The Problems With Composite Decking

Do Composite Decks Get Hot?

Wooden decking needs to be maintained properly otherwise it looks terrible pretty quickly and can also get very slippery. Composite decking is a wood alternative that can provide a longer lifespan and lower maintenance needs when compared to the traditional design. Manufacturers can simulate the look of exotic hardwoods to give homeowners options that they normally wouldn’t have the ability to afford when building a deck. We have a very large, high 2-story deck in a lake/woods/harsh sun situation and the PT is rotting and warpling like crazy. I like Ipe, but it's a rainforest product, which is troubling. I have seen the Timber Tech product on several decks and it looks great. When we were designing our house, we had a exposed aggregate front porch and a trex deck in back.

Last fall I had a new deck built with real wood decking. The wood is horrible, it is splitting, it splinters and we just hate it. There are a total of 7 series currently available from MoistureShield ranging from the premium MoistureShield Vision to the more affordable Essentials collection. My preference, though some people object to the incisions, is incised copper treated ground-contact rated hem-fir or similar western quality wood - NOT pine unless lodgepole. Can be retreated for longer life in green or brown, and stained to darker green or browns or blackish. Mine is 0.30 CCA hem-fir about 28 years old, was surface retreated at about 10 years in, and just now fading and needing retreatment, with harsh winters and wet summer environment. If his deck is on pressure treated wood joists it can be even worse as this wood is prone to being of different sizes and warping.

The Pros & Cons Of Different Types Of Decking

Install Composite Decking From Newtechwood

Composite decking is long-lasting and can increase resale value. There are several different composite products on the market. Essentially, the main difference between a composite deck and a standard deck is the lumber being used. Composite materials are resistant to fading and warping, so you won’t need to put effort into keeping decking and fencing looking good. To keep the timber looking polished and neat, there’s a lot of maintenance required. Painting and staining the wood yearly can add to the upkeep and labour costs making timber fencing costly in the long run. You’ll also be required to pressure wash and reseal the wood every year or two.

The warping is in the wood as yellow pine is more prone to this even though it is a great framing material due to the strength. So glad we went with it instead of bothering with composite. Wahoo Decks has great products and have always been a pleasure to work with.

Which Type Of Composite Decking Should I Pick?

It seems to come on strong and takes constant effort to keep the decking clear of it, especially for a self-proclaimed “no maintenance” product. There are a multitude of problems with composite decking that show up all too often to be just a stray issue for a hard to please homeowner. The accounts of issues are repeated with a frightening regularity and sameness throughout the threads of complaints.

Before beginning your composite wood decking project, it may help to review your area’s guidelines so you don’t have to remove your new deck if it’s not up to code. Standing water can produce mold around the boards, so you’ll have to remove any moisture from them after a heavy rainstorm. You can regularly maintain your composite wood deck by powerwashing it and scrubbing out stains with warm, soapy water. It also helps to remove dirt, leaves and other debris with a broom at least once a week. Along with the benefits, it also helps to consider the drawbacks of a composite wood deck to make an informed decision. These disadvantages depend on the quality of the installation and local regulations for establishing decking on your property. Teak, walnut, light gray and antique composite wood deck panels are available with thin channel grooves to provide a streamlined appearance.

You can also design your outdoor living space with various accessories, such as benches, railings and planters. High-quality composite wood panels connect to the house or fascia with decking clips for convenient, stress-free installation. Deck fasteners and finishers complete the installation process by providing a smooth protective edge for the planks. Composite panels are an alternative to solid wood and pressure-treated lumber. Manufacturers add pigments to the mix during production to create a wide variety of natural tones for your choosing.

They have a nice wood grain texture but not as pronounced but still nice. It’s a good board, I’d place it up there in like the top 3 you can buy. If I was installing decking, then composite boards would probably be the first thing I'd consider.

• You’ll want to make sure your contractor is not cutting corners on this step by using natural wood with a water-resistant stain.
• If you start building a deck from composite materials, then you’ll still need to use pressure-treated wood to maximize the lifespan of the construction.
• If you don’t use pressure-treated lumber, then the lifespan of the deck is going to be less because the wood will rot out from underneath the boards on top of it eventually.
• Composite decking is not useful as a structural product.
• The overall cost of your deck depends on the size of the area you’d like to cover.
• It also helps to consider the resale value of a deck vs. patio and the benefits your new platform will provide for your living space.

This is with minimal fading and very minimal maintenance. While pressure-treated costs less in the short-term, you’ll pay more in maintenance. Plus, who wants to spend their weekends doing chores when you could be relaxing instead?

Some types of composite decking and fencing are wind and UV resistant. The final reason to add composite decking to your home is that it will significantly increase the value of your property.