Home Improvement Costs

Rubber Decking Material

This is the same thing that can happen to a composite deck if it is not kept clean. Since we are dealing with products that are exposed to the outside elements on a daily basis, composite needs to be checked for any debris or dirt on a regular basis too. Composite is made from recycled wood fibers and plastic, making it a very environmentally friendly choice when it comes to decking materials. It is lightweight and imitates the look of real wood decking. Some composite decks come with planks that have concealed screws, giving it a more smooth and natural look. Unfortunately, the composite deck boards themselves are somewhat sensitive to being scratched from daily use and to fading in direct sunlight.

Composites came onto the scene in the late 1980’s and early 1990’s. Even though composites don’t require staining or painting, they do need to be kept clean in order to keep them looking and functioning their best. A good comparison of what can happen to a wood composite deck is to look at what an ignored leaf can do to a concrete driveway if it is not removed promptly.

Blocking Keeps Decks Flat And Square

Their composite decking offers scratch, stain and fade resistance that carries a 25-year warranty. TimberTech, like many of the leading composite manufacturers, has mastered the art of composites with wood graining and details that closely resemble the look of real wood. In the case of this high- quality composites it is like real wood, but even better. Had a pressure treated wood deck for many years at my previous home.

Since composite decking looks similar to traditional lumber, the wood vs. composite decking comparison comes up fairly often. However, that similarity is just on the surface as composite decking boasts a ton of artificial decking material advantages that make it easier to own. For example, composite decking doesn’t splinter, and it NEVER needs re-painted or re-stained to prevent mold and rot. These maintenance-free advantages make this a popular deck material option. Composites and PVC typically cost more than wood decking does since they are higher-performance products. Most composite and plastic decking materials contain some portion of old materials.

The maintenance consists of simply using soap and water which saves additional time and money. Most importantly, it lasts the longest without needing replacement. Composite decking is also very beautiful, but comes without the hassle of wood maintenance. Some composite materials mimic wood grain and others are monochromatic or multi-chromatic. Composite decking can also be hyper-realistic to resemble a tropical hardwood without the labor-intensive upkeep. Maintenance demands of wood decking are not required with composite decking. Composite decking is made from recycled materials , and most are now encapsulated with an outer layer.

Wood Decks

• You'll have to spend extra cash to maintain cedar decking.
• Moisture and sunlight are the two primary enemies of this decking material.
• Without proper maintenance, over time these two elements can take their toll on cedar.
• While cedar decking is very beautiful, it is also very hard to maintain.

The Real Cost Of Buying Your First Home

Ultimately, different materials are appropriate for different circumstances. Composite decking material uses a combination of plastic and wood fibers. The newer technologies come in a multitude of colors, grain patterns and thicknesses. When comparing artificial decking materials, PVC comes out on top as the deck boards that are less susceptible to the scratches that damage composite boards.

Ease of Installation Composite decking are quite easy to install as they do not require significant expertise. Same as composite decking, though wood decking requires the use of hidden fasteners.

While cedar decking is very beautiful, it is also very hard to maintain. Moisture and sunlight are the two primary enemies of this decking material. Without proper maintenance, over time these two elements can take their toll on cedar. You'll have to spend extra cash to maintain cedar decking. Maintenance is probably the single biggest benefit of a vinyl deck.

Thousands of tons of wood and plastics are diverted from landfills and incinerators each year in the composite deck manufacturing process. Pressure-treated wood has been the most common decking material used in the past, but the process of making the wood “pressure- treated” is of great concern. To make the material suitable for outdoor flooring use and resistant to bug infestation, pressure-treated wood is injected with chemicals. Wood treated with chemicals cannot be burned or recycled. Natural wood is your best bet when you want to save on costs, you don't want anything complicated, and you wish to install the decking yourself. Standard wood decking is sold at local lumberyards and home improvement centers, while exotic woods must be ordered through specialty lumber dealers.

Composite Vs Pvc

PVC and composite materials have made great strides into the decking industry during the past decade. All three of these can be the best decking material for anyone based on their needs, their budget, and their sense of style. However, we tend to recommend PVC decking as our preferred material choice. Plus, vinyl decks will give you a WHOLE lifetime of lazy Sunday afternoons and backyard barbecues — the lifespan of vinyl decks also offsets the up-front cost. Quite possibly the best decking material on the market, vinyl boasts all of the maintenance-free advantages of composite with a distinct luxury look and feel. Vinyl decking comes in a variety of color shades, including a beautiful wood-grain pattern for rustic designs.