Composite decking has quickly become the most popular timber deck option on the market. What is composite decking? Why is it so popular?
What is Composite Decking made from?
Composite decking can be described as a man-made product that is made from a mixture of plastics, wood fibres, and a few bonding agents. The mixture is heated and then cut into boards. These boards are much more maintenance-friendly than traditional wood decking, and look better than plastic alternatives.
What are the benefits of composite decking?
Composite decking Melbourne has one major advantage over traditional wood: It requires far less maintenance.
The boards are made of plastic, which makes them more durable and less prone to dampness, rot and insects. They don’t need to be sealed, stained, or painted. Additionally, they will not warp or crack even when exposed to direct sunlight. Composite decking boards are stain and fade-resistant and splinter-free with an extra plastic cap.
They are extremely slip-resistant and have low water absorption, so they can be used in areas with pools or wet areas. Composite decking is more durable than its wooden cousins and comes with a 15-25-year guarantee. However, we expect them to last longer.
Composite decking is more expensive initially, but they look great year after year and require very little maintenance. Composite decking requires less maintenance than traditional wood decking, so you can spend more time in your garden and less time maintaining it.
Different types of composite decking
Capped vs Uncapped
There are currently two types available on the market: capped and uncapped composite decking.
Uncapped boards are generally cheaper. There are two types of uncapped boards: Explorer and Pioneer. The Explorer boards have an embossed texture. They are resistant and durable, but they don’t offer the same protection from staining or colour fading. The boards will fade slightly in the first few months due to residual tannins (wood oil) that have been exposed to the elements.
The exterior coating on capped composite boards such as the Frontier range is made of a plastic material that makes them highly resistant to fading and staining. The boards can be easily cleaned and will retain their colour if exposed to the elements.
Hollow vs. Solid
There are two types of composite boards: hollow and solid. Hollow boards have hollow chambers that run along the length of the plank. Solid boards are stronger and heavier.
Composite decking installation
Composite decking is installed in the same way as traditional wood decking. However, many boards, including ours, have grooves on the sides of the decking that allow hidden fasteners to be placed between boards during installation. Composite decking is much faster than traditional timber decking and there are no visible screws.
