite deck and a wood deck is not huge. And when you add in the maintenance costs of wood or concrete and their shorter lifespan, composite decks more than pay for themselves over time.
Most composite decks are manufactured to look like wood. But no matter how good the finished product looks, it still won’t look exactly like wood. Luckily, technology is advancing and the techniques are improving. Modern composite decks look much closer to real wood than older composite decks do.
Not only are composite decks becoming more and more popular with homeowners, they are quite literally here to stay. The durability and longevity of composite decking makes this material one of the most sought after decking materials. With many colors to choose from, composite decking will turn your backyard into a beautiful oasis.
ProCon Exteriors is a local home exterior contractor in Kidron, Ohio, who are experts in the trade and can help you determine what the best option is for your home and budget. We can install composite decks and lay the foundation for a great outdoor space.
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