Patios offer a place to relax and enjoy the warmth of spring, summer, fall, and possibly winter. While there may be several characteristics in your ideal deck design, the final look will depend on the deck’s materials. High-end items like composite decking provide a beautiful, low-maintenance finish without engaging in a deck repair near you. Before deciding on your perfect outdoor living space, weigh the advantages and disadvantages of composite decking near you. Since there are so many products on the market, your research will be challenging.
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What is a composite material?
There are many different composite products available. Sawdust, wood chips, and other wood byproducts, along with recycled plastics, are used to make the majority of composite products. Combining synthetic and organic materials achieves the best product and yields a long-lasting product with a wood-like appearance and feel. They can be used in Electrical equipment, aerospace structures, infrastructure, pipes and tanks.
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Pros of composite decking
Some of the pros of composite decking are mentioned below:
Longevity
Longevity is the main advantage of composite materials. For decades, composite deck materials can resist the worst weather conditions without further treatment or protection. Composite decks have a lifespan of at least 25 to 30 years, and most manufacturers have warranties to match.
Durability
There is no need to paint, treat, or stain composite decks. Standard pressure-treated wood decks need to be maintained annually or every two years. Regular wood dries out over time and eventually weathers, fade, cracks, and splits. From the first year on, composite products retain their look and show consistency. All composite materials are strong because they are weather-resistant, thermally stable, and rust-proof.
Colour
Products for composite decks are available in a variety of hues and textures. By blending various composite coloured boards in one deck project, you may produce a multicoloured outdoor living area. Your contractors, like duradek in Calgary or any local ones near you, can have some fantastic suggestions for incorporating patterns into the design of your deck.
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Functionality
A picket railing, which resembles wood railings in appearance, is available on the majority of composite product lines. This is a fantastic attribute, given composite wood products’ longevity, durability, and toughness. Many manufacturers offer an additional tempered glass system. With composite products, you may build sophisticated stairs and landings and railings. To keep your deck safe for youngsters and the elderly, most manufacturers offer trim boards to cover all of the sharp edges.
Cons of composite decking
Some of the cons of composite decking are mentioned below:
Price
The main drawback of composite materials is their price. Between 50% and 100% more money is spent on composite materials than on regular treated lumber. This figure may change based on where you are. Because they are cheaper, people frequently choose lumber alternatives.
Does not increase the value of the property
Decking increases the value of your property irrespective of the material it is made of. Even if the deck is made of treated lumber, it will have the exact cost as composite, although it costs you 50 to 100% more than lumber.
Permanent colour
To avoid or minimize maintenance, composite decking near you is permanently pigmented, and the hue, tint, and shade cannot be altered. On the other hand, standard wood decks can be renewed, repainted, or re-stained. Mild outdoor cleaners can clear away debris and revive and retain the colour that was initially made.
Fading and damaging
Over time, darker composite deck colours could deteriorate. UV radiation, weathering, and heavy foot traffic contribute to this inevitable process. Other negatives include evident surface deterioration. Deep grooves and severe scratches are frequent problems with composite decking materials, and deck repair near you will be challenging. Replacing damaged boards will result in an uneven surface, tone, and colour throughout the patio, so keep that in mind.
Conclusion
Composite decking near you has numerous benefits and drawbacks, including maintenance requirements, cost, aesthetics, durability, and accessibility. If you’re considering tearing up your wood deck but are tight on cash, treated lumber or cedar might be your best bet. But if you have heavy cash, you can try the composite decking. Before deciding, do your homework on each composite manufacturer, such as duradek in Calgary or any local one near you.
